VW Amarok auto

Volkswagen thinks there’s room for a premium model in the growing pick-up market, and the automatic version of the Amarok adds another dimension to the expanding range. It's surprisingly comfortable drive, has a classy cabin and genuine off-road and load-lugging ability. VW hasn’t released prices or trim details for the Amarok auto yet, but if they are competitive with the Hilux, L200 and Navara, Volkswagen is sure to steal an even bigger slice of the market.

There's a new version of the Volkswagen Amarok pick-up truck. VW is broadening its appeal while improving fuel economy and emissions by adding a new 177bhp twin-turbo diesel mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The eight-speed auto allows plenty of control in the lower gears for off-roading and towing, but with a tall eighth gear for relaxed and economical cruising. Combined average economy at 37.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 199g/km are approximately 5mpg higher, and 30g/km of CO2 lower, than the auto versions of the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200, and Nissan Navara - the Amarok’s three main rivals.

As well as being more efficient, the Amarok is good to drive, too. It's refined and quiet on the whole, with a comfortable and controlled ride. There’s some wind noise from the mirrors at speed, and undulating road surfaces induce a bit of bounce from the leaf-spring rear suspension when the bed is unladen. The auto box isn’t perfect either, it kicks down too readily at times, sending the revs over 3,500rpm where the engine becomes much noisier and harsher.

There isn’t the same opportunity to pick holes in the cabin – it's a quality piece of work. Many of the controls and switches are familiar from other VWs, and it’s solidly put together and easy to use. The rear quarters are flexible, too, with space for three on the rear bench, and the seats backs can be folded down or the seat bases flipped up. Out back, the cargo box is the only one in its class that can take a standard pallet, and it has a maximum load capacity of 1.15 tonnes.

Taking the Amarok on a challenging off-road course proved it could cope with the rough stuff, too. A rear differential lock is controlled by a dashtop button, increasing traction, and an ‘Off-Road’ function prevents roll back on steep ascents, keeps the speed steady even on steep descents, and retunes the ABS to cut in more gently, allowing gravel to build up in front of the tyres and improving braking performance. The auto gearbox and electronic aids really make light work of serious terrain.

Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed a starting price or trim levels for the Amarok auto yet, but state they’ll be competitive with rivals. Nissan’s Navara auto starts at a shade over £23,000, and although it makes do with just a five-speed auto, it has more powerful engine than the Amarok and very high equipment levels, whereas the Toyota Hilux auto is only available in the top trim level and with a 3.0-litre diesel, starting at £25,735.