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

Crossland

2022 Vauxhall

Crossland

9,396 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £15,122
View Crossland
Civic

2021 Honda

Civic

41,524 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,536
View Civic
Focus

2017 Ford

Focus

39,707 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £7,991
View Focus
Yaris Hybrid

2025 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

21,679 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,354
View Yaris Hybrid

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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025