WUNDERKIND
THE AMAROK’S EIGHT-SPEED BREAKS ALL THE RULES, BUT IT’S
BRILLIANTLY CLEVER AND CAPABLE. AND IN CORE SPEC, IT’S DIRT-CHEAP.J
UST in case you weren’t aware, the
Amarok comes with two different
gearboxes mated to their own 4x4
system. The six-speed manual comes with
conventional dual-range, part-time 4x4. On
paper this traditional 4x4 system looks like the
pick, given the automatic doesn’t have a two-
speed transfer case. But that’s not the case – far
from it, in fact.
Importantly, the low first gear of the
eight-speed auto and the torque converter’s
high stall ratio help counter the lack of low-
range gearing. The 4x4 system mated to the
auto transmission also has the benefit of a
self-proportioning and self-locking centre
differential, similar to what you’ll find in a
Land Rover Discovery or Range Rover, which
delivers off-road benefits as well as the on-road
functionality of full-time 4x4.
The Amarok auto’s 4x4 system is so clever
you can go from cruising down the freeway at
any speed straight onto a steep and gnarly off-
road climb without touching a lever or a single
button. And the Amarok auto will get the job
done as well as, if not better than, any other ute
in its class. It’s simply astonishing.
If you do get into trouble the Amarok has a
driver-switched rear locker to call upon and,
unlike the rear locker on the HiLux and the
Triton, activating the Amarok’s rear lockerdoesn’t cancel the electronic traction control, so
it’s another win-win.
The Amarok has a smallish 2.0-litre engine,
but thanks to its bi-turbo arrangement it still
offers power and torque that’s competitive in its
class. The engine stands out for its willingness
to rev harder than those of its competitors, and
it’s also strong off idle. That’s the benefit of
having one smaller and one larger turbo.
By modern diesel standards the Amarok’s
engine is smooth, quiet and refined, while
the eight-speed auto is sweet in terms of
shift quality, shift speed and shift timing. The
Amarok’s chassis maintains the same polished
performance as the engine and offers precise
steering and surprisingly sporty handing.
The Amarok has a big, spacious and
comfortable cabin with supportive front seats,
tilt-and-reach steering wheel adjustment for
the driver, and the widest back seat in its class.
The Core spec is basic yet functional, but the
deletion of the 12-volt outlet from the dash-top
and another from the tub (both standard on
other Amarok models) are notable negatives.
The softer-riding ‘Comfort’ rear leaf springs
(optional elsewhere on Amarok 4x4s) also
aren’t available on the Core.
At the time of writing the automatic was a
‘special’ no-cost option, providing a saving of
$3000. That’s almost too good to ignore.PRICE $45,990 ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cyl bi-turbo-diesel
VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK TDI420 CORE
ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cyl bi-turbo-diesel
POWER: 132kW
TORQUE: 420Nm
GEARBOX: eight-speed automatic
4X4 SYSTEM: single-range full-time
FRONT SUSPENSION: independent/coil
springs
REAR SUSPENSION: live axle/leaf springs
KERB WEIGHT: 1989kg
GVM: 3040kg
TOWING CAPACITY: 3000kg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 80 litres
ADR FUEL CLAIM: 8.3L/100kmhttp://www.4X4australia.com.au 474