For One of the most practical pick-ups, the Volkswagen Amarok has a large loadbay as well as a strong engine and good ability off-road.
Against A regular 4x4 will be better to drive, as well as more refined.
The Volkswagen Amarok won’t be enough to tempt people away from a conventional 4x4 or crossover, but it does compare well to rival pick-ups.
Volkswagen has a long history in commercial vehicles, but selling a pick-up is something of a novelty – and a bold move, as the VW Amarok will be up against the likes of the Toyota Hilux.
To start with, it comes only as a four-door double cab, but a single cab will follow, exclusively with rear-wheel drive. Other models have a choice of two- or (selectable or permanent) four-wheel drive.
Just two engines are available, both 2.0-litre turbodiesels. We’ve driven only the more powerful one, which gives good flexibility and decent performance, and averages more than 36mpg.
. The basic model will be just that – a workhorse aimed at business users – while the dearest will be a lavishly equipped ‘lifestyle’ model. Naturally, there will also be a wide range of options and accessories to choose from.