VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK BUYING A USED...


The Amarok’s absence from the new market bolstered used prices, but can they hold up now? asks Ian Shaw


Five best options


1) V6 engine 2) Automatic transmission 3) Highline trim 4) Trendline trim 5) Dealer accessory packs


Buyer’s Guide Used Vans


Five best avoided


1) 140hp engine 2) 160hp engine 3) Manual gearbox 4) Aventura trim 5) Non-approved accessories


he Volkswagen Amarok always had one stand-out feature in its class. It was the only standalone design of new entrants during its lifetime (2010–20). Other new kids on the plot in this period were Fiat’s Fullback – simply a re-badged Mitsubishi L200 – and the Mercedes-Benz X-Class – a (heavily revised) version of Nissan’s Navara. Volkswagen has played this game


T


before, way back in the late ‘80s, its Taro was a Toyota Hilux with VW roundels applied front and rear, and the new Amarok is a version of the Ford Ranger. VW is not stupid, the Hilux was the best pick-up of its day and (without wishing to set Twitter all-a-twitter) I believe that the Ranger is the best-of -breed today.


Second-hand buys Version


V6 TDI Highline V6 TDI Highline V6 TDI Highline V6 TDI Trendline V6 TDI Highline


From 2010 to 2020 the Amarok was the only standalone design of new entrants to the pick-up market


In the UK at least the Amarok is only available as the full four-door five-seat double-cab. This means the load length is moderate by van standards but par for the course at 1,555mm with a load width of 1,621mm; meaning long loads will go in sideways – messing with your head! Between the wheel arches, this pinches to 1,225mm with a sidewall height of 780mm. Load height is, of course, unrestricted in standard form or varies with your choice of aftermarket hardtop. The load bed is some 775mm off the ground. Payloads range from 1,030kgs to 1,145 kgs, so all versions managed to hit the VAT reclaim threshold with gross weights at up to 3.3 tonnes.


Depending upon engine type and trim the Amarok would tow up to 3.1 tonnes. It is 5,250mm long and 2,250mm wide sitting upon a 3.1- metre wheelbase. So, it’s 3.0-tonne van size will fit onto a domestic driveway but not a marked parking bay (nor will a Range Rover or Audi Q7 so it’s a moot point). The driving position and levels of visibility mean its bulk is no issue, most of the time. Although some off-road sections might bring you close to the undergrowth, in truth, anything with this wheelbase isn’t going to manoeuvre like a quad-bike. On the road it drives really well. Unladen the ride is bit choppy but settles


Plate 18 19 69 20 70 Year 2018 2019 2019 2020 2020 Mileage 120,500 64,100 88,000 24,800 48,495 Price ex.VAT £21,995 £31,495 £21,995 £127,550 £48,495


half-loaded and although the automatic is a boon, the manual gear change is strong and slick. The V6 engine (from 2016 onwards with improved interior, too) is the most desirable and hence we picked five such examples for the price table. The four-pot Bi-turbo TDI should not be overlooked, particularly in 180hp guise, and in truth it’s all you’ll ever need. But of course, you may simply want the V6. The Trendline, kicks-off with 17in alloys (best for off-road tyres) DAB, A/C, cruise control and Bluetooth. The Highline adds heated leather seats, Bi-Xenon headlights, parking sensors and 18in alloys, but no SatNav – which seems a bit penny-pinching. You have to get the Aventura to know where you’re going but it adds 20in wheels, chrome-bars and a fake (plastic) sump guard, although automatic lights with cornering function are also up for grabs.


Any version gives you a high-quality


build, great engines, good (if not class-best) loading, decent kit and cab comfort with an excellent dealer network. For those reasons, the first- generation Amarok really stands out.


@whatvan August 2023 WhatVan? 35


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