Back 
The Volkswagen Amarok of the first generation has long been considered a legend in its class. Appearing on the roads in 2010, this car changed the perception of the mass consumer about pickup trucks. In contrast to the classic image of a utilitarian and somewhat "oak" truck, the Volkswagen brand offered drivers a pickup truck that has a comfortable, almost passenger-like interior with modern equipment, behaves pleasantly on the road and is not afraid of off-roading.
This approach appealed to buyers and raised the bar for all competitors. So to say that fans had high expectations for the new Amarok is an understatement. Was it possible to justify them? Let's figure it out.
The fact that the VW Amarok II was co-developed with Ford and built on the same platform as their new Ranger pick-up has undoubtedly caused the most controversy. Because of this, some consider the new Amarok to be just a facelifted Ranger. And although these models really have a lot in common, there are also noticeable differences.
Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Amarok II
In our showrooms you can find two engine options:
- Basic 2.0-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 170 hp. and a torque of 420 Nm with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- A version of the same engine with two turbines for 205 hp. and 500 Nm, which is paired with a 10-speed automatic.
Unfortunately, pickup trucks with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine are not officially sold in Ukraine. Power units and transmissions are shared with the Ford Ranger.
However, the car with a 205-horsepower engine has good dynamic performance for its class (0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds) and can confidently tow a trailer of up to 3.5 tons, which can be counted as an advantage.
On the road, Amarok demonstrates excellent driving qualities by pickup standards. The suspension effectively copes with small bumps, and in turns the car shows good stability with minimal body rolls. In terms of comfort, it is very close to ordinary modern SUVs. The only difference in feeling is the slightly stiffer rear axle due to the springs when it is unloaded. But Volkswagen is still softer than, say, Toyota Hilux or the same Ford Ranger on springs.
Good brakes can also be noted as a plus. All versions of the Amarok are equipped with disc brakes all around, which favorably distinguishes it from the Ranger. It has drums at the back in all versions except the top one.
Amarok II exterior and dimensions
The pickup from VW received a very modern design, which is also characteristic of other cars of this company. Compared to other pickups, it looks the least like a machine for working in the field. The new optics are commendable both in terms of design and performance. LED headlights are already available to the buyer in the base.
As in the first generation, Amarok continues to adhere to the image of an "intellectual". However, in technical terms, it is still a very utilitarian car with great capabilities.
Amarok of the second generation increased in length by 96 mm compared to its predecessor, which had a positive effect on the interior space. Two adult passengers with a height of up to 180 cm can comfortably sit in the back. At the same time, the option with a single-row cabin is not offered.
The car has an excellent carrying capacity of 1.13 tons. This is one of the best in class performance. And thanks to the increased width of the body, two Euro pallets can easily fit into the cargo compartment. Fastening rings are provided to fix the load, and the protection of the load can be additionally provided with the help of a kung, a roll or a hard cover.
What accessories are there for the new Amarok
Today, there are many useful accessories for the new Volkswagen Amarok on the market that expand its functionality. Among the most popular:
- kungs;
- blinds;
- additional LED lighting;
- protective power bumpers;
- liners for cargo compartment protection;
- winches.
These elements make it possible to adapt the pickup to a wide variety of tasks — from conquering difficult off-road to long trips and recreation.
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| Kung Getlander |
Roll Tessera Roll+ E-Kit |
Off-road
The new generation of Amarok has become even more confident off-road thanks to reduced overhangs, a fording depth of up to 800 mm and the presence of a rear locking differential. Also, the all-wheel drive system makes it possible to distribute the torque 50/50 between the axles. Of course, this is inferior in effectiveness to the forced locking of the interaxial differential. But Amarok will definitely not feel helpless outside the asphalt and its capabilities are more than enough for most off-road situations.
Also worthy of attention is the appearance of a downshift in cars with an automatic gearbox. In the last generation, it was available only on "mechanics".
Amarok 2024 interior
The Amarok interior has a common basis with Ford, but the German brand tried to make its version the most premium. Volkswagen has added a few of its own touches, such as a branded steering wheel, unique seats and trim elements.
In the initial configuration, the car is equipped with a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and in more expensive versions, an all-round view is added. In more top trim levels, artificial leather trim appears on the dashboard and doors, which creates a feeling of premiumness.
It was not without controversial moments. For example, climate control is controlled via a touch screen, which is less convenient compared to physical buttons. The multimedia system itself, available with 10.1 or 12-inch screens (depending on the configuration), supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also has an intuitive interface.
Safety and equipment
Amarok II received a high Euro NCAP safety rating. The car has nine airbags in the cabin, in particular between the driver and the passenger. It is also worth highlighting a large number of standard driver assistants. Already in the basic configuration, there are systems of automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and lane keeping assistance. More expensive versions are equipped with additional functions, such as adaptive cruise control and enhanced all-round vision capabilities.
What in the end
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| A pleasant interior that has a more premium look than other pickups; | More expensive than competitors; |
| Rear disc brakes in all configurations; | Many similarities with the more affordable Ford Ranger; |
| High carrying capacity and spacious body; | Inconvenient management of climate control; |
| Good handling and high comfort for its class; | Absence of higher configurations on the Ukrainian market. |
| A large selection of add. equipment and electronic assistants; | |
| High level of security. |
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok successfully combines comfort, functionality and style, offering a premium product in the pickup class. However, its close relationship with the Ford Ranger has caused mixed reactions among the brand's fans, especially given the higher price. However, the Amarok remains a worthy choice for those looking for a versatile car for work and leisure with a quality interior and a wide range of features.
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