MOTORING REVIEW: Second generation VW Amarok arrives in Limerick

AT A GLANCE

Model: New VW Amarok

Body-style: Pick-up

Engines: 2.0 and 3.0 diesels, 2.3 petrol

Payload: 1.19 tonnes

Can tow: Up to 3.5 tonnes

Price: from €47,355.

THE SECOND-generation Volkswagen Amarok made its Irish debut last week. This new model is only available as a double cab 4-door pick-up and comes with a completely unique exterior and interior design. All-wheel drive is standard across the range.

Initial units will arrive in the brand’s showrooms in July priced from €47,355.

New Amarok is aimed primarily at those who work in the construction industry, at tradespeople, and families who enjoy active lifestyles. More than 830,000 first generation Amaroks have been sold worldwide since its introduction in 2010. A major update in 2016 saw the addition of V6 diesel engines opening the model to a whole new customer base.

Kim Kilduff of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland said: "This second generation model is an upgrade in every way and sets a new benchmark for the pick-up sector here in Ireland.”

At 5,350mm long, it is longer and higher than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase of 3,270mm provides more interior room and allows for more stability, while the shorter overhangs front and rear improve the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. Ramp angles have been increased front and back to improve clearance on rough terrain. Wading depth is up substantially, from 500mm to 800mm.

The cargo bed at 1,651mm long by 1,584mm wide, is deeper and longer than the previous model and can take a Euro pallet loaded sideways or lengthways. Maximum payload is 1.19 tonnes. All Amaroks with automatic transmissions are allowed tow trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes in Ireland. The central locking includes the tailgate, but the optional roll cover will not be part of the keyless system.

The interior is a huge step up in design, space, comfort and in technologies. Premium materials are in line with those from the luxurious VW Touareg SUV. Instrument panel layout is clear, well structured and ergonomically tailored to the driver.

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Five trim levels are offered - Amarok, Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura. Standard equipment includes power folding mirrors, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, VW Connect with eCall Emergency System and Online Voice Control, a 10.1-inch infotainment system, 8-inch multifunction display, air conditioning, Adaptive Cruise control, rear view camera and parking sensors. Safety features include nine airbags.

This latest Amarok has been awarded a maximum 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP which the previous vehicle had not attained.

Amarok is powered by 4- and 6-cylinder turbocharged engines — 2.0 and 3.0 TDI diesels and a 2.3 TSI petrol engine. Irish entry level engine options start from 170ps. Ten-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmissions are available.

We had first driven the car on roads and motorways in the big six-cylinder 3.0 TDI with 237 horses to tap into. Our off-road drive in this refined vehicle included a more difficult wooded track than usual in the 100 acres of woods of Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare where we drove in 4WD Low mode as it applies more torque for a better grip to negotiate the tricky conditions including some very sharp turns on tree lined tracks, specially constructed steep slopes and very deep ruts — but no mud as the ground was bone dry.

Progress was aided by front cameras which showed the track in front of the vehicle and also from above, on two screens on the dash. This allowed me see ‘over’ the top of a narrow steep slope and kept me on track when descending the far side. However, these cameras switch off when you reach a speed of about 8km/h.

New Amarok is the result of a collaboration between German and Australian designers and engineers but is actually being produced in South Africa.

Volkswagen Ireland are forecasting around 1,600 units to be registered this year but will seek 20pc of the segment in 2024 rising to 30pc in 2025. The segment is currently led by Ford.