Volkswagen Amarok is no lone Ranger but has a bit of Ford in its DNA
Prashirwin Naidu
The Volkswagen Amarok is a muscular, sturdy vehicle with a presence. But there is no escaping that this German favourite is built on the same platform as that much-loved Ford Ranger.
The Amarok is built in Silverton, Pretoria, the home of the Ford Ranger, South Africa’s historic first bakkie to win vehicle of the year; it stormed onto the local market like a force of nature, immediately soaring to the top of the sales charts, earning widespread acclaim. Many wonder if the Amarok would stand its ground when showing its German roots.
If you are unaware, one could easily be forgiven for thinking that the Amarok was indeed a Ranger as they harbour the same platform but a different exterior design.
But the Amarok, as we found out on the drive to Margate in KwaZulu Natal, has a distinct front fascia, grille, LED headlights, and trim rooted to Volkswagen as one knows it. The sleek LED headlights and grille follow on from the Touareg, along with the prominent VW emblem and shiny silver lower valance. This is Volkswagen, with nips and tucks destined to make it stand alone from the Ranger. The stylish roll bar and 18-inch tyres give it a beautifully mean presence.
This is an Amarok. Like Volkswagen, it has all the bells and whistles. The central console has a spacious 12-inch display, but this is an ode to the Ford look and feel, along with the control buttons, electronic shifter, and dials.
However, the multifunction steering wheel is distinctly Volkswagen. All the expected modern amenities are present, including climate control, heated seats, and provisions for USB, 12-volt, and AC220-volt charging options.
Ample storage space is available within the door panels, central console, and storage cubby. Overall, the interior of the Amarok provides a comfortable environment to spend time, whether during the monotonous hours of traffic or traversing through rugged terrain.
In this bakkie category, the mega competition includes the Nissan Navara, Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Throw in the likes of Peugeot Landtrek and Isuzu D-Max; you will understand the tough choices consumers must make.
Yet, the 2.0l bi-turbo diesel was powerful enough to push out 154kw and 500NM of torque. It felt like the 2.0 bi-turbo Ford Ranger we used to Durban on a previous trip. It was torque-rich and had plentiful power; there were no qualms; it felt solid and sturdy and offered a smooth, refined driving experience.
Regarding fuel consumption, one managed 8.8l/ 100km using cruise control at 120km/h. And day-to-day city driving, one can achieve about 7.4/ 100km. Claimed fuel consumption is 7.5/ 100km.
There are 16 double cabs and three single variants to choose from. It ranges from the entry-level starting Amarok 2.0 TDI manual at R 599 000 and the top-of-the-range Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI V6 — at R1,105,000.
Our test unit is priced at R 909 000 for the 2.0l bi-turbo four-motion model. Volkswagen is not alone in the cute bakkie league. While it stands alone, it has Ford in its DNA.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Amarok cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Amarok starts from around R679,900 for the entry-level model, with higher-spec variants pushing well into the R800,000+ territory depending on engine choice and trim level.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Amarok better than the Ford Ranger?
The Amarok shares the same platform as the Ford Ranger but offers a more premium interior feel and distinctive German styling, though at a higher price point than equivalent Ranger models.
Q: What engine options are available in the Volkswagen Amarok?
The Amarok lineup includes a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 201kW and a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel delivering 184kW, both paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Amarok worth buying over other bakkies?
The Amarok is worth considering if you want premium German badge appeal and superior interior refinement, but rivals like the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max offer better value for money and lower running costs.
Q: Does the Volkswagen Amarok have good resale value in South Africa?
German vehicles typically hold their value well in SA, and the Amarok benefits from being locally built in Pretoria, though Ford Ranger resale values remain slightly stronger due to higher sales volumes.
Should You Buy It?
The Volkswagen Amarok is a solid choice if you're after premium bakkie credentials and don't mind paying extra for German engineering prestige. Starting at R679,900, it's positioned as a more upmarket alternative to the mechanically similar Ford Ranger, offering superior interior materials and distinctive styling. However, unless badge snobbery is your thing, the Ford Ranger offers virtually identical capability at a lower price point. The best premium bakkie under R750,000 in SA is the Amarok's entry-level variant, but pragmatic buyers should seriously consider the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux for better value and lower ownership costs. Buy the Amarok if you want to stand out at the golf club, stick with proven alternatives if you're counting rands.
