Volkswagen Amarok Life 2.0 TDI 4Motion (2024) Review
Volkswagen has provided vehicles in the commercial segment for longer than most folks can remember. Hence, it only made sense to join forces with one of the best commercial vehicle builders to make one of the German brand's best yet. We test one of the middle-of-the-road models from the Amarok lineup in SA.
Double cab Life
Launched towards the end of 2023, the second generation of the Volkswagen Amarok split the fans' opinions of the marque and brand. Volkswagen entered into a joint venture with Ford to manufacture the new Amarok on the same platform as the new Ranger, resulting in two vehicles that were virtually identical in spec and capability. At that time, Volkswagen had announced a comprehensive range of Amarok bakkies ranging from single cab workhorses to Luxury sports models like the Aventura and Pan Americana. Still, it took some time for the middle-range vehicles to make it into the test fleet.
Related: Volkswagen Amarok Aventura (2023) - Video Review
This brings us to the test unit in question, the Amarok 2.0 TDI Life, a mid-range offering that offers the best workhorse and luxury segments. This double cab bakkie would be at home on the farm or the local suburbs and will do equally well in both spheres but has VW injected enough of its DNA into the vehicle to separate it from its blue-ovalled brethren?
The 5 best similar bakkies (Pick Ups) to the Volkswagen Amarok
Styling
If one were to park the Amarok next to the Ranger, a glance would not be enough for one to decide which is which. If not for the tailgate embossing, 4Motion decals and different grille and headlight arrangement, you would be hard-pressed to pick the VW, so strong is the Ford DNA. This is not a bad thing though as South African consumers have voted with their money and Ford can barely keep stock of Rangers they sell so fast which proves that Saffers just love the styling.
The Amarok is an attractive option that plays it safe with neutral unoffensive styling that everyone can get onboard with. Our test unit had been spruced up with a few extras such a the lockable rolling tonneau cover, the rear styling bar and a full bed liner.
The Drive
The Amarok has a silky smooth operation that comes as close to an SUV-like drive as you can imagine. The seating position may be a command-style view of those around you but you can't help but feeling that this drives just like a Tiguan. Controls fall easily to hand, and the general layout of everything is very intuitive resulting in an air of familiarity and a tactile and very enjoyable driving experience.
Performance
A peek under the bonnet reveals a 2.0 single-turbo diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The combination delivers a very healthy 125kW and 405Nm, which can be sent to all four wheels if needed. The Life can complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a spritely 11.0 seconds and can reach a top speed of 180km/h.
The Amarok is no slouch. It accelerates cleanly off the line and keeps its torque curve neat up to its plateau, where it reaches its cruising speed. It is tidy with no surprises, making the 2.0-litre a dream to drive in town.
Space and Comfort
The Amarok comfortably seats five adults, and the seats have a comfy and breathable cloth covering. The contact surfaces are all soft-touch and have a definite premium feel. The Life derivative gets a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, as well as an 8.0-inch digital TFT cluster for the driver. There is also auto climate control and an electronic park brake.
Safety
Also with the usual alphabet soup of ABS, TSC, LKA, HHA and BSM, you get seven airbags as well as a rearview camera. The Amarok has scored a well-deserved 5 stars in the ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program). There are standard fares such as Isofix and Cruise Control for the more family-oriented driver
Fuel Consumption
Volkswagen claims a combined cycle consumption figure of 7.7L/100km which is a little on the conservative side. Our dual-testing circuits of suburban and freeway driving returned a figure of 8.2L/100km which is not that far off. This means that on a full tank of diesel you can realistically expect a range of just over 1 000km.
Price
| Volkswagen Amarok 2.0TDI double cab Life 4Motion manual | R 752 900 |
| Volkswagen Amarok 2.0TDI double cab Life 4Motion auto | R 792 600 |
| Volkswagen Amarok 2.0BiTDI double cab Life 4Motion | R 864 700 |
* All Volkswagen Amaroks are sold with a 5-year / 150 000km warranty and a 5-year / 150 000km maintenance plan.
The Verdict
The Amarok, much like the Ranger, is an absolute pleasure to drive and is more than capable of handling the day-to-day drudgery of rush hour traffic and handling a load of whathaveyou over the weekend. It is a comfortable blend of everyday driver and workhorse that is more than enough double cab for anyone who needs a multipurpose vehicle. If the higher end of the price spectrum is a little too rich for your blood but you are still looking for a capable quality vehicle that wears a VW badge, the Amarok should be your first port of call.
