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The Ultimate Guide to the Volkswagen Amarok: Features, Performance, and Safety

Added: 03 April 2023

With the new Volkswagon Amarok you get an eye-catching, wide stance, and rugged appearance pick-up from any angle. This mid-size pickup truck produced by Volkswagen, has been especially designed to provide a comfortable and capable driving experience both on and off the road, and comes with a range of advanced features and technologies to help you tackle any terrain or task.

The Amarok is known for its powerful engine options, spacious interior, and versatile boot space, making it a popular choice for both personal as well as commercial use. With its rugged good looks and dependable performance, the Amarok is a great choice for anyone in need of a capable and reliable pickup truck.

In this guide we will delve into why this is a 3 time winner of the Best Pick-up Award at the What Car? Awards.

Pictures of the Amarok

VW Amarok interior Blue VW Amarok

Table of contents

High level of versatility

The Volkswagen Amarok is a versatile and durable pickup truck designed to handle a wide range of tasks with ease. This pickup truck comes with:

  • A sturdy underlying construction
  • Durability
  • Impressive off road ability
  • Powerful engines
  • Spacious boot area

All of which makes the Amarok an excellent choice for those who need a reliable workhorse that can handle tough terrain as well as heavy loads.

Durable and Robust build quality

One of the top level features of the Amarok is its robust build quality. This pickup truck is built on a wrap resistant ladder frame chassis - that provides excellent stability and rigidity, then combined further with special Leaf springs. All of which make this Pick-up well-suited for off-road driving along with heavy-duty work, at the same time as carrying a payload of 1,146 Kg, and a trailer load of up to 3.1 tonnes in sheer weight.

The Amarok's body is also made from high-strength steel, which provides added protection against impacts as well as other hazards.

Interior

Inside the cabin, the Amarok offers a spacious and comfortable interior that is designed with practicality in mind. This pick up features:

  • A user-friendly infotainment system
  • Comfortable seating
  • Climatronic air conditioning
  • Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
  • ergoComfort seats with 14-way adjustments
  • Modern and responsive infotainment system with Car-Net mobile online services enabled
  • High-level audio system
  • Interior lighting options
  • Plenty of storage space for personal belongings and work gear
  • Quality and hard wearing materials
  • Supportive seats

Rear boot area

When it comes to the rear boot area, this is one of the largest and widest in its class able to carry up to 1,555 litres, over 1,000 Kg of weight, which provides more than enough space for transporting tools, equipment, and other bulky items.

Further to this, this read load space has been designed to allow it to carry crosswise loaded Euro pallets. With a 2.52M2 boot area, then combined with its 508mm high side panels, and a low loading sill high of only 780mm, you can carry some large and heavy items with ease.

The load compartment can also come with a protective coating. This UV resistant coating in Anthracite can protect the rear load space from both mechanical as well as chemical wear.

A 12V socket can also come in the rear space if required as well, ideal for when you need to use the pick-up as a remote powerstation for some of your electronic devices.

Pictures of the Amarok

Amarok interior Volkswagen Amarok

Does Is the Amarok come with a diesel engine?

Yes, the Amarok is available with a 3.0 litre V6 TDI diesel engine that delivers impressive fuel economy as well as power delivery.

What colour paint options can come with the Amarok?

The Armaok comes in 1 of 12 colour options. These include:

  • Candy White
  • Chestnut Brown
  • Deep Black
  • Indium Grey (Matt)
  • Indium Grey
  • Mojave Beige
  • Peacock Green
  • Ravenna Blue (Matt)
  • Ravenna Blue
  • Reflex Silver
  • Starlight Blue
  • Tornado Red

What safety features come with the Amarok?

Safety is another area where the Amarok excels. The vehicle is equipped with a host of advanced safety features, which includes:

  • Anti-theft warning system
  • Automatic Post Collision Braking System
  • A rearview camera
  • A suite of airbags
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Electronic Trailer Stabilisation
  • Fog lights with integrated static cornering lights
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Hill Descent Control (HDC)
  • Lane departure warning system
  • Mechanical Differential Lock
  • Parking sensors
  • Traction control
  • Trailer Stability Control (TSC)
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system

How many seats does the Amarok have?

5 seats, with a "traditional" two front seats and a three-person rear bench seat seating layout.

Does the Amarok come with a sunroof?

Yes, the Amarok is available with a panoramic sunroof on selected models.

Can the Amarok handle snowy & muddy conditions well?

Yes, the The Amarok's 4Motion All Wheel Drive (AWD) system with its 8 speed gearbox, Off-Road drive mode enabled, and then further combined with a high ground clearance of around 90 inches, make it ideal for driving in snowy, slippery, and muddy conditions.

Can the Amarok handle off-road driving well?

Yes, the Amarok is well-suited for off-road driving and has been built heavily with this in mind, with advanced driving features such as hill descent control and an Electronic Differential Lock. However, it isn't just the technology features that give you this capability either, thanks to its robust construction, 4Motion All Wheel Drive system, and high ground clearance, all add up to one very capable off-road vehicle.

What gradients can the Amarok climb?

The Amarok can climb intense gradients thanks to its build quality and features built in. These consist of:

20.1° Breakover Angles

Thanks to its high ground clearance, the Amarok can handle ramp angles between 15.6°'s and 20.1°'s with ease.

45° Gradients

It can easily handle gradients of up to 45°'s.

High ramp and wading depths

With a 29.5°'s angle of approach at the front and 18°'s of angels of departure at the rear, then combined with a huge wading depth of 500mm, the Amarok can handle highly difficult situations.

50° Traverse Gradient

Due to its broad wheelbase the Amazon has an impressive 50° Traverse gradient capability, meaning moving over most hills is insignificant to traverse over or around.

What Drive Modes come with the Amarok?

The new Volkswagen Amarok can come with 4 Drive Modes. These consist of:

  • Individual - which allows you to customise your driving experience
  • Normal / Standard - which is the default driving mode for day-to-day driving
  • Off-Road - which adjusts the traction control and torque for driving on off road conditions
  • Sport - which enables faster acceleration as well as a more sharper handling experience

Does the Amarok come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, the Amarok is available with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

How do you connect Apple Carplay to the Amarok?

To be able to connect Apple CarPlay to your Amarok we have put together this step-by-step guide to help you.

  1. Check that your iPhone is running iOS 7.1 or later
  2. Connect your iPhone to the Amarok using a Lightning cable
  3. The Amarok's infotainment system will now automatically detect your iPhone and display a prompt asking if you want to use Apple CarPlay
  4. On your iPhone you now need to tap "Allow" when prompted to enable CarPlay
  5. Next on the Amarok's infotainment screen, select the CarPlay icon to access the CarPlay menu - thats it your now connected

What Apple CarPlay apps can I use with the Amarok?

Apple CarPlay gives you access to a lot of Apps for use in your Pickup. These include:

  • Apple Maps for navigation
  • Apple Music
  • Audiobooks
  • Google Maps
  • Messages
  • Phone - answering and making calls
  • Podcasts
  • Spotify
  • WhatsApp
  • Other 3rd party apps

How do you connect Android Auto to the Amarok?

To be able to connect Android Auto to your Amarok we have put together this step-by-step guide to help you.

  1. Check that your smartphone is running Android 6 or high
  2. Check that you have downloaded Android Auto from the Play Store
  3. Connect your smartphone to your infotainment system using a USB cable.
  4. Once your phone is connected, the Android Auto app will automatically launch on your infotainment system
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts to now setup Android Auto, you will need to grant certain permissions for Android Auto to access your phone's data as well as your location services
  6. That's it your now connected

What Android Auto apps can I use with the Amarok?

Android Auto gives you access to a lot of Apps for use in your Pickup. These include:

  • Audiobooks
  • Google Assistant
  • Google Maps
  • Messages
  • Pandora
  • Phone - answering and making calls
  • Spotify
  • Wave
  • WhatsApp
  • Other 3rd party apps

What is the towing capacity of the Amarok?

The towing capacity of the Amarok varies depending on the engine and transmission. If we look at the V6 TDI engine with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the Amarok can tow up to 3,100 Kg, or an impressive 3.1 tonnes, with a payload of up to 1,146 Kg.

How many models of the Amarok are there?

There are 4 models of the new Amarok. These consist of:

  • Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Black Edition
  • Volkswagen Amarok Black Edition
  • Volkswagen Amarok Highline
  • Volkswagen Amarok Trendline

What are the differences between the Amarok models?

The Amarok models differ in a number of ways. The most noteworthy being the following.

Volkswagen Amarok Trendline's main features

The Trendline's main features include:

  • 12V sockets x 3
  • 17 Inch braking system to the front and 16 Inch braking system at the rear (204PS models only)
  • 17 Inch Posadas alloy wheels
  • 17 Inch Posadas alloy wheels 8J x 17
  • 245 / 65 R17 111T tyres
  • 8-speed automatic with Permanent 4MOTION as standard.
  • Airbags – driver and front passenger (with passenger deactivation),
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • App-Connect
  • Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
  • back-up horn, tilt sensor, tow-away protection and single door unlocking
  • Black rear bumper with integrated step
  • Bluetooth® mobile phone preparation
  • Body-coloured door mirrors, handles and front bumper with double chrome strip in upper grille
  • Body-coloured front bumper.
  • Carpet floor covering in cab and rear passenger area
  • Centre console with cover for storage compartment
  • Centre high-mounted brake light
  • Climatronic air conditioning
  • Climatronic air conditioning system.
  • Composition Media DAB+ radio system including Bluetooth
  • Composition Media DAB+ radio system with 6.33 Inch touch-screen
  • Cruise control
  • Cup holder in cab
  • Decorative inserts in Deep Inox
  • Door mirrors – electrically heated and adjustable
  • Driver and front passenger seats with height adjustment and armrests
  • Dust and pollen filter
  • Electric windows
  • Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
  • Four load-lashing rings
  • Front and rear fog lights
  • Full size steel spare wheel
  • Halogen twin headlights
  • Headlight range adjustment
  • Heat insulating glass
  • Heated rear window
  • Heater air vents in cab and rear passenger area
  • Hill Hold Assist
  • Kemisu fabric upholstery
  • Kemisu‘ cloth seat upholstery
  • Leather multifunction steering wheel, gearknob, gaiter and handbrake handle
  • Leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel.
  • Licence plate lighting
  • Lockable tailgate
  • Lockable wheel bolts
  • Moulded headlining
  • Multifunction display plus
  • Rear side windows and rear window in privacy glass
  • Remote central locking with interior locking switch and two remote folding keys
  • Seatbelt warning when not engaged
  • Separate daytime running lights
  • Servotronic speed-related variable steering
  • side and front head protection
  • Smoking pack with individually mountable ashtray
  • Storage compartments under front seats
  • Thatcham Category 1 approved alarm and immobiliser with
  • Three rear headrests
  • Three-seat bench in rear row with ISOFIX mountings (x2 outer seats)
  • Tool kit and jack
  • Trailer hitch preparation
  • Twin sun visors with vanity mirrors and airbag label on passenger sun visor
  • USB interface, AUX-IN socket and six speakers
  • Voice Control
  • voice enhancer, single MP3 compatible CD drive, SD card slot,
  • Wide wheel arch extensions
  • Windscreen wiper intermittent control, including manual dimming mirror

Volkswagen Amarok Highline's main features

The Highline's main features include:

  • 12V sockets x 4, including x 1 in the boot area
  • 18 Inch Manaus alloy wheels 7.5J x 18
  • 255 / 60 R18 112T tyres
  • Additional exterior dust seals
  • Bi-xenon headlights
  • Bi-xenon headlights with separate LED daytime running lights
  • Chrome rear bumper with integrated step
  • Chrome-plated rear bumper
  • Darkened rear tail light lenses
  • Decorative inserts in Light Silver
  • Front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera
  • Front grille with two chrome detailing strips and six vertical chrome ribs
  • Heated driver and front passenger seats with individual control
  • Heated driver and front passenger seats with individual settings
  • Heated washer nozzles
  • LED licence plate lighting
  • Side bars in stainless steel
  • Side bars in stainless steel
  • Two double chrome trims on the radiator grille
  • Vienna leather seat upholstery
  • Vienna leather upholstery 1
  • Washer fluid level indicator

Volkswagen Amarok Black Edition main features

The Black Edition's main features include:

  • 20 Inch Talca black alloy wheels 8J x 20
  • 255 / 50 R20 109H tyres
  • Black fog light surrounds.
  • Black headlining.
  • Black polish trim strip on grille
  • Black rear bumper
  • Black side bars
  • Black styling bar, rear bumper and side bars.
  • Discover Media navigation system with Guide & Inform, SD card x 2 and Off-road information display
  • Gloss black decorative insert on dashboard
  • Gloss black exterior mirror housings
  • Lights & Vision pack.
  • Lights & Vision pack

Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Black Edition main features

The Aventura Black Edition main features include:

  • 20 Inch Talca black alloy wheels 8J x 20
  • 255 / 50 R20 109H tyres
  • Aventura branded floor mats
  • Black fog light surrounds
  • Black headlining
  • Black polish trim strip on grille
  • Black rear bumper
  • Black side bars
  • Body coloured sports bar with stylish Aventura emblem, attached on both sides
  • Discover Media navigation system with Guide & Inform SD card x 2 and Off-road information display
  • ErgoComfort seats for driver and front passenger with 14-way adjustment (12 electrically, 2 manually)
  • Exterior mirrors power adjustable, heated and folding
  • Front fog lights with cornering function
  • Gloss black decorative insert on dashboard
  • Gloss black exterior mirror housings
  • Leather multifunction steering wheel with gear-shift paddles.
  • Lights & Vision pack
  • Load compartment protective coating
  • Nappa leather upholstery
  • Premium colour multifunction display
  • Underbody styling

How much does a Amarok cost?

This depends based on the model and features you want; however, as starting prices go at the time of writing, you are looking at:

Volkswagen Amarok Model Costs from
Volkswagen Amarok Trendline £28,600
Volkswagen Amarok Highline £32,680
Volkswagen Amarok Black Edition £34,835
Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Black Edition £40,995

Overall Summary

Overall, the Volkswagen Amarok is an impressive pickup truck that combines ruggedness, performance, and practicality in a single package. Whether you're looking for a work vehicle that can handle tough terrain and heavy loads or a versatile and durable pickup truck that can tackle a wide range of tasks, the Amarok is definitely for you.

With its excellent build quality, powerful engines, and spacious interior, the Amarok is sure to satisfy even the most demanding of drivers.

Not sure if a this is the right Pick-up truck for your needs?

If you are still not sure if an Amarok is the right commercial pick-up for your individual requirements please contact us today & our dedicated commercial specialist team will be happy to help with any question you may still have.

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