Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana is the top choice for Adventure
Murali Naidu
With a variety of 16 double cabs and three single variants. Volkswagen introduced the Amarok range, starting from the entry-level Amarok 2.0 TDI manual at R 599 000 and the top-of-the-range Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI V6 priced at R1,138,200. We had been sampling the Amarok 3.0TDI V6 PanAmericana 4Motion, priced slightly less than the Aventura, coming in at R1 084 600.
The key differences are the specs; the PanAmericana is geared for a more rugged, adventure-driven aesthetic, whereas the Aventura is a luxe off-roader that looks pretty tidy, with a hint of class and still keeping its off-roading capabilities in mind.
With a muscular and bold aesthetic, the PanAmericana incorporates IQ Matrix headlights for low/high beam assist; with LED daytime running lights, it looks aggressive and has a very intimidating presence. Our vehicle came in Clear white, contrasting perfectly with the black decals and stickers of the PanAmericana signs on the side and back.
The PanAmericana had standard half-round wheel arches and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. Towards the rear end, it features slim taillights, the prominent "Amarok" logo, a folding rear bench, sidestep plates, and black roof rails; it also features an auxiliary connector in the cargo area.
Inside the cabin, there are lovely seats in "cricket" leather. It has a 12-inch diagonal TFT/LCD colour touch-screen infotainment screen with radio, navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system with eight speakers and Bluetooth. Smartphone connectivity: App-Connect with USB interfaces (1 x type A/1 x type C), the set-up resembles the Ford Ranger with minor nuances; the control buttons, electronic shifter, and dials are in the middle.
However, the multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel is distinctly Volkswagen. All the expected modern amenities are present, including climate control, heated seats for front occupants, 10-way electric seat adjustment are also thrown into the mix as well, which includes height and lumbar support, and provisions for USB, 12-volt, and AC220-volt charging options. There is also an Inductive charging system in the centre console.
Ample storage space is available within the door panels, central console, and storage cubby.
Some additional features include lane-keeping assist, Adaptive cruise control, seven airbags, Hill descent control, Park assist, Front assist, Area View, Keyless entry and a tyre pressure monitor followed by an electric childproof safety lock switch.
The motor pushes out 184kW and 600Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine paired with a ten-speed automatic gearbox. Its Acceleration time is 0-100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The vehicle maintains highway speeds effortlessly, is torque-rich and provides an enjoyable driving experience. The steering is nimble and easy to wield; its refinement is a noteworthy mention, paired with a delightful suspension that tactfully absorbs the bumps and uneasy road conditions; the PanAmericana has cultivated a fine blend of being able to handle rugged terrains and yet take it with ease and tact, towing capacity can take a maximum of 3,500kg.
The Amarok has an advanced 4-wheel-drive system and various drive modes for different terrains. Its performance on wet and muddy tracks demonstrates its robustness and adaptability. You can choose between 2WD and 4WD with a low-range ratio, and the vehicle features a rear diff-lock and a terrain response controller—the wading depth measured to an impressive 800mm.
The average fuel consumption I returned was 11.1l/100 km, which falls short of Volkswagen's claimed 8.1l/100km.
The bakkie segment is highly competitive in South Africa, and some of the rivals include the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Ford Raptor, Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-Max.
Moreover, in comparison to the Toyota Hilux Legend RS and Isuzu D-Max, I felt the Amarok had more power, a very premium interior and delivered a smooth ride; I think it's a pretty great value proposition and indeed is one of the plushest bakkies in the market.
