Volkswagen Amarok 2020 Review

Volkswagen Amarok 2020 - Tough Meets Style

The latest model of Amarok marks the decade-long dedication of Volkswagen to improve its 4x4 ute segment. With constant updates and tweaks, the company’s first ute has truly evolved to become one of Australia’s popular-selling light commercial trucks.

The 2020 Volkswagen Amarok Canyon is the latest limited-edition model, with only 350 units slated for sale in Australia.

Sales are also expected to increase as the German automaker introduces the Amarok Core V6 manual, a new affordable option for its V6-powered models, which are reportedly preferred by Amarok buyers over the 2.0-litre four-cylinder. The new variant also has a flexible non-permanent four-wheel-drive system.

Volkswagen Amarok 2020 Aggregated Reviews

• WhichCar.com.au (V6 TDI580 Highline) - 4/5
• CarAdvice.com.au (Canyon) - 7.8/10
• CarAdvice.com.au (V6 Sportline) - 7.7/10
• CarsGuide.com.au - 8.5/10
• CarsGuide.com.au (V6 Sportline 580) - 4.1/5
• CarsGuide.com.au (V6 Core Manual GVM) - 4.3/5 Daily Driver; 4.5 Tradie
• PracticalMotoring.com.au (V6 Core Manual) - 4/5

We Love

• Smooth and powerful V6 engine
• Car-like road holding and driving dynamics
• Impressive drivetrain
• Swish-looking interior
• Sleek and ergonomic cabin
• Wider-than-average tub
• Huge load bay

Pain Points

• Lacks active safety features
• Lack of airbags in the back seats
• Tight back seat legroom
• Pricier than most rivals
• Pricy servicing costs
• Outdated safety rating

Exterior

The tough-looking chassis is engineered to handle heavy loads. It is consists of 7 cross-sections with two long chassis rails connected by shorter rails, a construction that offers maximum strength and rigidity for off-road and towing performance.

Meanwhile, the 1,222 mm tray provides plenty of space for cargo. There are four lashing eyes around the load space to conveniently tie down stuff like motorbike or firewood in its place.

A light is installed above the rear window to illuminate the tray, which is very useful when loading cargo at night.

LED headlights, fog lamps, and 17-inch alloys (full-size spare) come as standard.

While all models offer good visibility, it’s best to add parking sensors for the entry-level trim.

Interior

Styled to match Volkswagen’s regular car range, the Amarok’s interior is one of the best in the ute market. It features plenty of space and storage, several cup holders, and large compartments under the front seats.

Being a ute, it’s not surprising for the interior of the entry-level trims to have a blend of practical functionality with its tough, wipe-clean plastics and easy-to-washout rubber floors. Nonetheless, everything still feels really well put together. The driver’s seat has a decent range of seating and steering wheel adjustments to ensure a comfortable drive and safe journey. The multifunction steering wheel is also wrapped in leather.

Standard on top-spec Aventura Black Edition is the ergoComfort 14-way electric seats in luxury Nappa leather-appointed upholstery.

There are also plenty of multi-function buttons for infotainment. Entry models have a 6.3in touchscreen infotainment system while top-specs have the optional Discover Media package with 6.5-inches colour touchscreen. Cheaper trims can have the optional built-in sat-nav for an extra cost.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models are equipped with the Composition Media system, which has a 6.3-inches colour touchscreen, which is smaller than most rival ute’s screens at around 8.0-inches. Nevertheless, the touchscreen display is bright and easy to read in direct sunlight. It is also installed with the latest multimedia functions, including App-Connect3 and Bluetooth. The telephone functions can also be voice-activated.

Top-spec models have the optional Discover Media package, which provides better navigation with its 6.5-inches colour touchscreen, 2D and 3D map views, CD player with auxiliary input, and two SD card slots for navigation and media.

Other standard inclusions are six-speaker sound system and climate control, as well as locking centre and rear differential, off-road mode with hill descent control, reversing camera, and rear parking sensors.

What's it like to drive a Volkswagen Amarok 2020?

The Amarok 2020 comes with several advanced driving features that provide convenient and smooth driving in different terrains. It is also capable of pulling a braked trailer weighing up to 3100kg.

Its 4x4 system uses a Torsen differential to distribute optimal power between all four wheels while its optional Selectable 4MOTION system allows the use of rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, or four-wheel drive low range at the touch of a button.

The “off-road” button comes with Hill Descent Control, improved performance on dirt, and reduced stopping distance on loose surfaces.

There are three engine powers for different driving needs:

• The 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel engine generates 132kW of power and 400Nm (manual) and 420Nm (auto) of torque.
• The 3.0-litre Turbo Diesel engine provides 165kW of power and 180kW on Overboost.
• Need more? The 190kW of power surging to a class-leading 200kW on Overboost is available in the Amarok V6 Ultimate 580 and Highline 580 Black.

While it is designed to carry huge payloads over rough and muddy terrain like all utes, it is smoother on-road compared to most rivals, especially at high speeds. The steering is also nicely weighted. However, the car can make plenty of wind noise on the motorway.

Who’s the Volkswagen Amarok 2020 for?

The Amarok is most popular among tradies and ute enthusiasts because of its power and performance. While it can double as a family car on weekends, it is not recommended as a regular group transportation because the rear seats have a limited knee room.

Those who are after making great savings on fuel should also be aware that Amarok V6 diesel engines are thirstier than many rivals.

For those who are looking for a ute with a great load bay, the Amarok is a great choice as it has one of the very best in the class with a payload between 1030kg and 1147kg. The load bay is also longer, deeper, and taller than most rivals.

It is also ideal for those who are planning to sell the ute after several years of use as it depreciates slower than many of its rivals.

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