Utes have been an Australian classic for decades now. We like a vehicle which can wear multiple hats, take care of loading and towing needs and have enough space for a family. This is why utes have made a special place in Australia. While every major manufacturer is putting up their understanding of our needs on the roads, Volkswagen also has jumped onto the bandwagon and given us Amarok. Most of the Amaroks are focussed on traditional ute idea but they have also created variants which blend utility and luxury of the utmost level. Let’s see if Volkswagen Amarok holds its weight against some of the most loved vehicles on Australian roads today.

Pros

• Done away with drum brakes, the new Amarok 2024 boasts disc brakes in the rear.
• The dampener is outside the chassis rails allowing a better and dynamic driving experience.
• The interiors are magnificent.
• The infotainment screen moves like butter. Seamless.
  

Cons

• Optional colours can cost you up to $1000. Bit too much for colours, isn’t it?
• The build quality of certain cabin components is very loose.
• Some necessary buttons have been shelled out for a minimalistic view.
  

What’s new?

• 12-inch infotainment screen and 12-inch MID.
• Use rear differential lock in 2WD high range as well.
• Entire transmission and driving mode set-up
  

Yet another manufacturer trying to stack up its ute against the legendary Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux, and other dual cab utes. There’s a stack of competitors in the segment and that is for a simple reason really, Australia is a land of roads that change more than our moods do. Thus, we need a reliable adaptable and amphibious car which has a top speed which can take over the highways without speed limits but also has a wading depth just in case we have to cross a thigh-deep water body.

Exteriors

Styling Elements

So far the only ute which is come close to challenging the Ford Ranger at its styling elements is the new Volkswagen Amarok. While the front grille is as big as that of the ranger, it is cleverly designed and the air inlets are broken into two compartments which gives the illusion of a much more compact and consolidated centre point. Upon it lays the VW logo, not chrome finish as you’d see in the Polo of VW Golf but still, it has its own charm, or I think it does.

The headlight cluster is entirely LED DRLs with a matrix setup and below the main cluster, neatly tucked away the fog lights which are also LED. Also, you don’t see alot of utes with a 21-inch alloy wheel set-up, if you invest in the new Amarok Ventura, the top-of-the-line spec comes with those as standard. What a time to be alive, right?

Apart from that the tail lights are also entirely LEDs which is great to see. Using halogen lights in 2024 is just not cool. An additional detail on the rear lights is how they’ve just corded of the shape for it to resemble a crescent rectangle with softened edges, I don’t know bout good design philosophy but definitely is a bold one.

Colour Options

The new Volkswagen Amarok is offered to consumers in 8 colours of two different tones. There is the standard solid paint finish and then there is the metallic paint finish. Following are the colours you can get your new Amarok in.

Solid Paint Finish - Clear White

Metallic Paint Finish - Bright Beige Metallic | Deep Red Metallic | Midnight Black Metallic | Bright Blue Metallic | Medium Silver Metallic | Dark Grey Metallic | Mid Blue Metallic

Wheel Design

Depending on the variant of new Amarok 2024 you pick, you will have upto 4 options of alloy wheels to pick from. It is important to note that these wheels aren’t upgradable.

• 17-inch - “Cobra” alloy wheels
• 18-inch - “Amadora” alloy wheels
• 18-inch - Black painted “Amadora” alloy wheels
• 21-inch - “Varberg” alloy wheels

Interiors

Interior Layout & Space

The interiors of the new Amarok 2024 is far more premium and pristine than of the Ranger, that means the interior of new Amarok is by far the best in the segment. Who knew Germans would take over Americans? ;0

The dashboard has premium fabric which is far softer and much better looking than any of the other utes we have previously reviewed. The overall aesthetic will make you wonder why German automobile engineering and Art Deco are something to reckon with. Also, given that you’ll be cashing around $80,000 for this car, you’d want everything taken care of to the last detail long before you even open the door of the car.

Now while there is ample headspace, the legroom is a bit crunched away when the driver seat is pushed to the back. However, it isn’t so crunched that you’d be uncomfortable sitting in. It is relatively comfortable.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The seats and upholstery of the new Amarok 2024 are best defined by the use of the word ‘Distinguished’. The ventilated and perforated seats are extremely comfortable. Depending upon the variant you pick you get an electrically controllable front row or electrically controlled driver’s seat. The upholstery has been designed to make each variant comfortable according to its own design. Following are the upholstery you get with new Amarok 2024 variants.

• Amarok Core - Fabric Ebony Black
• Amarok Life - Fabric Ebony Black-Silver / Ebony Black
• Amarok Style - ArtVelour Microfibre Ebony Black-Grey / Ebony Black
• Amarok PanAmerciana - Cricket Leather in BlackAnthracite-Brown-Ebony
• Amarok Aventura - Savona Leather in Ebony Black-Grey / Fossil-Ebony
• Amarok Style (Optional) - Savona Leather in Ebony Black-Grey / Fossil-Ebony
  

Payload Bay

The first thing I noticed is that there is a torsion bar but it doesn’t actually do its job quite nicely, could be a manufacturing defect but overall, the presence of a torsion bar atleast makes opening and closing the payload door far easier than just when it is chorded with wires. There is an electronically rolling shed on top of the payload bed which has a button inside the bay on your left right next to the 12V switch which is given away by most manufacturers but none of them are of use given the Australian vehicle design regulations prohibit electrical outlets in partially or entirely exposed areas in a vehicle.

The new Volkswagen Amarok’s payload bay is 1544mm in length, and 1224mm in width and has a payload capacity of 872 kg.

The roller cover can be folded and spread from the key of the new Amarok 2024 as well.

Technology & Infotainment

The technology and infotainment feature of the new Volkswagen Amarok is quite good, however, the fact that there are more buttons under the screen makes adjusting the temperature and other quick bits easy to do on the go. However, the decision-making for buttons is brutal, there are a few buttons you need which are there and a few buttons you occasionally need which aren’t there. For example - you can switch on the heating/ventilation feature with a button while features like climate control need to be accessed through 3 clicks which can be distracting while driving.

Technology Features

• Air Conditioning- Dual Zone Automatic
• Insulating windshield
• 6-ways driver / 4-ways passenger seats manual
• 8-way manual seats driver & passenger
• 10-ways electric driver, 8-ways passenger seats manual (heated)
• Rear ISOFIX child seat mounting system x 2
• 2 reading lights for driver & front passenger with glasses compartment in the overhead console
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• 3 different driving modes. Normal, ECO, Slippery
• 6 different driving modes. Normal, ECO, Slippery, Mud/Track, Snow/Sand & Towing/Heavy load
• 8 & 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit
• 10.1“ Radio, 6 radio speakers (DAB)
  

Connectivity Options

• 12-inch infotainment screen
• Radio
• Satellite Navigation
• 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system with Subwoofer
• DAB
• Digital Radio
• AM/FM
• Wireless App Connect~ - Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  

Performance & Engine

This is by far the most interesting section about the new Volkswagen Amarok. The new VW Amarok offers 4 different engine options with both petrol and diesel engines. This makes new Volkswagen Amarok not just tuned in body and shape for multiple purposes but also the fact that you can invest in an engine which works best for you. The strongest engine is a V6 diesel engine which generates about 246 Bhp of power and 600 Nm of torque. However, the 2.3-litre turbo diesel engine is a bi-turbo engine which generates around 297 Bhp of power and 452 Nm of torque. Given the economic variations, my suggestion would be to stick with the Turbo Diesel engine.

Engine Specifications

Transmission & Drive System

Apart from the 2-litre TDI engine, which is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, each engine of the new Amarok is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the previous generations where you had no option but to drive in 4x4 mode, the new Amarok allows the river to choose between 2WD high range, 4WD automatic, 4WD high range and 4WD low range.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

The fuel economy of the new Volkswagen Amarok is quite varied. Before we get into the details of the economy and efficiency of the new Amarok, do remember that this economy is bound to vary depending upon the driving conditions and driving style. A variation of upto 1 litre from the claimed economy is considered good.

Handling & Driving Dynamics

The gearbox is ready to speed it up more than you are which is a great thing. The all new Amarok is tuned to speed up consistently without causing any driving disturbances. However, the driving experience is erred a bit by the presence of some road noise within the cabin.

Apart from that, the new Volkswagen Amarok 2024 has ample power and punch packed into it for long journeys and taking off-roading which has a far better driving experience when in a 4WD automatic setup than you’d see in a 4WD high range.

Safety Features

The Volkswagen Amarok 2024 is quite underrated in terms of safety technology. It has some of the most standardised safety lists for all its variants as compared to its rivals. Following is a list of safety features and advanced safety features of the new Volkswagen Amarok.

• Lane Assist- Lane keeping and departure warning
• Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclists Monitoring function
• Swerve Steer Assist
• Dynamic Road sign display
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Hill Descent Control
• Front Park Distance Control
• Rear Park Distance Control with Manoeuvre braking
• Rear View (Reverse) Camera
• Front View Camera
• Side Assist with blind spot monitoring
• Rear Traffic Alert
• Area View 360 Degree Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop-and-go function
• ACC with predictive speed limiter and Dynamic Road Sign Display
• Park Assist
  

Advanced Safety Features

• Front Assist with monitoring and braking for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists
• Emergency Brake Assist
• 9 SRS Airbags
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Electronic Brake Force distribution (EBD)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Roll Over Mitigation
• Lane Assist - Lane Keeping and departure warning
• Rear View Camera (RVC)
• Front and rear park distance control with manoeuvre braking
• Swerve Steer Assist
• Speed Sign Recognition
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Side Assist with blind spot monitoring
• Park Assist including Park distance control in front and rear including rear traffic alert
• Adaptive Load Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Hill Descent Control
• 360° Area View
• Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
  

Crash Test Ratings

The Volkswagen Amarok has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by ANCAP. The car was tested earlier before may in 2023 and has a rating expiration of December 2028. Following is a brief breakdown of the ANCAP Report. You can read the full report here.

• Adult Occupant Protection - 86%
• Child Occupant Protection - 93%
• Vulnerable Road User Protection - 74%
• Safety Assist - 83%
  

Ownership Experience

Owning a Volkswagen Amarok offers a unique blend of European refinement and rugged capability. The well-built cabin boasts high-quality materials and a comfortable driving experience, making it feel more car-like than many utes on the road. The powerful engine delivers strong performance for hauling cargo, towing trailers, or venturing off-road. Additionally, Volkswagen's reputation for excellent build quality and safety features inspires confidence on the journey. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The new Volkswagen Amarok might not be the most affordable option in the ute market, especially when compared to some Japanese competitors. The infotainment system, while functional, might not be as intuitive or feature-rich as some rivals. Finally, the availability of dealerships and service centres for Volkswagen commercial vehicles might be lower compared to mainstream ute brands. Overall, owning a new Volkswagen Amarok caters to drivers who prioritise a comfortable, refined ute experience with European flair. But those seeking the most budget-friendly option, the most user-friendly infotainment system, or the widest service network might want to consider other utes in the segment.

Major Drawbacks

• 21-inch alloy wheels end up being more for style than function. The ride quality is a bit firm due to the bigger wheels. Smaller wheels would have still made the car just as stylish.
• Body roll is something to look out for when you’re turning anywhere over 80km/h.
  

Major Strengths

• 4WD automatic setting is just the new innovation we needed. No discrimination of sealed and unsealed surfaces. Good performances, wherever it goes.
• Lane-keeping assist works perfectly in tandem with Active cruise control and provides quite a bit of relief when needed.

Maintenance & Warranty Information

The new Volkswagen Amarok provides a very comprehensive and elaborate maintenance and warranty program. Following are the features and benefits that comes along with owning a Volkswagen.

• 5 years Unlimited Kilometre Warranty

Volkswagen prides itself on the highest quality standards that come with German engineering. They back this commitment with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty on all new Volkswagen vehicles.

• 1-year Roadside Assist

Every new Volkswagen comes with a 1-year Roadside Assist membership. That’s 24-hour roadside assistance, emergency accommodation, car rental and towing as well as property and other assistance, all included for added peace of mind.

• Volkswagen Care Plans

A 5-Year Volkswagen Care Plan covers your new Amarok’s first 5 scheduled services. It’s convenient, hassle-free scheduled servicing easily available for purchase at your local Volkswagen Dealer.

• Assured Service Pricing

Assured Service Pricing gives you the comfort of knowing the cost of your first 5 scheduled services when servicing your vehicle at any authorised Volkswagen dealership. Our Volkswagen dealers have access to the latest diagnostic equipment and tools. Plus, they use Volkswagen Genuine Parts to ensure your Volkswagen stays a Volkswagen.

Verdict

So that was the CARS24 review of the new Volkswagen Amarok. Now I can most assuredly remark that the Ford Ranger has a great competitor. The IDAS system is immaculate which makes taking this ute ideal for off-roading, the traction control is as advertised, it is truly how you’d want it to be. You don’t even have to be an expert driver to navigate it across the Aussie terrains, it is just that good. Sure the price is a bit too high but if you opt for PanAmericana, it is just as good with a far better price point.

Reference

Brochure

Owners Manual