Nor'West News: September 07, 2023

12
Thursday September 7 2023
Classy, quality European feel to Amarok
MEET THE Volkswagen
Amarok, the German sibling of
the latest Ford Ranger and an
interesting alternative to one of
our best selling Utes.
This model-sharing arrangement
between two of the heavy
hitters of the car world, one hailing
from North America and the
other Europe, is an interesting
alliance and precursor to other
models expected to spawn.
Unlike the current all conquering
third generation Ranger
current armed with something
for everyone; a 15 strong line-up,
comprising 2WD and 4WD versions,
and the choice of single,
super, and double cab body
styles. By contrast the Amarok
is more of niche market dabbler
operating off the back of a modest
four-model line-up, all double
cabs and 4WD. Prices start at
$65,000 for the Life and peak
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
at $90,000 for the Aventura V6
turbo diesel.
Even the price leading $65,000
Life is an attractive package,
powered, albeit meekly, by a 2.0L
125kW turbo diesel that develops
405Nm of torque and is hitched
to a 6-speed automatic. There
are high expectations in the
Volkswagen camp around the
$75,000 Style with a 2.0L 154kW
500Nm diesel engine plucked
straight from the Ford Ranger
parts bin. It’s nicely appointed
with 18” alloy wheels, LED Matrix
headlights, 12” touchscreen
infotainment, ambient lighting,
and keyless entry and remote
start. There’s a nice bonus for all
Amarok owners in the form of
a standard across-the-range tow
bar.
The high spec $88,000 Amarok
Pan Americana being reviewed
here has a stronger off road bias.
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
If you need a large combative and
capable Ute in most terrains, this
one fits the bill with its beefy 3.0L
184kW 600NmV6 diesel. Features
include exclusive black 18"
alloy wheels shod with all-terrain
tyres, and heated leather seats.
The driving assistance package
offers, among other things, park
assist and intelligent adaptive
cruise control.
The sophisticated, confident
urban-orientated Aventura that
shares the turbo V6 diesel is an
attention grabber with 20" alloy
wheels, exterior chrome styling
accents and body-coloured sports
bar.
The Pan Americana packs
plenty of punch with a muscular
3.0L 184kW V6 turbo diesel
packing a mighty 600Nm of
torque, but it isn’t squeaky green
enough to dodge the government’s
maximum $6,900 clean
vehicle fee.
The V6 turbo diesel lifts the
performance bar for its class to
new lofty heights, with a clever
bypass set-up for power which allows
the turbochargers to work at
lower engine speeds for increased
responsiveness. Alternatively the
smaller turbo can be bypassed allowing
the larger one to blow into
action to deliver greater power.
This is just some of the back
room technical magic that conjures
up such an ultra smooth
and responsive motor delivering
a memorable on and off road
driving experience. Whatever
is thrown its way is dealt with
effortlessly like few other diesel
Utes I’ve driven. The 10-speed
automatic is the perfect match for
this strong and more vibrant V6,
with its quick and intuitive gear
changes.
The well-appointed and finished
passenger compartment is
noticeably larger than its aging
predecessor, with the biggest,
and soon to be most appreciated,
improvement is the amount of
additional rear leg and headroom.
There’s a classy, modern
and quality European feel that
permeates into almost every
corner of the test Ute. This gives
the Volkswagen an important
point of difference over its blue
oval-badged sibling.
The way this sizeable Ute glides
through corners with poise and
balance is a credit to the team
who designed and developed it.
Ride comfort is outstanding both
on road and off the beaten track.
During my limited and less than
intrepid off-road excursions, the
test vehicle was surprisingly at
ease and took every opportunity
to show off its formidable 4WD
abilities. This is a more than worthy
replacement for the outgoing
Amarok. It’s a huge step forward,
thanks to Ford.
Rating out of 10: Performance 8, Handling 8, Build
Quality 7, Comfort 7, Passenger and Load Space 8, Avg
consumption on road test 11.6L/100km, Value for money 7,
Safety – Five Star ANCAP crash rating, clean car fee $6,900.
Overall points out of 10: 8
Vaughan pirie
owner operator
027 565 5577
vpbaeries@gmail.com
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