potential hazards around the vehicle when you are manoeuvring. In line with VW’s well-established


policy, Amarok Style is packed with plenty of other on-board safety and driver assistance devices, including adaptive cruise control.


The line-up further embraces lane


assist, which stops you wandering out of lane; a side assist lane-change system that warns you if vehicles are on course to enter your blind spot; and dynamic road sign display. Installed, too, is park assist with park distance control, which helps you manoeuvre into a parking space, and rear traffic alert, which triggers a warning if you are about to reverse into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Perhaps the most important safety


feature, however – and one that is found on all Amaroks – is autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring. It alerts the driver if they are about to run into something or somebody, and applies the brakes if no action is taken. Electronic stability control is present too along with front, side, curtain and knee airbags.


Ford Ranger


■ Price range (ex VAT)


■ Gross payload


■ Braked towing weight


£27,550–48,800 652-1,207kg


2,500–3,500kg


■ Engines 175hp, 205hp, 210hp 2.0 diesel, 240hp 3.0 diesel, 292hp 3.0 petrol


Verdict: There are two key differences between Ranger and Amarok. The former comes as a single cab, with more stress on entry-level specifications. It is also marketed in Raptor guise, with a petrol (yes, petrol) V6 engine with almost 300hp on tap. How does that square with Ford’s focus on battery- electric technology and zero- emissions? We love the petrol V6; so long as we’re not paying for fuel!


Isuzu D-Max


■ Price range (ex VAT)


■ Gross payload


■ Braked towing weight


■ Engines


£23,004–49,640 1,045–1,205kg


2,500-3,500kg 164hp 1.9 diesel


Verdict: While we’ve got a lot of time for D-Max, there is no denying that it is falling way behind in the power stakes. Isuzu really needs to give some thought to offering a model with at least 200hp on tap if it is not to lose out to its rivals. It would be a pity if it did fall down because D-Max is a solidly-built truck. Packed full of safety features and backed by a dealer network, its ideally suited to supporting customers who require pick-ups for use as working tools rather than for leisure.


Toyota Hilux


■ Price range (ex VAT)


■ Gross payload


£27,777–60,187 1,000–1,030kg


■ Braked towing weight 3,500kg ■ Engines


150hp 2.4 diesel, 204hp 2.8 diesel


Verdict: The biggest change Hilux has undergone in recent years is the long-awaited power boost it has received with the introduction of a 200hp-plus diesel. Its arrival was accompanied by the advent of an upgraded interior, a restyled exterior and a variety of useful mechanical changes. Noted for its durability, Hilux is without doubt a tough working tool, but one not short of creature comforts. Residual values should be healthy given that it has a reputation for being unbreakable.


Rivals


Electric windows are installed in all four doors and the heated exterior rear- view mirrors are electrically-adjustable. They fold in automatically and groaned in protest every time they did so on our demonstrator, prompting us to look for our trusty spray-can of WD40. The driver’s seat can be adjusted 10 ways electrically, and that of course includes the ability to alter the height. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is height-adjustable too, so most people should be able to find a comfortable driving position.


The front passenger seat offers eight different electric adjustments. Storage facilities include a big lockable glove box with a second compartment above it, a roomy lidded bin between the two front seats along with a couple of cup-holders and a tray on top of the dashboard. You will find a holder for your sunglasses just


@whatvan September 2023 WhatVan? 25


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