It's time for a change...
Does the arrival of Amarok mean it is time to 'invent' a new vehicle category: the sports utility vehicle with an open loadbed? Okay, so it still has a ladder-frame chassis (rather than in integral monocoque chassis like a car), leaf-spring rear suspension and drum brakes like nearly every other four-door pick-up but it has certainly raised the bar when it comes to safety levels, engine technology and the driving experience. In fact, if you or your significant other was going to make the transition from a conventional sedan or hatchback, there is no easier way of doing it than with an Amarok.
Volkswagen claim that it is also the world’s most fuel efficient 1-ton bakkie and with an overall 7.9 l/100km fuel consumption it is hard to argue. It also comes in with a 209 gram per kilometre CO2 rating – a number which becomes significant after March 1 2011 when the emission tax is applied to light commercial vehicles.
The first secret to the Amarok's success is ultimately a 2,0-litre Bi-turbo diesel engine (at least in the flagship double cab models which will spearhead the VW assault on the bakkie market from late-October). With 120 kW and 400 Nm - the latter figure at 1 500 revs/min - it isn't the most powerful in the segment but it is very responsive and very refined - two qualities not always associated with the genre. Its companion is a six-speed manual gearbox and of course it has low-range gearing, which - like more modern rivals - is engaged via a push-button system rather than a secondary level. Called 4Motion, the shift from two-high to four-high and back again can be executed on the move.
The other area where the Amarok is hugely impressive is the level of safety equipment. All models will be fitted with a stability system, but the models we drove on the launch also had anti-lock braking specially configured for off-road use. At the press of the button the sensitivity of the system changed, allowing a degree of wheel locking (to build up a wedge of sand and off-road debris ahead of the tyre) thereby improving stopping performance. It certainly works, and the Amarok’s stopping performance is brilliant. The same button also recalibrates a number of other systems to take the unique challenges of the off-road environment into consideration.
The thing is, despite its size (and it is no smaller or more manoeuvrable than the likes of Hilux and Navara) it feels more car-like to drive. It seems to handle poor road surfaces with considerable decorum, and is easier to keep on the straight and narrow. Passengers will sense it is more stable too.
While it is limited by the rear leaf springs favoured for their load-carrying ability, the German approach differs in that the leaves are positioned alongside the chassis rails, rather than directly under them. This has the effect of lowering the body but without affecting ground clearance (though it should theoretically affect approach and departure angles). This all contributes to a lower centre of gravity than other bakkies and makes it more reassuring to drive. A secondary benefit is that it lower the tailgate height and opening it reveals a 'bak' which is biggest in class.
The build-up to the Amarok introduction has been a long and intensive one and Volkswagen has certainly milked every opportunity. The sense of anticipation is now almost palpable, with healthy order books at dealers. There is no question that if I was buying a double cab for my wife - who likes the idea of an SUV with an open luggage compartment - the Amarok would be my only choice and both on paper and in the real world it is a leap forward in terms of safety.
If I was buying a double cab for myself? I'd probably still go for a Nissan Navara, which is a stronger performer and a whole lot more butch. Still, there is no question that the Amarok has moved the goalposts and the segment will never be the same again.
Footnote:
A second engine variant, which will follow late in 2010, is another TDI four cylinder with maximum power of 90 kW and torque of 340 Nm The two-door Single Cab version that offers a longer load bed will follow in 2011.
