Volkswagen Amarok offers fun, games and utility
The pick-up segment in the one-ton class is subscribed to utility value, but also to driving pleasure. ntv.de has now tested the variants with the basic four-cylinder engine.
Admittedly, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok is no longer a novelty. It is also well known that the commercial vehicle specialists from Hanover are reaching into the Ford shelves this time (Ford in turn receives other components from Lower Saxony). The Volkswagen Kraxler is an adapted Ford Ranger, which incidentally still rolls off the production line at Ford's South African production facility in Silverton near Pretoria.
What is new, however, is the option of traveling with the basic variants (from 47,122 euros), which do not have a cultivated, bullish six-cylinder diesel under the sheet metal. Instead, there is down-to-earth fare in the form of a simpler four-cylinder turbodiesel. This delivers either 170 or 205 hp. The latter figure, at least, no longer sounds completely earthy, but you can say that for the basic performance. Especially as the 5.39 meter long (3.27 meter wheelbase) lump weighs around 2.2 tons. The question remains as to how attractive the package with the basic drivetrain is.
And if you're going to go basic, then do it properly. So at the event, I grab the only model brought along by Volkswagen, which not only has the lowest power output available, but also a manual six-speed gearbox. Enough to activate the pleasure center in my brain? Volkswagen is certainly doing everything it can to put this to the test. The company from Lower Saxony has rented the private grounds around Ehreshoven Castle, near Cologne, with numerous impassable obstacles for conventional cars. Here the route is crossed by transverse tree trunks, deep hollows, extreme inclines and water holes in which entire small cars could disappear.
Even though the Amarok is primarily intended as a transport tool and is probably used as such in practice with its expansive flatbed, presumably mainly on the road, its off-road capabilities are at the highest level. While the off-road values, such as the slope angle of 29 degrees at the front and 22 degrees at the rear, are probably only relevant to a certain, special target group, every child understands that it is not bad if you can cross water heights of over 78 centimeters. A Mercedes G-Class, for example, "only" manages 70 centimeters.
The Amarok is a hardcore off-road vehicle
The course here is long and initially feigns harmlessness as the instructor in front gallops over the loose scree. Here, the 405 Newton meter engine still pushes easily and remains effortless, although a certain starting weakness cannot be denied. The basic model is not really phlegmatic with 11.6 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h and 180 km/h at the top. And the slightly pithy running culture suits the boyish car.
But then the expert asks for a short break, which all the followers use to activate the off-road reduction. Now the gear ratio is much shorter - enough to start off in second gear. And when turning the corner afterwards, it becomes clear why the expert asked for the so-called low range. Because suddenly the passage not only becomes extremely full of obstacles, but also damn steep. And you want to start off on this slope with loose ground? When you look out of the windshield, all you can see is the sky - a car is supposed to come up here?
If your hands get clammy just reading this, don't worry. All you have to do is slowly release the clutch at idling speed and the Amarok crawls off with unbridled power. Unstoppably, it climbs the hill and then defies the next trap. This time it's a one-sided hollow that limits traction because the left and right wheels are alternately suspended in the air. How fortunate that the Volkswagen has differential locks. If the differential worked in its original function, the free-standing wheel would turn in the air, while the one with grip would receive no torque (the fixed wheel in the differential would roll off the moving one). In the locked state, on the other hand, the through-drive is rigid - both wheels of an axle are driven and the vehicle always moves forward.
Even tree trunks and large stones are no problem for the Kraxler thanks to its enormous angle of attack. You don't need a distinguished six-cylinder engine for this kind of playground, just the right mechanics. Incidentally, the Amarok runs efficiently on the road (8.6 liters of diesel/100 kilometers) with one driven axle.
The Volkswagen is expensive with full equipment
Incidentally, the four-cylinder engine can also be a little more subtle. Although the all-wheel drive can always be engaged, there are also 4Motion versions with an automatic mode for the line with a mode for permanent four-wheel drive. In this case, the center of power distribution consists of an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch and you don't have to worry about the Kraxler with the stable ladder frame tensing up when cornering due to the rigid through-drive. The whole thing can also be garnished with a lockable rear axle differential. However, this also easily pushes the price over the 60,000 euro mark.
Finally, we take to the road with the 205 hp version. This pushes along with sufficient enthusiasm and is even given a comfortable touch with the smooth-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission. The smooth running of the two-liter is perfectly acceptable.
A look at the interior is a must. It goes without saying that in 2023, infotainment fans also need and want to be offered something. Accordingly, the instrument cluster consists of a display area and has all kinds of gimmicks. These include various graphical displays along with attractive interfaces to present on-board computer and off-road data in a more exciting way. Those in the know will recognize the architecture with the large touchscreen in the middle as a Ford creation - "VW" logo on the steering wheel or not. But it doesn't matter, it's still cozy and spacious even in the rear of the cabin, which is equipped with two rows of seats.
It should be noted that the Amarok also has countless assistants, which now include automatic parking. Whether this leads to more sales remains to be seen. The fact that it can tow 3.5 tons might be more exciting. And the new Amarok is exciting anyway. Even with the four-cylinder engine.
Read also:
The Ford Ranger, which serves as the basis for the Volkswagen Amarok, also offers an all-terrain variant, ensuring that both brands cater to off-road enthusiasts. Despite Volkswagen's extensive range of models, their Amarok pick-up still has strong ties with the Ford brand, as evident from the shared platform.
Once considered a niche segment, all-terrain vehicles like the Volkswagen Amarok have become popular options for those seeking adventure and outdoor exploration, rivaling traditional SUVs in terms of off-road capabilities.
Source: www.ntv.de
