Packed with Ford DNA, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok also offers a somewhat wider range than before, stretching from a single cab workhorse right through to the powerful V6 Aventura.
The subject of our most recent test drive, the 125kW 2.0 TDI double cab Life 4Motion, falls within the lower half of the range.
At R792,600, it occupies a sensible middle ground that offers more than just the bare basics but without being too extravagant.
Buyers who don’t need four-wheel drive can, of course, opt for the rear-driven version that costs R697,500.
Our week with the Amarok Life coincided with one of IOL’s Elevate Her initiatives for Women’s Month, in which over 100 dignity packs were transported from our offices in Centurion to a Catholic Church in the Johannesburg CBD for distribution to those in need.
Although some of the packages spilled over into the cabin, we were able to fit most of them in the Amarok’s load bay, which is 1.62 metres long, 1.58m wide and 529mm high.
The optional Securilid roller shutter, though manually operated, took much of the stress out of the loading process as it meant no fumbling with ropes or struggling to stretch a tonneau cover around the edges to secure the load.
Although the lock mechanism can be a bit finicky at times, the louvred cover also gives you that extra piece of mind when leaving valuables in the load bay.
The Amarok Life is available with the bi-turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, but our test bakkie had the cheaper single-turbo option, which produces 125kW and 405Nm.
In everyday driving it offered perfectly adequate performance as well as quiet cruising capability on the freeway. However, it does require some coaxing when sudden acceleration is needed or when overtaking.
I’d rate overall performance as acceptable, although you’re not getting that effortless acceleration that the bi-turbo offers.
Overall fuel consumption, in a mixture of town and freeway driving, amounted to 9.6 litres per 100km.
Like the Ford Ranger that it’s based on, the Amarok offers a refined driving experience. The ride is as comfortable as you could expect from a bakkie, the steering feels intuitive and the handling inspires confidence.
The interior is not an obvious clone of the Ranger, apart from the infotainment system, and the look and feel is very much passable as a VW. But I do find it disappointing that the main climate controls, unlike the in the Ford, are operated via the large vertical touchscreen. Thankfully there is a traditional rotary knob for adjusting audio volume.
Rear leg room is decent, by bakkie standards at least, but we found no USB ports for back passengers, although there was a 12V socket.
The cabin of the Life model is somewhat working class, but not workhorse. The seats are upholstered in a hardy-looking black cloth and there are no fancy modcons like wireless charging pads.
What is does have is a 10-inch vertical infotainment screen with reverse camera, digital instrumentation, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, height adjustable front seats and electronic parking brake.
If that still sounds like slumming it to you, there are three models above this - Style, PanAmericana and Aventura.
VERDICT
The Volkswagen Amarok Life with 125kW should tick most of the boxes for those seeking a mid-range bakkie that’s not too bare nor too fancy. But keep in mind that the equivalently powered Ranger XLT can be had for less, at R732,600, and there are plenty of more luxurious Chinese offerings at this level too.
But if you’re a Volkswagen brand fan and you appreciate a bakkie with refined road manners, the Amarok shouldn’t disappoint.