The Rock Solid VW Amarok Canyon

• Mark Musutu The Amarok is the first pick-up from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – it was presented to the general public in Pacheco, Argentina on 7 January 2010.

This was subsequent to spy shots in 2008 and an earlier expression of VW’s intent to build a robust pick-up as early as 2005. The name Amarok means wolf and its branders claim it also means ‘he loves stones’ as well as ‘tomorrow’ in Irish. VW has a history with wolf-inspired names and the Amarok adds to the list.

When I first saw the Amarok, it wasn’t easy to digest the thought of a VW bakkie. I thought of VW to be too executive for a bakkie, an example of my first sentiments towards the Amarok are as follows: What would you think of a BMW, Mercedes or Audi bakkie? These three make automotive marvels but the bakkie is not quite their thing. Then again, in the auto industry there is no sacred ground.

It was a little awkward and exciting at the same time and at the end of the day, it’s always a plus to have another player, and especially from the legendary Volkswagen. By now we know what to expect from the VW brand. Despite VWs quality build, it has been an uphill battle for them as they are up against legends such as Isuzu and Toyota who are the pied pipers of the bakkie segment.

Australia is the biggest export market for the Amarok, it seems to fit the Aussie characteristic and landscape very well. Due to its association with the Dakar rally and factors like its size and brute, it has become a darling in the US and Middle East as well. Up until the advent of the Amarok, I could hardly point out a German – let alone a European – bakkie. The bakkie in general is not much of a European thing.

The handsome-looking Amarok is another masterpiece by Italian born Walter de Silva, VW head designer, who is renowned for designing the Alfa 156, Audi A5, VW Up, VW Scirocco and Golf 7. The Amarok has presence and is bulky; it’s chunky and high-riding; it has its family coherent looks and styling, though not the strong genes.

Our test drive Amarok Canyon comes with sporty features such as bright colours, bull bars, spot lights and a sporty interior; it is the equivalent of Ford’s Ranger Wildtrack or Toyota’s Hilux Raider.

Climbing into it, my first impressions of the Amarok interior of the abundance of space. It feels quite as large as big American Chevys or Cadillacs. We joked with my test drive instructor that it’s not the best car to drive after a lover’s spat because there is too much space between the driver and passenger.

The Amarok is not as elegant as its siblings and this is appropriate for a bakkie, although it has luxury trims in many places like the steering wheel. The Amarok has a hard plastic dominated interior which spells a work horse and outdoor orientation, it has a box orientated fascia which feels most friendly to the eyes and is very ergonomic.

The seats of the Amarok Canyon are unlike anything I’ve ever seen from VW; a mix of black and grey leather held together by orange stitches. And they feel a little softer too. Considering how conservative VW is, this is not quite their usual style of hard seats covered in cloth. The seats are 12-way electrically adjustable and have been approved by Germany’s spinal health experts.

The interior has a host of features which include: Three 12V power sockets – in the front of the cabin, a new one in the rear, and one in the trailer. Some other technology and interior features include a USB port, Apple car play, Android auto and XM radio.

For some reason, I have always imagined the Amarok to be a peppy car. Perhaps it’s because I have encountered one or two rowdy drivers who seemed to have been pushing it to its limits. The 2017 Amarok ‘Highline’ and ‘Ultimate’ (top spec) are available with a 3,0-litre turbo diesel V6, the same one used in the Porsche Cayenne although a little detuned, it has graduated from a 2,0 litre twin turbo. It is also the most powerful pick-up among its peers (165kW/550Nm).

The Amarok is also synonymous with the Dakar Rally, this seems with have been one of VWs shortcuts into bakkie land as it creates a perception that its participants are all conquering – that is power, endurance and off-road ability.

The Amarok Canyon takes off from 0 to 100km/h in eight seconds which is quicker than some rivals. Like most diesels, it lags a little in first gear but is more explosive from second gear going up. The Amarok is brutally fast and has nice floating feel, a little less grounded than its siblings.

The Amarok has a five star safety rating, though the omission of rear airbags seems to be some kind of automotive atrocity or sin of omission. VW have such a good reputation that they can afford to get away with it, nevertheless, VW say rear airbags are underway. Some other safety features include: LED ‘puddle lamps’ hidden in the side steps and ultra-bright Xenon headlights.

The Amarok has a unique feel to it, it’s still getting acceptance in many spheres, but that makes it a stand out. It’s a first choice to someone who is an innovator and is out for a bakkie, someone whose is not afraid to try something new. If you know how VW builds their cars, you will be first in line for one, and the Amarok is no less – it’s an awesome machine on any day.

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