By Max Lodewyk
I had the privilege of joining Autohaus for a day on the Klein Aub Rush 4×4 tracks to put the all-new Volkswagen Amarok through its paces.
From the moment the wheels hit the gravel, it was clear that this isn’t just another bakkie, it’s refined, capable and built to balance comfort with genuine off-road quality.
Comfortable Ride on Gravel
The first impression was how impressively smooth the Amarok feels on loose terrain. Volkswagen has struck a rare balance, blending the ruggedness expected from a double cab with the ride refinement of an SUV. Subtle suspension tuning gives it a unique character, setting it apart from its Ford Ranger sibling.
Quick Fact: All Amarok models ride on a ladder-frame chassis with 237 mm of ground clearance, a 30° approach angle, 26° departure angle and an 800 mm wading depth, more than enough clearance to also glide over potholes.
Off-Road Credentials
On the first stretch of the course, the Amarok’s 4MOTION system dug confidently through deep ruts. A standout discovery was the ability to engage the rear differential lock even in 2H, offering added versatility on mixed surfaces.
The new Amarok now comes standard with selectable 2H, 4H and low-range gearing (4L), which is an upgrade from the previous generation, making it all the more capable in sticky situations.
Quick Fact: The Amarok can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and carry a payload of up to 1,000 kg (depending on model), making it equally at home as a workhorse or leisure bakkie.
Power on Offer
While the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel (184 kW / 600 Nm) dominated the climbs with effortless torque, the rest of the line-up deserves recognition:
• 2.0L Single Turbo Diesel (125 kW / 405 Nm) – is confident and capable, proving you don’t need a V6 for real off-road ability.
• 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel (154 kW / 500 Nm) – the perfect pick of the bunch in terms of power and efficiency.
Quick Fact: The Amarok range offers a 10-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual/ automatic gearbox.
Into the Mountains
After wrapping up the technical sections, we headed into the Khomas mountains.
The drive reinforced what the Klein Aub track had shown, which is that the Amarok maintains composure over rough ground while offering SUV-like comfort that keeps fatigue at bay. It’s the kind of bakkie you’d happily take on an off-road adventure and still drive to the office.
The Klein Aub Rush drive proved the new Amarok is far more than just a leisure double cab. Assembled at Ford’s Silverton plant in Pretoria, South Africa, the Amarok is a genuine 4×4 engineered for Southern African conditions whilst delivering off-road capability without sacrificing refinement, especially in the Panamericana spec.
Volkswagen maintains the bar, by ensuring that premium bakkie buyers do not have to choose between comfort and toughness, as the Amarok offers both in a stylish
package.
Quick Specs: Volkswagen Amarok Range
• Engines:
• 2.0L Single Turbo Diesel – 125 kW / 405 Nm
• 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel – 154 kW / 500 Nm
• 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel – 184 kW / 600 Nm
• Models on offer – Life, Style, Panamericana and Aventura
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic / 6-speed manual & automatic
• Drivetrain: 4MOTION with selectable 2H, 4H, 4L + diff lock
• Ground Clearance: 237 mm
• Approach Angle: 30°
• Departure Angle: 26°
• Wading Depth: 800 mm
• Payload: up to 1,000 kg
• Towing Capacity: up to 3.5 tonnes
*Max Lodewyk is a motoring enthusiast. Youtube: maxlodewyk_na, Tiktok: maxlodewyk_na
