Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic, the German pick-up

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic

The pickup they are very successful vehicles in America, either as work vehicles or as passenger cars. In Europe, the mentality is different and pick-ups are generally used for work, although all models have tourism versions, highly equipped, which can meet the needs of many people who need load capacity without giving up a series of comfort elements. and tourism services.

The first off-road pick-up from the Volkswagen Group was the volkswagen amarok launched in 2010. This truck has been the one we wanted to test in the test section of ActualidadMotor to see what Volkswagen is capable of offering in a segment in which models like the Toyota Hilux, the Mitsubishi L200 or the Isuzu D-Max have much more tradition. We have driven the Volkswagen Amarok Highline with an engine 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp, associated to 4Motion permanent traction and 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

A tough guy who makes himself respected

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic front view

All tourism versions of the Volkswagen Amarok have a four-door double cab body. Its external dimensions are Meters long 5,25, 1,95 meters wide and 1,83 meters high. The cargo box with this double cab body has dimensions of 1,55 meters long, with a width of between 1,22 and 1,62 meters while the height is just over half a meter.

Like any other pick-up, the appearance of the Volkswagen Amarok is tough. It shows a robust appearance given its square shapes and their large size, plus our black press unit features aluminum footpegs and an aluminum cargo box lid for a much more striking look.

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic rear view

The frontal appearance of the Volkswagen Amarok already reveals the model years and is completely different from its brand partners, which have been modernized recently. only the bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights of our test unit rejuvenate the appearance of this pick-up. There are no great boasts of design in a vehicle that above all seeks to be practical, if we seek to give the Amarok personality, we will have to resort to the accessories catalog, with bars for the cargo box, different coatings for it and other details such as the footrests and the front bumper protectors in aluminum color. The alloy wheels are 17” and are equipped with M+S tires that try to offer the best compromise between driving on and off-road.

Mona dressed in silk

volkswagen amarok interior

Even if the monkey dresses in silk, the monkey stays, says the saying. Something similar happens in the case of the interior of the Volkswagen Amarok. the pick up does not hide its industrial origins on a dashboard design that is already outdated and that only uses hard plastics, which is usual in its segment, on the other hand. It is made to last and the aesthetic is in the background. There is no question about the build quality, since no mismatch noises were heard either when driving fast on bumpy roads or when driving off-road.

Our Highline finish is one of the highest in the range and has leather upholstery of an elegant brown color in our unit. The part of the doors where we rest our elbows is also covered in soft material in the same color as the seats, something that is appreciated. As a point in favor, highlight the door pockets upholstered in a kind of carpet.

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic

The ergonomics of the driving position is fine, as usual in Volkswagen. We find that the screen of the multimedia equipment and the controls of the air conditioning are familiar to us from other models. Inside there are a series of holes slides for bottles and other small items, but if all the places travel occupied and we want to store some jackets, we will have to carry them or throw them in the cargo box (which is open as standard).

The passenger compartment of the Volkswagen Amarok sits high, providing a raised driving position that allows you to perfectly see the traffic in an urban environment. The footrests are not just decorative, they also facilitate access to the shorter or less agile, along with the grab handles for the rear doors and the passenger on the A and B pillars.

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic rear seats

The cabin ands very roomy for five passengers and in the front seats there will be no problem, the width is enormous. In the second row the space for the legs is more than enough, since when sitting in a very upright position it is not necessary so much space. The width is remarkable and three adults can travel behind without narrowing.

The front seats are comfortable and support the body very well, but as standard lack lumbar adjustment (It is optional) and the truth is that during the test I missed it over long distances. On the rear bench, the one-piece backrest can be folded down, or the bench seats can be raised in two parts (60:40) if you want to load some objects and you don't want the upholstery to stain.

It charges everything, like the C15

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic

The main virtue of the Volkswagen Amarok is its Loading capacity. As standard it can transport up to 948 kilos in its box, but with the reinforced Heavy-Duty suspension of our unit, which has more leaves in the rear leaf springs, the capacity increases to 1147 kilos. The dimensions of the cargo area allow hold a euro pallet like the one we loaded for part of the test with more than 500 kilos in bags of cement.

Several optional enclosures for cargo, like our unit's lid, a louvered lid, and a high-roof canopy. Undoubtedly, the shutter is the most practical, since it allows you to close the box at the same time that it is possible to carry the shutter closed and enjoy the open box. With the cover of our unit very high loads do not fit. Without any type of enclosure, the Amarok can be impractical on a day-to-day basis.

In the box we can find some fastening rings. In the brake light there is also a light that illuminates the box and that lights from the inside, although with the coating of our Volkswagen Amarok it is useless. The rear door does not go with the central locking and the aluminum lid is closed with an additional key. If the lid is not opened, the hatch cannot be opened. The lid has some rubber bands that make the loading area almost completely watertight (a few drops can slip through, nothing serious).

At the wheel

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp

At this point, it is time to put the Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp to the test with permanent 4Motion traction and automatic transmission. The engine is audible from the passenger compartment at idle or when we drive at low speeds, but in terms of vibrations it is well resolved and few are those that reach the passenger compartment. The Stop & Start With its smooth operation, it will make stops in urban traffic quieter, as well as save fuel.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox offers quick and smooth enough shifts for a vehicle like this. The driver can choose between normal driving mode or Sport from the gearbox. The second speeds up the revolutions more, changing later and circulating normally one gear below than in normal mode. If we want to circulate with agility or go with a load, the Sport mode is of great help since we have a more immediate response and greater power reserve. The normal mode prioritizes consumption by resorting to the longest developments.

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp

The automatic transmission has normal and Sport modes, but there are no paddles on the steering wheel

The direction of the Volkswagen Amarok does not feel excessively reduced and offers a good weight, despite transmitting little. This allows the handling of the steering wheel to be similar to that of a car, without having to make excessive corrections and being able to attack the curves decisively. The brake is the most striking aspect of driving this pick-up, given that it has a fluffy touch and little dosable to which we will have to get used to.

test-volkswagen-amarok-highline-biturbo-4motion-2

One of the most surprising aspects of the Volkswagen Amarok is its ride quality, especially with good firm. After having traveled more than 700 kilometers on highways with this Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo with 180 CV, I can say that it is a comfortable car. Sound insulation is good and rolling and wind noise can be the most noticeable, but never annoying. In addition, on firm roads in good condition, the suspension behaves well.

The suspension is an element that needs special attention in all pick-ups. He rear axle of leaf springs sins of being dry and bounce in very broken areas or large bumps, but if the firm is good there is no problem. When we put a load in the box, like 500 kilos of cement, the rear feels more settled and less bouncy. That dryness of the suspension translates into less comfort, especially for rear passengers.

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp

The dynamic behavior of the Volkswagen Amarok has seemed frankly surprising. Allows you to attack twisty areas of curves with a unusual confidence for a vehicle with this setup. The body will tilt, but it will support firmly while the seats support our body. It shows very good traction capacity with 4Motion permanent traction and behaves quite neutrally. The understeer will be the first to appear, unless the rear axle hits a pothole or important break in support. In these circumstances, we will notice how the rear threatens to lose the trajectory, with an oversteer, but the electronic aids leave everything in a "scare".

The city is not the friendliest environment for the Volkswagen Amarok. Although people respect us and make room for us, its size and considerable turning radius of 13 meters sometimes they make us have to do more maneuvers than necessary. However, the parking camera and the front and rear parking sensors are very useful. Visibility from the driving position is good as there is plenty of glass in all directions.

Clocks box Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic

If we talk about consumption, you should know that the 7,7 liters that the Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 hp with automatic transmission homologates are impossible to achieve. During our test the lowest consumption we got on the road was 8,6 liters, while on highways it makes marks of between 8,9 and 9,0 liters.

In the city, reaching 12 liters will not be difficult and with the 500 kilos of cement we achieve an average of 10 liters (very good), the same as if we go empty using the maximum capacities offered by this engine. The total average of our test was 9,5 liters.

Volkswagen Amarok off-road driving

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic cross-axle

The usefulness of a pick-up like the Volkswagen Amarok off the asphalt can be called into question. If what you are looking for is to be able to reach places far from the road without excessive difficulty, there is no problem. The generous ground clearance of almost 25 centimeters, the suspension travel and the 4Motion all-wheel drive will be our allies. It serves perfectly as a cargo vehicle for rural environments or construction sites.

It is in a more complicated off-road driving when the deficiencies come to light. In addition to this version does not have reducer (Plug-in Amaroks do), your long wheelbase and large rear overhang make some maneuvers difficult. It wouldn't be hard to hit your ass in a ditch while trying to get around it. The skirts it mounts are made of fairly rigid plastic and could be damaged. In addition, the ventral angle of our test unit is diminished by the footpegs.

Equipment Volkswagen Amarok

Serial

Basic Volkswagen Amarok

  • 16″ sheet metal wheels
  • Height adjustable front seats
  • Hill start assist
  • descent control
  • Air Conditioning
  • Radio RCD 210

Trendline (add to previous)

Volkswagen Amarok Trendline

  • Front bumper painted in body color
  • Fog lights
  • Electrically adjustable heated mirrors
  • 16″ alloy wheels
  • A-pillar grab handle
  • Storage compartments under the front seats
  • 12V socket on dashboard
  • Dual zone air conditioning
  • Cruise control
  • On-board computer
  • CD radio with Bluetooth

Highline (adds to Trendline)

Volkswagen Amarok Highline

  • Chrome on the front bumper
  • Tinted rear windows
  • chrome rear bumper
  • 17″ alloy wheels
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Navigator

Volkswagen Amarok Prices

Test Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic front view

Bodywork Motor Change Traction Finish Price
single cab 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v Rear - $30.438
single cab 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v total connectable - $31.994
single cab 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v total connectable - $34.910
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v Rear - $28.205
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v total connectable - $29.681
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v standing total - $30.298
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v total connectable - $31.992
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v standing total - $32.585
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP AT 8V standing total - $34.763
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v total connectable Trendline $35.263
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 140 HP manual 6v standing total Trendline $35.694
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v total connectable Trendline $37.747
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v standing total Trendline $38.649
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP AT 8V standing total Trendline $42.598
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v total connectable Highline $42.179
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP manual 6v standing total Highline $43.069
Double cabin 2.0 TDI 180 HP AT 8V standing total Highline $47.145

Editor's opinion

Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic
  • Editor's rating
  • 4 star rating
30.438 a 47.745
  • 80%

  • Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDI BiTurbo 180 CV 4Motion Automatic
  • Review of:
  • Posted on:
  • Last modification:
  • Exterior design
    Publisher: 70%
  • interior design
    Publisher: 60%
  • front seats
    Publisher: 80%
  • rear seats
    Publisher: 80%
  • Trunk
    Publisher: 100%
  • Spring Suspension
    Publisher: 80%
  • Consumption
    Publisher: 75%
  • Comfort
    Publisher: 70%
  • Price
    Publisher: 50%

Pros

  • indoor habitability
  • Behavior and comfort
  • Loading capacity

Cons

  • Ventral and departure angle
  • rear axle comfort
  • Price

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  1.   Sergio Ruiz Gonzalez said

    Pick-up is not usually used in Spain compared to the United States. Here commercial vans are used more for work, and for tourism much less is used here, they tend to bet on off-road mountain areas directly. And the truth is that they do not displease, which I do not know if it is a matter of customs or prices.