Friday, 26 May 2023 10:55

Second generation Amarok ups the stakes

Written by  Mark Daniel
The new Amarok is not only a comfortable drive on road but also when taken off-road. The new Amarok is not only a comfortable drive on road but also when taken off-road.

The first-generation VW Amarok – launched back in 2010 – has built a reputation based on comfort, handling and ability that has led to more 7700 of the vehicles being driven on New Zealand’s roads.

The recent arrival of the second generation – obviously the German manufacturer doesn’t rush things – is the result of a joint venture with Ford. This included many hours of R&D in Victoria, Australia, before the vehicle was signed off for production in South Africa.

Kevin Richards, GM - VW commercial vehicles NZ, says during development the company decided that some items were non-negotiable.

“Such as a 3.5-tonne towing ability across the range, the ability to fit a Euro pallet between the wheel arches in the load area, rear disc brakes, the handling of an SUV and the ‘feel’ of a Volkswagen.”

The result is an undeniably handsome vehicle that compared to MARK DANIEL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. the old model, is 10cm longer, has a 17cm wider wheelbase and 300mm better wading depth at 800mm. The only visible items carried over from the Ford ute are the door mirrors, door handles and – strangely – the key fob.

Available in Life, Style, Pan Americana and Aventura versions, the entry level machine features a 4-cylinder 2.0l turbo diesel. This pushes out 125kW/405Nm, mated to a six-speed auto transmission. Moving up a notch sees the arrival of a twinturbo, 4-cylinder, delivering 154kW/500Nm, now mated to a 10-speed transmission. The two high-spec variants receive a 3.0 litre turbo, 6-cylinder lump, again mated to the 10-speed transmission, but putting out 184kW/600Nm.

Throughout the range, VW’s 4-Motion, parttime 4WD system is used, with the operator offered the choice of 2WD High, 4WD-Low and 4WD High in the life and Style versions. Meanwhile, the two higher-spec machines have the addition of 4WD-Auto that – depending on conditions – can automatically shift the front/rear drive ratios from 0:100 to 50:50.

Across the range, a mechanical rear mechanical diff lock can be used to increase traction in poor conditions.

Driving modes include Normal, Eco, Slippery and Load/Trailer options. The latter induces higher engine revs between transmission shifts to stop “hunting” between ratios, alongside engaging engine braking effect on downhill sections.

Look out for a more in-depth review in an upcoming issue of Rural News.

More like this

LDC looking to raise its game

While the LDV brand has been available in New Zealand for a number of years, it’s typically been recognised as a second tier offering. That has started to change after distribution passed to the Inchcape Group in 2023, who are on a trajectory to improve that public perspective, and in due course, push sales upwards.

A JAC for all trades

While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and five retail outlets.

Jimny goes 5-door

Fifty years ago, Suzuki was a pioneer in developing a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with fourwheel drive capability and low fuel consumption. Suzuki Development of the original Jimny in 1968 and the LJ10 Jimny arrived in 1970 it was the first mass production 4WD in the Japanese domestic mini-car category.

Featured

Fruit fly controls to remain in place

According to Biosecurity New Zealand, legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe will remain in place until mid-February.

NZ genetic engine version 6 launched

The rollout of the New Zealand Genetic Evaluation Version 6 is said to mark a step-change in the depth and breadth of genetic information available to both stud and commercial sheep breeders.

Harvest samples sought for crop nutrient project

Arable growers are being invited to supply samples of their harvested crops as part of a project which uses an alternative approach to determining how well they are managing their biggest input - fertiliser.

National

New insights into rural fire risk

New student research from the University of Canterbury in partnership with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) could improve knowledge…

Embrace mechanical weeding now

Mechanical weeding is exploding in Europe because increasing resistance means they have "run out of herbicide", says Canterbury agronomist Charles…

China still a good option

The ongoing rise of the Chinese middle class will drag up demand for New Zealand products there in the future.

UAE FTA signed

New Zealand’s free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now been signed.

Machinery & Products

Batten Buddy - cleverly simple

Stopping livestock from escaping their environment is a “must do” for any farmers or landowners and at times can seem…

U10 Pro Highland a step up

A few weeks after driving the CF MOTO U10 Pro ‘entry level’ model, we’ve had a chance to test the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Drunk on power!

OPINION: The end-of-year booze-up at the posh Northern Club in Auckland must have been a beauty, as the legal 'elite'…

Time has come?

OPINION: It divides opinion, but the House has passed the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter