Review: Volkswagen 2H Amarok utility (2011-on)

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• Frugal and repsonsive turbo-diesel engines
• Refined eight-speed ZF automatic transmission
• Quiet, well-insulated cabin
• Comfortable front seats
• Excellent ride quality and good body control
• Accurate, well-weighted steering

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• No rear airbag protection
• For manual transmission, clutch has agressive take-up over a narrow band
• Lacks towing capacity of rivals

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Review: Volkswagen 2H.I Amarok utility (2011-16)

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Overview

Released in March 2011, the Volkswagen 2H Amarok utility was initially available in a four-door, dual-cab body. The Amarok range initially consisted of the TDI400 variant which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The TDI400 was also available with rear-wheel drive, selectable four-wheel drive and permanent four-wheel drive. The TDI400 was also available in standard, Trendline, Highline and Ultimate editions.

The Volkswagen Amarok range was subsequently expanded with the introduction of the TDI340 in May 2011 and the TSI300 in January 2012; these variants were powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, respectively. Furthermore, both were solely available with rear wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.

In July 2012, the range was expanded with the introduction of single cab models and eight-speed automatic transmissions for certain dual cab variants. The full range is given in the table below. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Selectable and permanent 4WD systems

The selectable 4WD (4Motion) system featured a rear differential lock and switchable ‘2WD’, ‘4WD High’ and ‘4WD Low’ modes, the latter with a front/rear axle lock and 2.72:1 gear ratio.

The permanent 4WD (4XMotion) system was shared with the Touareg and included a mechanical torque-sensing centre differential with a default front/rear torque split of 40:60, but up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear axle if required. Models with automatic transmissions, however, did not have a low-range transfer case.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen Amarok utility included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags with head and thorax protection, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, hill hold assist and hill descent control.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a four-wheel drive dual cab VW Amarok utility received a four star safety rating which included an 86 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 64 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious chest injury was marginal for the driver. While maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, chest protection was rated as poor in the pole test. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.99 out of 37.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok

Standard features for the VW Amarok utility included 16-inch steel wheels, a two speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, ‘Spacer’ cloth trim, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, height adjustable front seats, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

The Amarok Trendline was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system, ‘Trail’ interior trim, cruise control, front fog lights, trip computer and a tray-mounted 12-volt outlet. Visually, the Trendline was distinguished by its body-coloured bumpers, door handles and mirrors; the matt-black rear bumper also enabled the tailgate to be lowered to a horizontal position.

The Amarok Highline featured 18-inch ‘Durban’ alloy wheels, a six speaker RCD510 sound system, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, ‘Endless’ interior trim in Anthracite or Mendoza colours, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, rear privacy glass, alarm and chromed exterior parts.

Finally, the Ultimate was differentiated by its 19-inch ‘Alastaro’ alloy wheels, heavy-duty suspension, leather seats, stainless steel rear sports rollbar, side steps and chrome exterior highlights.

January 2012 changes

From January 2012, all Amarok models were fitted with daytime running lights, while the Highline and Ultimate editions were fitted with a multi-function steering wheel. Finally, the Ultimate editions received heated front seats.

July 2012: Amarok utility update

In July 2012 standard features for the 4WD model were extended to include cruise control, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity. The dual cab Highline variants were also fitted with a stainless steel sports bar and side steps. 

2014 Amarok Canyon special edition

Released in April 2014, the dual cab TDI400 and TDI420 Canyon editions had manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. Compared to the Highline editions, the Canyon edition was fitted with 17-inch ‘Roca’ alloy wheels with Pirelli Scorpion AT-R tyres, black gloss sports and side bars, an impact and UV-resistant load area coating, tinted tail-lights and ‘Canyon’ decals. Inside, the Canyon edition featured a satellite navigation system, reversing camera and two-tone Nappa leather upholstery with orange stitching. 

November 2014 (MY15) update

In November 2014, the Amarok range was revised as the TSI300 variants were discontinued, new TDI420 models were introduced and the entry-level dual cab models became ‘Core’ Editions. As part of the update,

• Core Editions were fitted with 16-inch ‘Korama’ alloy wheels, Pirelli Scorpion ATR tyres and body-coloured bumpers; and,
• Trendline variants were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and parking sensors (front and rear). Options were also extended to include the RNS315 satellite navigation system, reversing camera and adjustable front seat lumbar support;
• Highline variants gained a reversing camera, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and adjustable front seat lumbar support; and,
• Ultimate variants gained the same features as the Highline variants plus 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim and bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volkswagen 2H Amarok (July 2012)
• Brochure: Volkswagen 2H Amarok MY13 (January 2013)
• Brochure: Volkswagen 2H Amarok MY14 (March 2014)

Specifications

• Specifications: Volkswagen 2H Amarok (February 2011)
• Specifications: Volkswagen 2H Amarok (September 2013)
• Specifications: Volkswagen 2H Amarok (January 2015)

Related links

• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Amarok
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen Amarok
• Behind the Wheel: 2016 Volkswagen Amarok TDI420 Review

Review: Volkswagen 2H.II Amarok utility (2016-on)

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Overview

Released in November 2016, the Volkswagen 2H Series II (2H.II) Amarok utility range initially consisted of 3.0-litre V6 diesel-powered dual cab models, with four-cylinder models following in February 2017. Visually, the Volkswagen 2H.II Amarok utility could be identified by its new upper grille with twin chrome bars, lower air intake with honeycomb-style mesh, slim fog lights and third brake light with LED technology. Inside, the 2H.II Amarok introduced a new dashboard panel which incorporated Volkswagen’s MIB infotainment system with touchscreen, radio and new technology including the option of navigation, Guide & Inform, Car-Net and App-Connect systems.

For Australia, the Volkswagen 2H.II Amarok utility was solely available in a dual cab body.

Amarok TDI550 (DDXC) engine

For Volkswagen the 2H.II Amarok TDI550, the 3.0-litre DDXC V6 diesel engines featured: 

• A variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbocharger;
• A stop-start function which could shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary in traffic;
• An overboost function which could increase peak power and torque for up to ten (10) seconds if accelerator extension was greater than 70 per cent and the vehicle was in third or fourth gear and travelling at a speed greater than 50 km/h. While overboost lasted for up to ten seconds, it could be accessed again after five seconds at normal boost levels; and,
• For Euro 6 emissions compliance, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system which injected urea solution (‘AdBlue’) into exhaust gases to convert nitrous oxides into nitrogen and water.

From July 2017, however, it is understood that the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system was no longer fitted and these vehicles were Euro 5 emissions compliant. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Compared to the Volkswagen 2H.I Amarok utility, standard safety equipment for the 2H.II Amarok utility was extended to include Volkswagen’s Multi-Collision Braking System. After a collision, Multi-Collision Brake would automatically apply the brakes to provide controlled deceleration – this made subsequent collisions less likely and reduced their potential severity. The system could be overridden, however, by the driver’s actions.

Brakes

The Volkswagen Amarok TDI400 and TDI420 had 303 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs and 335.55 mm by 55 mm rear drum brakes. The Volkswagen Amarok TDI550, however, had 332 mm by 30 mm ventilated front brake discs and 300 mm by 22 mm ventilated rear discs.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok

As standard, the Volkswagen 2H.II Amarok dual cab included Volkswagen’s ‘Composition Media’ audio system with six speakers, a 6.33-inch colour touchscreen, CD player (MP3/WMA compatible), 3.5 mm auxiliary input, SD card and USB inputs, Volkswagen’s ‘App-Connect’ USB interface for smartphone integration (i.e. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink), and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming with voice recognition.

Beyond this, standard features for the Volkswagen Amarok included 6.5J x 16-inch steel wheels with 205 R16 tyres, ‘Austin’ seat trim, air conditioning, cruise control, halogen headlights, a rear fog lamp, a leather covered steering wheel and gearshift knob, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated door mirrors, power windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a height adjustable driver’s seat, a 12 volt power socket in the centre console, rubber floor covering, shadow chrome-look dashboard inserts, a trip computer (Volkswagen’s ‘Multi-Function Display Plus’) and an immobiliser.

The Volkswagen Amarok was fitted with a full-size spare wheel as standard.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok Core

Compared to the standard Amarok, the Amarok Core added 6.5J x 16-inch ‘Korama’ alloy wheels with 245/70 R16 tyres, rear parking sensors, a rear view camera with static guidance lines and additional 12 volt power sockets (in the dashboard, second row centre console and cargo area). Visually, the Amarok Core could be identified by its matte black rear step bumper.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok Core Plus

Relative to the Amarok Core, the Amarok Core Plus featured 6.5J x 17-inch ‘Posadas’ alloy wheels with 245/65 R17 tyres, ‘Kemisu’ seat trim, front fog lights, front parking sensors, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, carpet floor covering, storage under the front seats and a lockable glove compartment; utilities also had a lockable rear tailgate.

The Amarok Core Plus could be identified by its chrome radiator grille, body-coloured door handles and door mirror caps, extended wheel arch flares and matte black styling bar.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok TDI550 Sportline

The Volkswagen Amarok TDI550 Sportline was released in July 2017. Compared to the Amarok Core Plus, the Amarok TDI550 Sportline was equipped with 7.0J x 18-inch ‘Manaus’ alloy wheels with 255/60 R18 tyres and dual-zone climate control air conditioning and rear privacy glass.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok TDI550 Highline

Compared to the Amarok TDI550 Sportline, the Amarok TDI550 Highline was further equipped with Volkswagen’s ‘Discover Media’ audio and satellite navigation system, a digital radio tuner (DAB+), ‘Salipra’ cloth seat trim, bi-xenon headlamps with integrated LED daytime driving lights, aluminium-look dashboard inserts and an alarm system with interior monitoring. Visual cues for the Amarok TDI550 Highline included its stainless steel side steps and chrome rear step bumper.

Both the Amarok TDI550 Highline and TDI550 Ultimate were fitted with a full-size alloy spare wheel as standard.

Features: Volkswagen Amarok TDI550 Ultimate

Compared to the Amarok TDI550 Highline, the Amarok TDI550 Ultimate was further equipped with 8.0 x 19-inch ‘Milford’ alloy wheels with 255/55 R19 tyres, Nappa leather seat upholstery, a fourteen-way adjustable ‘ErgoComfort’ driver’s seat, individually heated front seats, steering wheel gearshift paddles, a ‘Durabed’ tubliner coating, aluminium-finish accelerator and brake pedals, carpet mats, illuminated side steps and a colour multi-function display.

Specifications

• Specifications: Volkswagen Amarok TDI400 and TDI420 (February 2017)
• Specifications: Volkswagen Amarok TDI550 (February 2017)

Related links

• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Amarok
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen Amarok