Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Amarok

A pick-up from Volkswagen? Yes, really... and we’ve driven it first!

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Amarok
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The market for luxurious pick-ups is a growing one – and VW is set to take a big slice of the action. The Amarok boasts the build quality that the German firm is famous for, allied to a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, ample load bed and a spacious cabin. And given its off-road ability, the driving experience is impressive, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s been a long time since Volkswagen went for honours in the pick-up market. Remember the Taro from the late Eighties? Essentially it was a Toyota Hilux with different badges, and it never sold in big numbers.

Now VW has returned to the fray with the Amarok. The name comes from the Inuit for wolf, and the firm hopes its newcomer will change its lacklustre history in the class.

VW is aiming to tempt drivers of the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200, and the Amarok is unique in the pick-up sector by being the only model that has been designed and engineered in Europe. VW has high hopes for its newcomer
to be a sales success. Likely customers will be those looking for something more refined and upmarket than is currently on offer. The plan is to impress those after a luxurious interior and fine road manners.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Juke

2023 Nissan

Juke

43,690 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,600
View Juke
Niro

2024 Kia

Niro

13,473 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £24,197
View Niro
3008

2018 Peugeot

3008

22,647 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £14,699
View 3008
EcoSport

2022 Ford

EcoSport

10,397 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £14,249
View EcoSport

This top-spec four-door five-seater double-cab Highline version suggests this aim is easily attainable. Its 163bhp 2.0-litre common-rail diesel offers strong performance, while selectable four-wheel drive adds go-anywhere ability and great fuel economy benefits. The system is user-friendly, too. All you need to do is press a button on the console to engage all four wheels.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Even on rough-looking roads the Amarok rides surprisingly smoothly. Through demanding bends it handles competently, too. From behind the wheel, noise levels are decent and there’s no lack of pace, but the gearchange is slightly clunky on the six-speed transmission.

Interior features include front and side airbags, climate control and an MP3-compatible radio/CD player with six speakers. The rear side windows are tinted, too, although the leather trim of our test car costs extra. The cab is roomy up front, and this Highline version gets a rear bench with a trio of three-point seatbelts and head-restraints.

Off-road the Amarok outperforms its key rivals. Most have 2.5-litre diesels, but VW’s 2.0-litre can match them for power and torque. Another plus point is an ABS system that cuts in more gently on loose surfaces. This enables a mound of gravel to build up ahead of the front wheels, which helps to bring the vehicle to a drama-free halt. The Amarok is also available in two-wheel drive, or can be ordered with permanent instead of selectable four-wheel-drive. A two-door single-cab version will debut next year, as well as a more fuel-efficient 122bhp variant of the 2.0-litre diesel.

Rival: Mitsubishi L200
The Japanese firm's L200 is the pick-up to beat in the UK. And the range has been extended with the addition of a double-cab and a longer cargo bed.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,584
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,214 off RRP*Used from £10,195
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025