1 of 5
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Amarok
2 of 5
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Amarok
The Canyon special edition comes with some extra off-road goodies.
3 of 5
Photographer:Klaus Huber-Abendro
Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok is a real body on frame 4WD, although it’s missing low-range.
4 of 5
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Amarok
Like all VW’s, the Amarok portrays a higher level of refinement.
5 of 5
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Amarok
This is not a Hot Wheels toy, this Amarok was one of three that drove across Russia completely off-road.
Story by Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Volkswagen
Canada is missing one fine example of a mid-size 4WD truck
While the mainstream media cries bloody murder over spilt diesel, we at 4WDrive think there is a Volkswagen controversy even more disturbing – they build one of the best mid-size pickups going and we can’t have it. The Volkswagen Amarok has been a success story for VW ever since it was launched in 2010 and can been seen in just about every country but our own, and that’s a damn shame, because it’s one sweet truck.
While the rumour of the Amarok making its way to Canadian shores seems to be heating up once again, the official word from VW is that there is new interest, but any new pickups would likely be larger in stature and placed in the extremely competitive full-size half-ton segment currently dominated by the big three (Ford, Ram and GM). And that’s an even greater shame, because I recently had the chance to get to know the VW Amarok, and the fact VW are not bringing this truck to North America to do battle with the likes of the Colorado, Tacoma and Frontier defies logic… well at least if they built them here to bypass the Chicken Tax.
As a fan of the mid-size segment, the addition of any manufacturer into this market gets me excited. While that may not happen for quite some time, I did have the chance to drive the 2016 VW Amarok down in New Zealand, and I found five very good reasons why VW should bring this truck to Canada.
It’s a Real Truck
Don't be fooled, this is a proper truck. I made the mistake of not taking a VW pickup seriously when the Amarok was born back in 2010, not sure if it was built on a body-on-frame or monocoque architecture. This is a traditional body-on-frame pickup available in single, extended and double cap configurations. The solid rear axle is held up with leaf springs and like every mid-size pickup, sports an independent front suspension.
In photos I noticed that it had a very car-like look, but trust me, this is a truck when you get up close and personal. It is built to be rugged and handle anything a mid-size should be able to handle.
One Gem of an Engine
While the TDI brand has taken a pretty viscous hit with this whole Dieselgate sham, thankfully the Amarok has kept its nose clean throughout these dark days back in Wolfsberg. The Amarok only comes equipped with three different flavours of the 2.0L four-cylinder TDI, but don’t for a second consider the little 2.0L to be the Amarok’s Achilles Heal. It may only be rated at 132 hp, but this little beauty is packing 310 lb-ft worth of torque, more than the North American competition, save for the diesel powered Colorado.
Just because it has a small engine doesn’t mean it can’t pull its own weight either, literally. VW rate the Amarok to haul a payload of 969 kg, or tow 3,000 kg. Likewise, that beats most of the Canadian competition, with only the Chevrolet Colorado diesel out towing the VW.
Excellent Fuel Efficiency
While the Amarok may punch above its weight class in terms of the loads it can haul with such a small four-banger, the twin-turbo diesel is also a shining beacon when it comes to fuel efficiency. While VW only publish a combined fuel economy rating, that number is incredibly impressive at 8.3L/100km. That’s better than the highway published numbers on all North American mid-size pickups. Only the diesel Colorado could best the VW’s combined fuel efficiency with its published highway numbers… just.
Potential Wheeler
A look at the spec sheet would make you think that when it comes to off-roading, VW have not quite provided the Amarok with all the necessary tools to get the job done. Behind an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Amarok is very noticeably lacking a two-speed transfer case, instead featuring either a full-time or selectable 4WD system that uses a torque sensing (Torsen) centre differential. There is a locking rear differential and the option of an “Off-Road Mode” that makes use of the stability and traction control to aid in slippery conditions. And to VW’s credit, they did make first gear extra short to somewhat synthesize a low-range gear.
That being said, during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, three Amarok’s were called upon to complete the world’s longest cross-country expedition ever ending in Sochi for the opening ceremonies. While the three vehicles had heavily modified suspension and axles, the expedition leaders proclaimed that the standard engine and transmissions were used and lasted the duration of the expedition.
All-Round Great Truck
Having had the chance to jump behind the wheel of the Amarok for a brief period of time, I was surprised how familiar the cab was for a vehicle I’ve never laid eyes on before. Anyone who has spied inside any VW will recognize the trademark upmarket design found throughout the fleet. It’s stylish like a Golf, but feels like a truck.
On the road, the grunty little diesel is surprisingly responsive and smooth. The two turbos work in tandem to keep the intake charge boosted throughout the rev range, all the way up to an impressively high 5,000-rpm. It seamlessly fires through each of the eight speeds with amazingly direct shifts.
The Amarok feels very connected to the road, but still has a distinctly truck feel with firm suspension. Unfortunately the farthest off-road I could get was a farm service road that the Amarok laughed at. However, like most pickups, the Amarok does suffer from some clearance issues, and would benefit from some larger tires or high clearance bumpers.
Driving the Amarok confirmed my hopes that the VW could build a proper pickup. They have, and it is almost criminal that we don’t have the choice to purchase one in the domestic market. Lets hope that the rumours behind closed doors at VW turn out to be true, and they will soon bring the Amarok to Canada. If not… they won’t be eligible for private import until 2025.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- MSRP: Not Sold in Canada
- Engine: 2.0L Twin-Turbo 4-Cylinder
- Power: 132 hp, 310 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
- Curb Weight: 2,111 kg (4,654 lb)
- Wheelbase: 3,095 mm (122-in)
- Approach Angle: 28 °
- Departure Angle: 23.6 °
- Ramp Breakover Angle: 23 °
- Wading Depth: 500 mm (19.7-in)
- Tow Capacity: 3,000 kg (6,614 lb)
- Fuel Efficiency: 8.3 L/100km Combined