New Volkswagen Amarok review: Everything you need to know!

This is the all-new Volkswagen Amarok!

Now there’s one thing about this new Amarok that really sets it apart from its predecessor... Underneath the skin, it’s pretty much a Ford Ranger! VW has just gone to work on it, adding some new body panels and updating some of the interior, but otherwise, it’s pretty much just a Ranger!

But either way, let’s see if this is one pick-up that you need to consider. Starting with the design, it’s clear from the rear that the Amarok brought in new body panels over the Ranger as you have a big Amarok wording embossed into the tailgate. We also have the Pan Americana trim on this edition, so we get some smart metal bars that sit along the edge of the load bed. Along the side, there are running boards, and upfront, the Pan Americana trim means we have a matte dark grey effect running through the bottom of the grille, which really adds to the imposing look of this pick-up.

Step inside and the familiarity with the Ranger becomes clear. The centre console and infotainment set-up are identical, with a big vertical screen in the centre of the dash. All-in-all the cabin is pretty well made, with soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The infotainment system has been taken across from the Ranger, which is a good thing! Although, despite the Amarok coming with some physical buttons, you still have the use the touchscreen to control the climate.

When it comes to engine choices, there are three options. The entry-level is a 2-litre turbo diesel that can deliver 170hp and comes with a manual gearbox. Next up is a 2-litre turbo diesel that comes with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, with the ability to deliver 205hp. But the range-topper is a 3-litre V6 turbo diesel, which also comes with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, along with the ability to produce 240hp.

The price of the new Amarok starts from around £41,000, rising all the way up to around £57,000 for this top-of-the-range model. But is it worth it? Or should you go for a Hill or Ranger instead? You’ll need to stick with Mat and see for yourself!

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:40 Design
02:37 Interior
04:42 Back Seats
06:00 Load Bed
06:32 5 Annoying Things
07:59 5 Cool Things
09:07 Engines
09:30 Town Driving
11:24 Motorway Driving
11:59 Country Road Driving
13:07 0-60mph
14:00 Verdict

[londamavundla]

Hey Mat and team. Hello from Joburg, South Africa 🇿🇦 Great to hear that the guys and girls at plant Silverton did a great job. Making us proud. 👍🏾

[travelmates]

Matt, even in South Africa you are a well known legend amongst petrol-heads! Keep up the good work!

[yissibiiyte]

It's a shame VW went through all the trouble of building their own pick-up from the ground up for the previous gen and then just ditched it for a rebadge

[philoleroux]

😂we as South Africans know exactly what you mean Matt great review as always

[antonioporra]

Lol Matt put South Africa on the map for a change, We are Proud and happy that we are contributing to something.

[mudauzwivhuya]

As a South African 🇿🇦 😂 we catching hands from matt 😂

[lifeinsidekyoto]

Love how Matt intentionally causes traffic just to demonstrate how big the turning circle is haha.

[gotgamegod]

Your no, 1 South African viewer since 2016 Matt, waited all that time for koenigsegg 😂 and still here for that awesome reviews and epic drag races

[stanleyngobeni]

For the first time I see you review a car we long had in South Africa. Normally we see them here on your channel before our SA roads

[Khaosgaming]

Another South African over here. Glad to hear you like the truck, even though I am not a big fan. Definitely know what you mean about dash cams. 🤣

[gwetsapm]

Mat I've always thought UK was the dashcam capital, we only adopting the trend. But I must say, SA drivers are on the other level especially double cab drivers. They are always in a hurry.

[Kelveron]

3:31 "it's much easier to grab a knob".... I'd never argue with that!

[kfrankie]

I have been watching is channel for a very long time. This is the first time i see MATT wear an actual watch. That IWC is a great watch.

[thapelo]

7:01 The mirror made a Spider-man Prowler villain theme song😂😂

[michalrajnic]

It looks really nice, I had the previous Amarok V6, which was superb. The 3.0 V6 diesel in this one is the latest iteration of the troublesome 2.7/3.0 Lion engine developed by FoMoCo and PSA. It helped to considerably damage Land Rover's unreliable reputation when applied to the Range Rovers and Discoverys. Lots and lots of info online. I hope they managed to address the issues, but I wouldn't be surprised if they persist.

Otherwise a lovely car and hopefully will be reliable for its future owners.

[amosmotlhoki]

Hey Matt, another South African and thanks for making us proud about something and also love your work👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[MarkGachucha]

You should do an off-road challenge: Hilux Vs Amarok Vs Ford Raptor. The battle of the pickup trucks.

[reonpetersen]

Thanks for mentioning South Africa and yes we agree with you mate, you're the best at what you do.

[tuerkischermeister]

As a watch enthusiast Mat's IWC Ingenieur stole the show for me! What a great watch, we watch nerds love it when a watch and its owner exude this ''bang on!'' sentiment. Wear it in good health and happy times, and the truck was more impressive than I thought!

[martyp]

Nice review of the new Amarok. If going for the new model, I'd just go ahead and get the Ranger.

From the old model, the interior soft touch dash and door cards are a definite improvement - can take or leave the big screens etc. However, the old V6 is more powerful stock and becomes insane for a pickup when worked on (definite contender for a remapped raptor). In addition, average around 38-40MPG easily driving the VAG V6 with just shy of 600 miles out a tank, low 30s if driving harder which really isn't required given the torque low down and speed limits on roads.