On the center console are located (from bottom to top) the air conditioning unit, touch screen multimedia system and at the very "top" of the dashboard - a platform for small items and a 12V socket 
On the center console are located (from bottom to top) the air conditioning unit, the touch screen of the multimedia system and on the very "top" of the dashboard - a platform for small items and a 12V socket. But in addition, the Amarok needs to be “lifted” only specifically for the competition. With its standard 240mm of ground clearance, it handles large rocks, curbs, ice blocks and other obstacles just fine.
As usual
December 21 passed as usual. Canned food, dried fruits and bottled drinking water were not useful to us (there are special pockets for one and a half liter bottles in the front doors, and for liter bottles in the rear doors), stocked in case of emergency.
Eh, it was not possible to test Amarok in a constant struggle for life. I had, as usual, to ride along country paths, but to stand for hours in Moscow traffic jams.
The Germans like to emphasize that Amarok is the first fully European pickup truck. Although in fact they are cunning, because the "antediluvian" "Defender" has long been produced with this type of body. Yes, in line Volkswagen cars four-wheel drive pickups have met before, however, commercial minibuses were chosen as the basis for them, recall at least the T3 model of the early nineties.
But the main thing is not the degree of superiority of this or that manufacturer, but the fact that the first Volkswagen pickup truck turned out to be completely different from anyone! Yes, already by one inspiring respect and at the same time stylish appearance of the Amarok, it becomes obvious that the car is designed competently, balanced according to all the main criteria and verified in detail.
The downsizing in engine volume did not hurt the dynamics of the car. At the same time, the pickup, of course, turned out to be very economical - on average, 10.2 liters of diesel fuel are consumed per 100 kilometers, and in the most serious traffic jams, fuel consumption does not rise above 13.5 liters.
By the way, the Amarok engine control unit can be easily reflashed at any authorized dealer for an extra charge without losing the warranty. This procedure will add another 30-40 hp. in case the standard 180 hp. still not enough. But keep in mind that the power and torque characteristics in this case will move “even further from off-road” - towards high revs.
The German pickup turned out to be not only technically perfect, stylish, ergonomic and comfortable. It is not at all like the "workhorse" with which it is customary to associate pickups. No, in the city no one shy away from him with disgust. On the contrary, as mentioned earlier, he is eye-catching. Even owners of more expensive premium crossovers are eyeing the toffee-colored pickup truck.
At the same time, despite its impressive dimensions and a significant passport turning circle of 6.5 meters (the steering wheel makes 2.8 turns from lock to lock), Amarok does not become a reason for smiles and ridicule of ordinary inhabitants, whose favorite pastime is to watch unfortunate motorists, vainly trying to park on the congested streets of the metropolis. Of course, a German pickup truck needs more parking space than ordinary cars, but if a suitable site is still found, it will not be difficult to attach an impressive Amarok to it.
All-round visibility is beyond praise, all the "ends" of the pickup, except for the stern, are perfectly visible. “But what about when you need to take a little back?” - you ask. There are two options: either get out of the car and see how much free space is left behind it, or, preferably, order an optional rear parking sensor for 12,400 rubles. For front bumper parking sensors are also available, you will have to pay another 9,700 rubles for them.
Amarok is quite safe - complete set of systems active safety, front and side airbags and four stars on Euro versions NCAP. All electronic assistants function flawlessly, and even the off-road ABS on snow really works a little better.
The Amarok exceeds or fully meets most of the requirements that are usually placed on SUVs with a pickup body. In addition, it is very comfortable, in the version with three-leaf springs, it only slightly shakes its passengers on the asphalt waves.
Of course, it was not without annoying "blunders" and minor design miscalculations. Firstly, it is interesting to know, well, who thought of installing cup holders for rear passengers…on the floor! Open containers will not last 5 minutes there without being spilled. Secondly, beautiful chrome thresholds turn into a constant need to wash trousers or jeans. Personally, I could not get into a pickup truck with my foot on these optional steps. The boots simply slipped off due to the small width of the thresholds.
It turns out that when you have already “flopped” on the seat, you need to bring the supporting leg into the cabin “from the ground”, which turns into a constant wiping of dirty thresholds. Thirdly, I personally am not used to seeing in front of me dashboard, which does not have a coolant temperature gauge. Fourth, interior plastic though occasionally, it still rattled on bumps, and the central armrest does not have a locking mechanism. And finally, at the end of our test, the right mirror adjustment drive froze and stopped working altogether. According to information received later from the servicemen, the electrician "bugs" in the cold on all Amaroks.
If all these minor flaws do not bother you, the last thing that can make you refuse to buy Amarok is its price. The cost of an all-wheel drive version with an automatic transmission in the Highline version starts at 1,545,100 rubles, while branded options can be earned at least another half a million, which will make the German pickup significantly more expensive relative to its direct competitors. But, in my opinion, Amarok is well worth the money.
Author Dmitry Osipov, correspondent of "MotorPage" magazine Edition site Photo photo of the author
Few modern car can be so many-sided: from a workhorse with steel wheels and mono-wheel drive, to an authoritative all-wheel drive SUV with luxury options. Wherein Volkswagen Amarok always equally strong and indestructible.
The updated pickup was officially presented at the Paris auto show in September this year, and the first images appeared a few months earlier. The changes affected both the exterior, the interior, and the line of engines. What about character? Has the charisma of the German pickup changed by chance? This is what we found out during the test drive.
Chrome games
Preparing for the restyling of "Amaroka", the designers of the "people's brand" decided that to change the image of this strict male car will not. The most noticeable updates we see in the front. So, the radiator grille has become more impressive due to more chrome jumpers, the fog lights became angular (they used to be round), expensive versions received bi-xenon headlights with built-in C-shaped daytime running lights. 
In profile to distinguish updated pickup and “dorestyle” will be another task, only cast 20-inch wheel disks with a new pattern. In our country, only the version is available with four doors and a loading platform length of 1555 mm. This indicator, by the way, is the highest among competitors in the Ukrainian market. Thanks to the width of 1222 mm (between the wheel arches), a standard Euro pallet will fit in the body, and in general its area is 2.52 square meters. meters. 
Depending on the modification the load capacity of the machine ranges from 650 to 1150 kg, so our car with its 838 kg is an average. Ground clearance 265 mm - a real rarity in modern world where SUVs and similar crossovers rule the roost. In combination with the entry / exit angles of 29.5 and 24 degrees, this clearance provides excellent geometric cross-country ability, and fords up to half a meter deep are also not a hindrance to us.
From the rear, the changes are smaller, we see only a new bumper and darkened rear lights. But in general, a lot of nice options have been added to the car. Among them are the illumination of the cargo compartment, athermal and tinted windows, LED illumination of the steps when opening the car, etc. By the way, in the list of official accessories wide choose various "roofs" and add-ons for the cargo compartment (plastic cover, roller shutter, kung, chrome-plated roll bar, etc.). Car owners may not understand this, but pickup drivers will appreciate such an assortment: few people want to wet with rain and sprinkle snow on their cargo. 
Closer to the passenger brotherhood
Buyers of the first Amarok complained about not enough comfortable lounge, and in the restyled pickup, these wishes are taken into account. Now to distinguish the torpedo of the hero of our test from others large machines marks will be difficult. The front panel has become more angular, air deflectors have received more rectangular shape. The rustic bagel has given way comfortable steering wheel, sheathed in leather and with tides for the fingers in the upper sector. The buttons on the horizontal spokes can control music, the connected phone and the on-board computer menu. 
The style of the torpedo was borrowed from the company's passenger models.
The multifunction steering wheel is comfortable and easy to understand.
The instrument panel has not changed much. Between the speedometer and tachometer in rich trim levels vertical color display, to which you can display the phone book, and the temperature of technical fluids, and hints of the navigation system. 
The color display of the board computer was taught to show navigation.
On the center console, the main place was given to the touch screen of the Discover Media infotainment system with a diagonal of 6.33 inches. In addition to navigation and music, the screen displays a picture from the rear view camera, which is remarkable for its location - in a recess in the footboard area below the tailgate. The place of installation was chosen very well, even in rain and slush, the lens remains clean, and transmits the real picture to the monitor. When maneuvering, you can turn on the parking assistant, and the parking sensors will specifically tell you which side to expect trouble from. 
Large, drawn keys and excellent screen responsiveness allow you to keep your eyes on the road.
Even in relatively cold weather (during the days of the test, the temperature outside sometimes dropped below zero degrees), the stove warms up the interior very quickly, which is not always the case in modern diesel cars. Dual zone climate control Climatronic and airflow channels for the gallery allow you to adjust the optimal temperature not only in front, but also in the back row. front leather seats they have excellent lateral support, which turned out to be appropriate on rough terrain. 
The driver's seat is designed for a large person - there is a lot of space everywhere.
Volkswagen boasts that the Amaroka ergonomic chairs, under its own name ergoComfort, with 14 directions of adjustment, are approved by the German association of vertebrologists - doctors who treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system and spine. Unusually, they have an adjustment of the popliteal roller - it is mechanical (unlike other electric drives). At first I perceived this handle as a door to the compartment under the seat, but then I understood its functionality and appreciated how quickly it allows you to adjust the length of the pillow for yourself. 
Almost all seat adjustments (except for the length of the pillow) are electric.
There was unexpectedly plenty of space in the gallery.
We talked about the trunk and its dimensions in the chapter on the body, because the cargo compartment is located on the street. But even in the cabin there was a place for several compartments for small things. So, deep glove box holds A4 documents. If you fold the back of the second row, we get access to a small narrow compartment in which a jack and a set of standard tools are hidden. Comfortable! 
Behind the back of the second row there was a place for a regular tool.
Talking about what will fit here is stupid. It will be easier to list what does not fit here.
Instantly!
At first glance, the impressive Volkswagen Amarok should not impress with its dynamics. It doesn’t strike, but it takes another – with its simply wild torque. 420 Newton meters, which are already available from 1500 rpm, easily lift a pickup truck up a steep hill, help you easily jump from a place to a high curb, and even hint at the seriousness of intentions at a traffic light. All in all, 2.0 liter turbodiesel in 180 hp version, which we took for the test, endows the car with a decisive and at the same time reliable character. 
Diesel thrust is enough even for a loaded car.
For all that, the VW Amarok remains modern European car and is always trying to save me some money. Therefore, whenever possible, the car tries to upshift in order to lower the engine speed and reduce fuel consumption. So 30 km / h and the "fourth" is a reality. In total, there are 8 steps in the automatic transmission, which change simply imperceptibly. 
On the eve of this winter, I decided to test the box for its readiness for starts on slippery road. Yes please! Need to move smoothly from the "second"? We switch to manual mode and move "in tightness". Yes, still about appetite: it is average at Amarok, in the city you can meet 11 liters per 100 kilometers, outside the city, at a reasonable speed for such a car (up to 110 km / h), the on-board computer will almost constantly show 8-9 liters per "hundred". 
It is felt that the interior engineers have worked a lot on soundproofing, the diesel rumble is heard less than before. But still, at above 100 km / h, the type of engine can be easily determined. There are cars on which you want or don’t want to, but you have to slow down before bumps, on some cars with a comfortable energy-intensive suspension you can not slow down. And behind the wheel of our today's hero I even want to press the gas before the next pothole, or the “washboard” of a dirt road. Such an energy-intensive and at the same time comfortable suspension can not boast of any pickup truck on the domestic market. For several days of the test, I did not manage to find a hole in which the pickup suspension would break through. At the same time, calling it too roll would also be wrong. Of course, in an unloaded form, when “taxiing”, he strives to demonstrate a roll, but this was observed at speeds above average. 
On our car with an "automatic" - a constant four-wheel drive with self-locking Torsen differential, which by default distributes the torque between the axles in a ratio of 40:60. From the possibilities of manual control of the transmission - only the transition to the second, off-road mode, in which the engine settings and the center differential change. Most of the Ukrainian "Amaroks" in their arsenal also have a forced cross-axle rear axle lock. 
To whom is the body?
Pickups in our country are not the most popular class four-wheel drive vehicles. And it seems to us, absolutely in vain. Suspension resistant to any roads, all-wheel drive, the presence of many passenger options, large saloon, huge luggage compartment - isn't this the perfect portrait universal car for an independent and practical Ukrainian? And if you add here a couple more purely "Amarok" advantages, such as efficiency and comfort of the running gear, then the thought creeps in: “And why did they come up with all these hatchback sedans?”
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Imagine that you need to quickly throw a gravel dump truck. Not independently, of course, but with the help of a specially trained team of good fellows. So, who would you rather entrust this responsible mission to - broad-shouldered guys of the "blood and milk" system or wiry guys the size of Jackie Chan? Even knowing for sure that their labor productivity is identical, you will probably hire those that are larger. And all because in hard work, size still matters. At least psychological.
So the Volkswagen Amarok has so far experienced a certain image discomfort. It seems to be a solid, stern frame pickup truck, and under the hood you can’t find anything larger than a two-liter turbodiesel. And while competitors (and this is Hilux and L200) proudly brandished their 2.4- and 2.7-liter units, Volkswagen only had to make excuses: “No, don’t think, I’m also much more!”
Indeed, in terms of power, the pre-styling pickup truck was in no way inferior to Toyota and Mitsubishi, and even ahead of them in terms of carrying capacity and towing capabilities. But you understand: two liters is two liters ...
In general, they endured, endured, and put a convincing end to ridicule. The frivolous “four” was politely asked from under the hood of the Amarok, putting in its place a normal male V6 about three liters at once. And not anyhow, but a whole (prepare a reverent face) 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel Generation II Evo. What's the name, huh? But no, this is not the engine from the Falcon rocket and not even the engine of the Le Mans Audi R18. Although the beast is very thoroughbred. Its previous versions can be found in the arsenal, for example, of Phaeton and Tuareg, but this very modification of Evo has been put on the Audi A6 / A7 since the year before last.
True, in the name of endurance for the Amarok, the engine was deformed: if on Audi it develops up to 272 hp. and 600 Nm, then the most powerful option for a pickup truck is capable of 224 “horses” and 550 “Newtons”. Which, in general, is also not sickly. A little later, 163- and 204-strong modifications will appear, and the old “four” in Europe will be done away with.
External changes - a sufficient minimum: bumper, headlights, grille. back did not touch at all. Although, on the other hand, how much can you fantasize about in the case of a pickup truck?
But that's in Europe. But in our country it cannot be so that just once - and it's good. Therefore, the new V6 will reach Russia only in the first quarter of 2017, only in the powerful version and only with the most expensive trim levels. Less wealthy and pretentious customers will be offered to take "time-tested" two-liter units. Yes, yes, for Russia (and at the same time for Latin America, which makes Amaroka a solid box office), they remain in service.
But there were no real reasons to cry about what the evil marketers have deprived us of at the premiere presentation. Simply because the organizers brought there just those cars that the Russians will still be able to touch next year.
And the cars, as it turned out, are excellent.
It's only when you drive an Amarok with a V6 that you realize how much this engine has been missing in the pickup truck before. The Four, of course, were diligent and hardworking, but when they were required to solve really difficult problems, whining began: “Boy, why did you get this into your head? It's hard for me. I’ll do it, of course, but know this: I’m tearing all my veins for you! ”
But the three-liter engine does not complain about anything and does not ask unnecessary questions. It is necessary to do - takes and does. It is necessary - up to three and a half tons of cargo on a trailer will be dragged away, it is necessary - a frightening-looking lift will be mastered, and without any run-up. And it’s necessary - it will famously disperse the heavy carcass of the Amarok from a traffic light (7.9 seconds to a hundred - this is a figure!) Or cheerfully carry it past some kind of scum trudging along the highway at a ridiculous 120 km / h.
The high speeds of the Amarok V6 are not intimidating, and the sudden kick-downs do not confuse the eight-speed "automatic", which has remained here from the previous two-liter "tenants". Great! And all this - under a pleasant, self-sufficient baritone, almost spared from diesel rattling. Has a pickup truck finally appeared that can be easily and pleasantly driven not only off-road, but also around cities and between them?
Amarok still has three transmission types. The simplest versions have rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual. All-wheel drive with a connected front axle is combined with the same box. And all "Amaroks" with an eight-speed "automatic" are permanent all-wheel drive, with a Torsen center differential and an optional rear wheel diff lock.
If you have a relatively strong and unpretentious ass, then yes. Because Amarok is still frame, and its rear suspension is still spring. And about comfort, especially with an empty body, you can only talk with a bunch of reservations and a discount on the class. Blows from small and medium bumps are quite tolerable, on large pits there is almost no “goat” feed, and the word “breakdown” in the lexicon of the chassis, of course, is absent as such. The steering wheel, now equipped with an electric booster instead of hydraulics, the pickup obeys quite adequately, and when trying to drive into a “racing” turn, it does not seek to touch the roadside with the roof.
But it is worth transferring from the Amarok to the first crossover that comes across, and it becomes clear that its coordinate system is completely different. If the cast-iron blanks that you carry in the back do not split in half from shaking, then everything is in order with a smooth ride. The rest is optional extras. But in its harsh frame world this guy is probably one of the most intelligent.
This concerns not only driving habits, but also such an optional element for pickups as the interior. It can be said that Amarok has a completely new one: only the door handles and the logo on the steering wheel remained from the former. Also, I'm not sure about the last one.
A wide horizontal strip stretched across the entire front panel, round ventilation deflectors lost in numbers, but added in the number of corners, and all typical Volkswagen elements like the climate control unit, multimedia and steering wheel are now aligned with the rest of the brand's models. Simply put, the fittings from the fifth Golf were replaced with parts from the seventh.
Sitting here is uncomfortable, there are not enough adjustment ranges even for a person of the most average height, the instruments are disgusting to read, ergonomics are devoid of any logic, one half of the buttons does not work, and the second creaks when pressed and barely stays in place. Perhaps someday similar words will appear in the text about Volkswagen, but, sorry, not now. Because Amarok, like any of its modern relatives with a couple of letters on the emblem, deserves exactly the opposite characteristics.
Of course, the update did not turn it into a Touareg - if only because the finishing materials here are much simpler, and plastic is used exclusively in two varieties: hard and super-hard. But after all, the task of switching to premium was not there!
The interior of a pickup truck should first of all slowly get dirty and wash quickly, and then everything else. And the client is much more interested not in pampering with some decorative inserts from the beak of a South African pygmy woodpecker, but in the presence of the “Fully rubber floor” item in the configurator. And Amarok has it.
Off-road, Amarok is still doing well thanks to big moves suspension and good geometry: approach angle - 29.5 degrees, exit - 18, ramps - 20.1. Distance from the bottom of the hull rear gear to the ground - 192 millimeters.
However, he now has plenty of pampering: all of it is collected in the top version of Aventura. The seats here are upholstered in natural leather and equipped with electric drives, on dashboard a color display flaunts (in other versions it is still monochrome, but prettier), LED lighting shines in the thresholds ... Do you remember that we are still talking about a utilitarian pickup truck? In order to bring the Aventura even closer to the American trucks in tuning from Exibit, the Germans put it on 20-inch wheels and fitted inclined “fins” behind the cab - why not El Camino?
The only catch: Aventura is not just the most stuffed modification, but also a special version that will be available only for a limited time after the start of sales. So if you're in dire need of trendy (and, no doubt, very practical off-road) wheels, wait for the beginning of next year and queue up outside the dealerships.
The rest should know that the Highline version, which will also be available in Russia with a V6 engine, is in full order in terms of equipment. There are, for example, bi-xenon headlights, a rear view camera, parking sensors in a circle, a decent multimedia system with application support (but without navigation, like Aventura), and most importantly - disc brakes on the rear axle!
Thinking about how much they will ask for all this beauty is dangerous for the nervous system. A four-cylinder Amarok Canyon with almost the same list of goodies now costs 2.7 million rubles, which means that there is every risk that a car with a V6 will exceed the three millionth mark. Aventura for sure.
It is foolish to expect some exorbitant sales from such versions - their role is completely different. After all, a big pickup truck with powerful motor, leather interior, a "chandelier" on the roof and other whistles - this is not a thing about potatoes, but about the image of a tough brutal man. And, it seems, cooler than "Amarok" on Russian market none for the foreseeable future. And in the presence of such older brothers, you see, they will stop laughing at the younger ones (two-liter ones). Just in case.
+ High level of quality, handling like standard SUVs, the cabin is wider than most competitors, the list has been increased standard equipment, the lining in the trunk is an excellent and practical addition
- The diesel engine is not too outstanding and powerful compared to competitors, there are no airbags for rear passengers, the media kit is a bit outdated
How does the 2016 Volkswagen Amarok stand out from the competition?
It is a comfortable, quiet and technically advanced pickup truck with the comfort and handling of a good passenger car. In all-wheel drive configuration, it is also good for off-road. Both four-door variants and two-door utility Amarok are on sale in the Russian Federation.
What is the main problem when buying Amarok?
The high cost of a VW pickup truck, problems with servicing a German pickup truck on the territory of the Russian Federation far from big cities.
What body options does the VW Amarok have?
Single and double cab.
The Amarok is available in rear-wheel drive (but only in double cab) or four-wheel drive.
The manual VW Amarok comes in both high and low ranges. Just like on a true pickup truck, the Amarok has a , which does its job perfectly, pulling the car off the road, but also gives additional confidence on slippery surfaces (to activate it, press the 4WD button). 4WD Amarok are only equipped with a high range of gears. Their four-wheel drive works permanently.
Amarok is classified worldwide as light commercial pickup. On the territory of the Russian Federation, it is mainly used as city car or car for giving.
Technical features that Amarok has
The VW pickup is equipped with air conditioning, with the function of maintaining the set temperature, and multifunction display onboard computer.
Phone connection via Bluetooth, SD card, USB and auxiliary input sockets for electronic devices make it possible to connect all possible gadgets to the pickup truck. A 12-volt outlet is located on the center console.
The steering column is adjustable for tilt and reach, and there is height adjustment for both front seats.
Daytime running lights (which make you more visible to other road users), very handy lighting in the rear cargo area of a pickup truck, and rear parking sensors (which alert you when you're approaching an obstacle). All this makes driving the Amarok a little safer and more comfortable.
Four airbags: two directly in front of the driver and front passenger, and one next to each of the front passengers to protect the head and upper body. Unfortunately, the car clearly shows a lack of concern for the safety of the rear riders.
Electronic stability control (Electronic Stability Control), which helps the driver to control the car in a skid. This feature can often be found on passenger cars, but not on commercial vehicles.
Trailer-Sway Control, a system that helps to solve the problem of a trailer swinging from side to side, if necessary.
Electronic traction control helps the Amarok achieve progress and control on slippery off-road surfaces.
All 4WD models also have a locking rear differential to help you get even further off the road. (A lockable rear differential is also available as an option on the 2WD Amarok - a handy feature for summer residents, foremen or other citizens who do not travel far from civilization, but at the same time constantly move around dirt roads with loose mud).
All Amaroks have three year warranty Volkswagen/unlimited mileage warranty.
What other important features will I get in my Amarok?
If you set a goal, you can buy one of the most expensive trim levels Amarok Highline. It will include, according to data from www.volkswagen-commercial.ru:
Air conditioning automatic `Climatronic`, two-zone
Alloy wheels `Aldo` 8J x 17
Premium grille (double thick chrome slats)
Rear glazing - tinted, front - with heat protection light tinted greenish tint
Front bumper: in body color with chrome louvre, chrome grille edge
Rear bumper matt black with integrated footrest
Ultrasonic front and rear parking sensors with audible alarm
Side combined high airbags in front to protect the chest and head
Power windows on all doors
Exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated
Cruise control
Instrument panel improved, with 4 scales, m / f indicator `High` with trip computer, multi-page, high. permissions
Fog lights with cornering light function
And some others useful features safety and convenience.
But for such a rich package you have to pay. The current cost of Amarok Highline is 2.180.400 rubles.
Does it make sense to buy the maximum version?
Amarok, as strange as it may sound for a car worth under 2 million rubles, is a working, partly farm car. Therefore, if you need a pickup truck for work or travel, or business trips on difficult or broken roads of our vast Motherland, then it is better to purchase basic version and does not worry about electronics, sensors and other functions that are more suitable for passenger cars.
The simpler the workhorse, the less it will break down. All major mechanical and basic electronic devices pre-installed as standard:
Active safety complex ESP +: ESP, HAS, EBS, ABS (including off-road mode), ASR, EDL
Air conditioner semi-automatic `Climatic`
Frontal airbags in front, passenger - switchable
16 inch steel rims are meant to be mounted evil off-road tires high profile, they are not afraid to be crushed on the road, they are easily repaired and are inexpensive. Unlike cast 17 or even 19- inch wheels established maximum trim levels pickup VW, which are clearly not suitable for use in difficult road conditions.
Lower equipment - less equipment is installed on the car, respectively, the total weight of the car is less. Not only will this save you fuel, but it will also increase the maximum load.
And yet, a real SUV is a car with a manual transmission. IN skillful hands it will become a much more effective weapon in the fight against off-road than sleek automation.
Therefore, we believe that the most practical and thoughtful option would be to purchase the minimum configuration.
How comfortable is it to drive in a Volkswagen Amarok?
The Amarok's cab is very spacious for a pickup truck. It has the feeling of a real German car, echoing in small things with expensive versions or .
Adjustment range driver's seat, the steering column is sufficient to comfortably accommodate both short and tall drivers. The front seats in this pickup truck are well thought out, comfortable in long trips. The rear row of seats is not so merciful to its passengers. But we will make a discount, yet we have a pickup truck in front of us, and not a luxury prestigious sedan.
On the go, the Amarok is quiet and comfortable. In fact, the pickup hits with silence inside the cabin, losing only to pickups made on the basis of cars. However, on a normal road, you hear less road noise in the Amarok cabin than in many budget hatchbacks and sedans.
With the optional Comfort suspension, the Amarok is softer and more comfortable than some of its competitors.
All three engines set the standard for smooth and quiet operation, especially for diesel engines. The optional eight-speed automatic shifts easily and quickly, and is the best automatic transmission offering seamless, barely detectable .
What about security in Amarok?
The list of security systems involved in the pickup truck is average. The main emphasis is on electronic systems assistance to the driver. The driver and front passenger receive the greatest protection from airbags; rear passengers do not receive such protection.
| Airbags |
|
| ABS (Off-road ABS) |
|
| ASR (Traction Control System) |
|
| Control system for the behavior of the machine on steep ascents and descents (Hill Start and Hill Descent Assist) |
|
| Electronic differential lock |
|
| Electronic stabilization system |
|
The standard rearview camera is present only on the Highline.
All Amarok Dual-Cabs were from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Driving off-road and on the roads on the VW Amarok.
If you like to enjoy driving, then Amarok is the car you need. Accuracy of control, ease of use of dimensions, the minimum number of "blind zones", a successful layout of control systems. All this gives the necessary minimum of comfort while driving.
It doesn't matter where you use German. In modern city traffic on the road, its powerful diesel and gasoline engines will not let the car get lost among other cars. Acceleration from the Amarok is dynamic and confident.
In engine variants with two turbines, the first, small "snail" gives dynamic acceleration when you first press the accelerator pedal, the second turbine is connected to high revs bypassing the turbo lag.
Off-road, the high torque of 420 Nm, which comes from the diesel engine at 1,750 rpm, helps. A standard rear differential lock will keep you going in all conditions, and the well-protected underside of the car gives you confidence that you won't leave parts on the road.
She won’t even betray, it will be really difficult to get stuck with her.
The front is an independent multi-link suspension system, the rear is dependent, the bridge is on springs. Which improves the off-road properties of the car.
In our opinion, Amarok most qualitatively reveals the entire palette of driving qualities for which it was created. Therefore, you will get the greatest pleasure in driving off-road.
Is there life in the rear seats of the Volkswagen Amarok?
Amarok Dual Cab provides more comfort than classmates. The rear seats will not be very dough even for three adults. Legroom is also sufficient, only tall citizens can feel the inconvenience. The seating position is basically similar to that offered in SUVs, with the exception that the seat backs are in a more upright position.
The back seat itself is hard but comfortable. It also folds up (base up, back down) if you want to use the area rear seat for cargo transportation.
Mounts are provided for transporting child restraints. Therefore, Amarok can be called not only a cargo truck, but also a family pickup truck.
Volkswagen pickup capacity.
What about the transportation of goods and things? Being real pickup - Amarok designed for the carriage of goods.
The payload (weight you can carry including passengers) is from 1.168 kg for the 4x2 variant manual transmission and double cab, 989 kg for Ultimate Dual Cab or 790 kg for machine with optional Comfort suspension.
All Amaroks can tow trailers weighing up to 3 tons.
Please note that the load shown here is the maximum, do not overload the vehicle, especially when you plan to drive it off-road.
Where is the Volkswagen Amarok made?
There are only two factories in the world where Amarok is produced, the first is located in Hannover, Germany, the second in Buenos Aires, Argentina. All Amaroks that were delivered to the Russian Federation were exclusively of German assembly.
Are there any plans to update Amarok in the near future?
Amarok was put into production in 2010. Since then, Volkswagen has only partially expanded and improved its own. A completely new model is expected no earlier than 2017.
With the unkind name Amarok (giant wolf) he finally matured. With a new 3.0-litre diesel engine, it's tailor-made for real men who are crazy about fishing, hunting and other grown-up pursuits. What has changed in it?
Now Volkswagen Amarok can replace a full-size SUV. And even the overseas market became interested in them. Whether American concerns are afraid of the German "Wolf" is their question. And we have our own joy - in the Ukrainian market, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine has been added to the 2.0-liter diesel "four". We took and tested the wolf with real Ukrainian taiga.
Glitter in the snow
An imposing chrome bar above the cargo hold and large running boards are a must for a weekend pickup truck, not a workhorse. And not only manufacturers of accessories understood this. Thresholds with proprietary diode illumination and an arc calculated in computers and tested in crash tests, anyone can find in the Volkswagen brand catalog! The chromepack also touches the finishing touches around fog lights, a radiator grill with large cells, as well as a one-piece rear bumper, which is visually separated by a license plate. By the way, in the depths, next to the number, a rear-view camera was hidden (yes, on a pickup truck!). Dirt and slush are not afraid of her, except that snowflakes, with an active drive on winter off-road, jump onto the bandwagon and worsen visibility.
Even in terms of external "gadgets" "Amarok" is much closer to premium SUVs than pickups. Parktronic sensors around the perimeter of the body, washer nozzles windshield heated, chamber, heating rear window- options that not all all-wheel drive cars can boast of. The light in the Volkswagen is a separate joyful story. Led “foglights” looking into turns and a diode head light cut out all the bumps in the road from the darkness.
With all this, the car is very well prepared for off-road. 265 mm under the bottom is a very serious clearance figure. Additional protection crankcase and wide rubber mudguards are already included in standard set Volcano configuration (which is based on the Highline version). Honestly, only 19-inch rims with 255/55 tires hint that the pickup truck is closer to the city than stones and treacherous dirt. But despite this, even the first snowfall in Kiev, Amarok and I easily and even with pleasure climbed the curbs and dived into the snowdrifts, passing the unfortunate mono-drive "subcompacts". The pickup truck gave the kids the way, not because of weakness, but because of a sense of dignity. Who, if not him?
Warm and leathery
What do you expect from the car entrusted to you inside, when a real snowstorm raged on the street, and some streets turned into a virgin snowy plain in a couple of hours? Of course, first of all, heat. And Volkswagen gives it to you. If you look to the right, you will see the dual-mode heating of leather seats, if you look a little higher, you already have dual-zone climate control at your disposal. Of course, many competitors have these features. But can all large pickup trucks with large diesel engines be able to warm up the cabin hundreds of meters away? Absolutely not. But Amarok can!
The dual-zone climate control unit, although hidden under the console, is convenient to use. But just warm chairs are not enough for a modern demanding customer, they must also be comfortable. And in this matter, the hero of our test drive is all in in perfect order. Both rows of seats are upholstered in Vienna leather in two colors and have 14 adjustment positions, 12 of which are electrically adjustable. Manually changes only the position of the popliteal roller. The discreet ergoComfort badge on the side of the cushion indicates that the seats have received an award from the association of German vertebrologists as part of the Healthy Back competition. It seems to me that this is doubly important for an all-terrain vehicle: and in long journeys the back does not get tired, and when driving on a snow-covered dirt road at a speed of 60 km / h, you sit like a glove. The balance is excellent: lateral support is present, but it is moderately hard. On the second row, there is enough space for three.
The jack and tool kit are always hidden away in the warmth. The 6.33-inch touchscreen monitor is highly responsive and displays color from any viewing angle. At all, navigation system Discover Media, and we have already seen all multimedia in general on fresh passenger models concern, but this does not make them worse. A pickup truck adds a lot of comfort. "Head" is excellent friends with smartphones through the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto protocols.
If you do not seriously consider the glove compartment and niches in the doors, then the Amarok has two luggage compartments. The first is small, behind the back of the second row of seats, in this niche (this was the trunk on some sedans in the 30s of the twentieth century) a first-aid kit, a jack, a sapper shovel and other small entrenching tools are placed. The second compartment is large, and in fact purely cargo. The body area is 2.52 square meters. Maximum load capacity- 842 kg. Three liters against snow
“In front of you is a car without competitors,” my heart and my own slightly surprised eyes tell me. “But there are other pickups of a similar size,” the mind tries to soberly weigh the situation. “In fact, machines with such a voluminous and powerful diesel engine there is no more in Ukraine,” experience gives a hint. So what are we talking about? The 3.0-liter engine develops 224 hp. With. power and 550 Nm of maximum torque. The numbers are definitely not childish. Just imagine a 2.5-ton monster that accelerates from standstill to “hundreds” of faster-charged “hot hatches” of the late 90s, spending only 7.9 seconds on this procedure.
Driving around the city in an unloaded car, I suspect that the accelerating dynamics and traction reserve will never run out. When sprinting from a standstill, the increase in acceleration occurs as much as 130-140 km / h, when only some 50 km / h remains to the maximum speed. The 8-speed "automatic" "clicks" gears imperceptibly, allowing you to switch to manual mode with paddle shifters. I think that they are especially appropriate for off-road, but you rarely use them on paved roads. The fuel consumption of a high-torque pickup varies from 8 to 10.5 liters per 100 kilometers. With a full load and a weight of under three tons, these figures increase, but not significantly.
For off-road entertainment, permanent all-wheel drive with a Torsen mechanical limited slip differential is responsible. The latter divides the default torque in a ratio of 40:60. When the wheels of one axle slip, the system sends more thrust to the other axle. The Off-Road mode makes the ABS less sensitive, and wheel spin is also allowed, which is useful in snow and light mud. If you add to the arsenal and activate mechanical interlock rear cross-axle diff, then dirt or snow will have no chance at all. Imagine that on the road winter tires a pickup truck, even in snowdrifts, almost never slips and is not “led” by provocations such as sharp gas pressure, etc.
The electromechanical power steering with an increase in speed pleasantly loads the steering wheel. And on low speed parking and avoiding forest obstacles will not be difficult. Front springs and rear springs almost caught the balance between comfort for passengers and the ability to carry cargo. Empty "Amarok" occasionally throws up the stern on the "lying", but confidently holds the road and copes well with small obstacles.
word car
I have noticed more than once that cars have "weather" magic. It was Volkswagen Amarok that managed to invite snowfall to Kyiv, the only real one in the first half of winter. And he showed how it is possible to resist the elements with a whole arsenal of technologies: a flexible engine, an intelligent "automatic", an excellent off-road transmission, and many winter options. It even seemed to me that between visits to the gas station, he is omnipotent. Perhaps this is true. At least I haven't figured out who could challenge him yet.
