Volkswagen Amarok reviewed

When you think of Volkswagen vans, a pick-up truck is not the first thing that comes to mind. Traditionally dominated by the likes of Mitsubishi vans and Nissan vans, the pick-up market is currently enjoying increased demand.

These more-established rivals have not deterred Volkswagen vans however, with the VW Amarok being around for nearly ten years. When you consider the quality of their commercial vehicles - VW vans make the VW Caddy, the revered VW Transporter and International Van of the Year 2017, the VW Crafter - entering the pickup market was a logical step for the manufacturer.

It may not come backed by a hard-earned reputation, but the VW Amarok is wonderfully refined and comfortable. VW vans have done a spectacular job with their pickup - the finish is as you'd expect from Volkswagen's passenger car range - so much so that it's really easy to forget that you're in a pickup truck.

Doublecab versions of the VW Amarok have five seats with a rear bench that flips forward to increase loadspace, should you need it. There are three trim levels, Startline, Trendline and Highline, the latter being the top-end model and as such includes luxury features like air conditioning, carpeted floors, leather covered steering wheel, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Designed for efficiency, the Amarok's 2.0-litre diesel engine is quiet and provides a decent amount of torque. An ample loadspace of 2.5 square metres can accommodate loads of up to 1.5 metres in length - meaning it can swallow a Euro pallet - while the payload exceeds a tonne. The load area comes lined as standard.

Volkswagen Amarok Highline 180PS Automatic

In 2012, the Volkswagen Amarok was launched with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox along with a 2.0-litre BiTDi 180ps engine. It's smooth and refined, making the most of the available power and driving well on awkward, off-road terrain. Towing limits also increased, with the aforementioned automatic model capable of towing up to 3.2-tonnes.

Four wheel drive is an on demand system on most VW Amarok models, but it can be specified as a permanent feature on Highline models. This version offers a comfort suspension set-up designed for lighter use and mainly on-road driving. It features a spring pack which offer better suspension, vibration and noise comfort. This does, however, lower the payload to 750kg which is below HMRC's 1-tonne threshold for commercial vehicles, so it would be classed as a car.

Fuel economy maxes out at a claimed 37.2mpg, which is respectable for a pickup. You can rest assured that the VW Amarok provides a safe driving environment with its four-star Euro NCAP rating.

New Volkswagen Amarok vans for sale

The Volkswagen Amarok is currently in stock in Highline trim with an 180ps engine and automatic transmission! What are you waiting for? Enquire now!