Competing for the crown in South Africa's leisure bakkie segment is no easy task, but Volkswagen has set its sights high with its Amarok range.
The model might not trump the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-MAX in terms of sales, but the Amarok is without a doubt getting better. Cars.co.za named the Volkswagen Amarok the best 2018/19 leisure double cab, a truly prestigious award.
The name 'Amarok' is derived from the Inuit myth of a large wolf which stalks prey at night and hunts alone. Like the wolf, the Amarok aims to challenge the market and devour its competition.
Does the VW Amarok have what it takes to live up to its namesake? Let's see what it has to offer and find out.
Volkswagen announced their intention to build a robust commercial and family vehicle for mass markets in 2005, with many rumours suggesting a pickup truck was in the pipeline. These rumours proved to be correct – VW announced the Amarok and launched it to the general public in 2010.
The Amarok has undergone a few facelifts through the years, but VW has yet to release an official second-generation model. That may change soon though – Audi is rumoured to be considering designing their own bakkie following the success of the Mercedes-Benz X range, and considering the dynamic partnership Volkswagen has with Audi, the results from such a design could be truly unique and beneficial for both brands.
The Volkswagen Amarok will be a familiar sight in many ways to existing VW owners as it shares many parts and features with other vehicles in the VW range.
Its exterior resembles the typical Volkswagen design principles of squared headlights and a boxy chassis with slightly curving edges.
Inside, the Amarok competes with everyday cars as it looks and feels like a normal Golf model, other than a few slight details hinting at its off-road capability.
Designed to be a leisure workhorse, it can perform manual labour throughout the week and just as comfortably carry passengers on weekends.
The Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 litre V6 TDI offers 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque, with power being delivered through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The V6 TDI has a combined fuel cycle of 9.7 L/100 km.
The Volkswagen Amarok bakkie range is available at any Volkswagen South Africa dealership. Each newly purchased model can be fitted with an array of optional extras depending on your tastes.
VW South Africa also offers its in-house Volkswagen Financial Services, helping customers create a personalised finance plan through VW dealerships.
The entry-level Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI Double Cab Comfortline retails from R545,700.
Each VW Amarok service plan is valid for five-years/90,000 km and with a three-year/100,000 km warranty with service intervals every 15,000 km. An additional six-year anti-corrosion warranty comes standard.
Volkswagen South Africa also offers an optional five-year/100,000 km maintenance plan, upgradable to 120,000 km or 140,000 km over the same span. An optional six-year/100,000 km maintenance plan is also available.
To learn more about the Volkswagen Amarok warranty and maintenance plans, contact an approved Volkswagen dealership near you or visit their website.
Volkswagen is listed among the highest risk brands for auto theft in South Africa, according to a Ctrack vehicle theft report. These factors will be taken into consideration when you're looking for Volkswagen Amarok insurance quotes.
Volkswagen South Africa offers their in-house Insurance Services where owners can purchase comprehensive car cover for their Amaroks. Various other insurance products are also available through VW such as Shortfall Cover and Deposit Protector.
Remember, you always have the option of taking out cover with a third-party insurer. Compare VW Amarok car insurance quotes online side-by-side to find the best deal for your needs.
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.
