When the Volkswagen Amarok pick-up was introduced here in 2010, there were many hardened bakkie experts who were less than enthusiastic about VW's first entry into the 1-ton market. Those that were anti-Amarok more often than not hadn't driven in one, but simply held the view that its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine wasn't man enough for the job.
The first road tests published on the Amarok painted a different picture. The vehicle had, quite simply the best ride of any bakkie on the market. What's more, it's car-like interior was way ahead of the opposition at the time. And it brought to this segment much-needed items like traction control and vehicle stabilty control, which made driving it on rough roads, or in heavy wet weather on tar, a lot easier and safer.
The Amarok earns its spurs
Since then that 2,0-litre turbocharged diesel has proven to be an extremely long-lived engine. What's more, it has sufficient torque and power to handle heavy loads, as well as a family of five and their luggage in the double-cab versions. In the ensuing decade, many other manufacturers have introduced their own small-capacity four-cylinder turbo-diesels, so it turns out that VW was ahead of the game! The Amarok has never been amongst the top sellers in this market, as it is generally priced above its competitors. But those who own them generally swear by them.
And of course, VW added the superlative V6-engined Amarok to its range a few years ago, which many regard as the ultimate bakkie you can buy today in South Africa.
Ripe for customising
In recent years there has been plenty of activity in the bakkie-customising and accessorising field. You often see Amaroks running around with dress-up kits. What is quite strange is that Volkswagen doesn't offer any factory-approved accessories for the Amarok here. We think VWSA is missing a trick here, as we see dressed up Amaroks running around almost on a daily basis.
Aftermarket accessories
In view of this lack of factory-approved items, many enterprising firms offer accessories for the Amarok. One of these is Midrand Canopy Centre which offers a range of canopies, tailgate lids, nudgebars and the like for an Amarok. Midrand Canopy Centre doesn't manufacture these items but sources them from the best local and international suppliers. The firm's owners tell us that most of their Amarok business comes from VW dealer referrals, as VW doesn't carry an accessory range for this much-loved pick-up.
With this in mind, we perused Midrand Canopy Centre's catalogue and came up with a Top 4 list of items we would definitely love to fit on an Amarok!
Top 4 Amarok accessories you didn't know you needed
1. RSI Evo Canopy
This is a stylish canopy with an angled rear glass area. It has flush-mounted tinted sliding windows in the sides and is colour-matched to the colour of your Amarok. It comes with a high rear third brake light, roof rails, a filtered air vent for positive air pressure and has a 350 kg roof carrying capability.
2. Securi Lid
This is a retractable roller shutter cover for the tailgate of your Amarok. It's an alternative to a canopy, for the Amarok owner who often uses his vehicle as a workhorse. It is constructed of aluminium with a retractable and lockable cover. It also offers access to tools and other gear through the tailgate without having to unlock it. It is an extremely efficient way of protecting your gear on the load bed of your Amarok, and very stylish too.
3. Fender flare kit
These flares, made of tough plastic, are easy to install on your Amarok. They protect the bodywork of the vehicle and are ideal for fitting with larger wheels and tyres. They give the vehicle a really mean look.
4. Body cladding
While you are at it, you may well consider the body-cladding kit that protects the doors and lower area of the load area behind the rear wheel arches. The body cladding kit completes the "tough" look imparted by the fender flares, and also plays a useful role in scratch protection when you venture off the beaten track.
