PICK UP, I did in the latest Volkswagen Amarok Style 4Motion Life.
My colleagues in Soweto were in awe of the latest Amarok generation that accompanied us to the packed FNB Stadium, to witness Rugby World Cup champs Springboks beating New Zealand 29-24, last week.
Chanting, whistling and singing fans ‘Rainbow Nation’ along the busy Sasol Garage- some spent time taking selfies and photos of the Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion- that was idling to carry us into the stadium- we had parking ticket.
Towing weight 3.5t, ground clearance 237mm- it gives Amarok Life a strong ability to handle rough terrain while maintaining stability.
During my test, it claimed a comfortable combined fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100 km, but I managed 8.0 l/100 km, because under the bonnet it claimed a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel producing 125 kW and 405 Nm respectively.
On the road, and thanks to its 6-speed automatic transmission and 4motion® system, the engine delivered a torque between 1 750–2 500 rpm- making it smoother on the road, yes would have liked to experience it offroad and establish its performance and how rugged it would be.
It has been enhanced with optional rubberising and securilid roller shutter, optional styling bar amongst other features on exterior. Its 80-litre fuel tank is indicative of proper thought from VW, that helps with cruising on longer roads.
Loading area with LED lighting are some of the features.
Interior boast soft-touch finishes such as functional and easy to navigate material, equipped with features such as air conditioning, LED headlights, and a rear-view camera, all of which enhance day-to-day usability, comfort, and visibility without requiring buyers to spend extra on options and 10-way electric front seats.
So is the 12 volt socket, “10 and “12 colourful touchscreen and Harman Kardon sound system, so is the keyless entry and push & start.
Solid engineering, good standard features, and everyday practicality that’s what VW Life set itself apart from its competitors.
On safety it has been fitted with 30 assistance system such as lane assist, adaptive cruise control- front assist, multi-collision brake, light assist, etc.
With extra fans onboard, we managed to squeeze in 6 more and yes, it was comfortable in terms of leg room and spacious- using the loading area with extra coolerbags, umbrellas and jackets, et al.
City or a farming mode of transport- the ‘Amarok still rocks’ affirmed a female fan from Eldorado Park clad in Boks regalia.
When the game ended, security personnel was recorded surrounding Amarok, obviously taken aback by its design and futuristic detailing. “Ahh, that’s the price for driving top of the range brand” remarked my partner in reference to safety of the bakkie.
It retails for R801,000 with VW’s 5-year/150 000 km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan included.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
Image VW (Splashing. Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion Life-still rocks after all these years’.)
