VW Amarok wins a lot of awards because it a very nice AWD pick-up to drive, it has excellent road manners, drives as good as any SUV. You get an eight-speed automatic and ‘permanent’ 4MOTION all-wheel drive rather than 4WD, however, there is no dual-range transfer case (meaning no low-range). I suppose that and the nice big rectangular rear cab windows offer excellent all round visibility that is just something l prefer personally among lots of other features in a pick-up truck (Trucks tend to take a lot of dings when reversing into tight spots, excellent alround visibility on the VW Amarok is something l like a lot). Nope l won't ever be buying a VW pick-up in my lifetime, a new Silverado will be my next new buy.
AUTO EXPRESS 2014 Pick-up truck of the year : Auto Express pick-up truck of the year 3 times in a row VW Amarok.
The Volkswagen Amarok is the 2014 Auto Express Pick-up of the Year, with the Ford Ranger and SsangYong Korando Sport commended
In the rough-and-tumble world of pick-up trucks, the rugged Volkswagen Amarok still stands head and shoulders above its rivals. For the third year in a row, the versatile Volkswagen has squared up to the competition and carried off a coveted Auto Express New Car Award.
How has it achieved this impressive feat? It’s simple, really: by combining the relentless work ethic of a commercial vehicle with the kerb appeal of a desirable SUV, the Volkswagen is essentially two cars rolled into one.
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For instance, the wide load bay will comfortably swallow a Euro pallet, plus it’s lined with a no-nonsense hose-down floor material. There’s also the option of a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive transmission, meaning you’ll never get stuck on a muddy building site. Yet for buyers wanting a little more luxury, the Amarok’s classy cabin and civilised driving experience will be the real clincher.
Unlike its competitors, the spacious double-cab interior is packed with top-notch materials, while the switchgear is carried over from the brand’s Polo and Golf. Better still, the major controls are no more demanding to use than those of a standard family hatchback.
Sure, the 2.0-litre diesel isn’t the last word in refinement, but it delivers decent performance and economy, while the optional eight-speed auto box serves up smooth shifts – the standard six-speed manual has a meaty and precise change. The truck rides well, too, soaking up bumps that would send a shudder through less talented rivals.
Positive steering and composed handling complete the high-riding Volkswagen’s list of towering talents, and confirm its place at the top of the pick-up tree.
Upmarket Highline trim gives the Amarok a real SUV feel, as does grippy 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Twin-turbo diesel is gruff, but provides strong pace and decent economy.
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