After eight years Volkswagen Argentina renewed its most popular model in the local market, the Amarok pickup. This vehicle, which began its history in 2010 as the first midsize truck of the history developed by the German brand, initially had our country as the only producer of this model in the world.
That particularity, which later changed because it was also produced by Germany, and the qualities that the new truck brought made the Amarok position itself as a benchmark in terms of dynamic behavior and performancea condition that has increased since 2016 when it had its first redesign and, mainly, incorporated its powerful V6 engine.
Currently this pickup is in a reality of parallel universes. In some parts of the world a second generation is offered, which was developed and manufactured by Ford in South Africain “tandem” with the new Ranger. That project was supposed to be carried out in Argentina, but with the same conditions that it has outside today: it was going to be the oval brand that would manufacture the new truck for Volkswagen.
That option was not viable and a decision had to be made: update and renew the model that was sold until then so as not to lose production in the plant and not “give away” its market share to competitors. Bringing the new imported Amarok would have left it very outdated in price compared to the competition and would not have the same availability.
There was an investment announcement and an important expectation was generated among users and car fans. The renewed Amarok has just been officially presented in the country and in Clarion we already tried it.
New face for the usual “iron”
First of all, it must be clarified that this updated Amarok uses the same platform and mechanics than what was known until now. There are no structural changes or modifications to engines, chassis tuning or variations to transmissions or traction systems. And in part that is good news, since they were the elements that gave it its reputation.
The only change that was added to the structure of the new truck is a reinforcement on front doors to add further protection.
The biggest changes are aesthetic and equipment. And the modifications are manifested better in the new Hero version, which was the one we tested.
The most noticeable change is in the nose, with new headlights, grille and an LED that runs across the entire front in Taos style. The trunk now looks more robust, with a grill that inspires more solidity. There are new headlights, air intakes, fog lights and an LED runs across the entire front (in the most equipped versions). With these changes, the trunk is higher and the fall is more vertical, contributing to that stronger image.
The rest remains practically the same in terms of design. They can change the finishes depending on the version or the LED rear lights, but without altering the figure that was already known.
This version Hero introduces finishes that make it more striking, with black elements, such as the aerodynamic bar of the box, the door handles, the mirror casing, the wheels and the Amarok name on the tailgate, which is now displayed on the center of it. Also included is the new company logo, renewed a couple of years ago.
Except for a few details, the cabin remains almost identical to the previous one. Inside it is also the same truck but with some additions rather than modifications, since the front panel, the instrument panel, the storm doors and the console with armrests between the front seats are the same as what was offered until now.
But there is an element that attracts attention and that comes in the most equipped versions: it is a circular element that is in the upper part of the center console. It is not a watch, although it has that shape, but it is a driver assist device alerting you to certain situations.
With the name of Safer Tagthis element can warn the driver if they are driving very close to the vehicle in front (expresses the distance in seconds), if they leave the lane, if they exceed the maximum speed set by the road they are driving on and if they cross some pedestrian But it only does so with an audible and visual warning on the tiny device. It does not intervene in the brakes or the steering.
Regarding equipment added curtain airbags and a new touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The connection is via cable with a USB A port (the largest), while there are two USB-C ports but for the rear passengers.
New 9″ touch multimedia screen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity. Despite the passing of the years, the mechanical assembly continues to be of excellence. He 3.0-liter V6 engine with 258 hp It remains the most powerful turbodiesel in the category. To this we must add the overboost that leads to 272 HP for 10 seconds. But not only that, the progressive way in which she delivers her strength and drive in any circumstance makes her a train.
The 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission is your best companion: it works perfectly both to keep the engine at low revs if you don’t need much energy and to shift quickly through gears if you want to gain speed.
The permanent all-wheel drive automatically distributes the force between the two axles: it gives preference to the rear wheels (40-60) but can pass almost everything to the rear (20-80) or further forward (60-40). Its operation allows good reactions in complicated terrain but it is not to be exaggerated. In any case, its greatest benefit is in enhancing its great performance on asphalt.
It is there where Amarok set a benchmark in 2010 and later reaffirmed it with the arrival of the V6 engine and its 4Motion system. And in truth, is still at that peak.
Safer Tag, the “clock” located on the front panel that warns of involuntary lane changes, possible frontal collision and recognizes traffic signs, among others. The dynamic response it has is extraordinary for being a pickup. The enormous 20” wheels (not recommended for very deep mud) they are well supported and have great traction capacity. The confidence and security it conveys when turning or braking is superior to that of other pickups in the category.
The reputation that precedes the Amarok, the power of its V6, its interior space and its dynamic behavior on asphalt are the main arguments. The question is whether this will be enough to convince customers who in 15 years have seen new models arrive in the category and the evolution of other references such as the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger, the latter at the technological peak of the segment.
As with the economy, a lot depends on expectations: if this renewal is not understood as an update, it may disappoint at some point. But even with irons that are 15 years old, they continue to set the pace in many aspects.
Prices
- Trendline 2.0 MT: $ 38.046.500 (entry-level version)
- Hero 3.0 V6 AND: $ 66.193.000 (tested version)
Technical sheet
- Largo: 5.380 mm
- Ancho: 1.954 mm
- Alto: 1.859 mm
- Wheelbase: 3,097 mm
- Fuel tank: 80 liters
- Angle of attack: 27.2°
- Ventral angle: 23.8°
- Departure angle: 20.5°
- Wading capacity: 500 mm
- Tires: 255/50 R20
- Motor: Turbodiesel, V6, 3.0L
- Power: 258 HP at 4,000 rpm
- Torque: 580 Nm a 1.400-3.000 rpm
- Traction: 4Motion integral
- Transmission: Automatic, 8 speeds
- Maximum speed: 200 km/h
- Acel. 0-100 km/h: 7.9 seconds
- Average consumption: 7.7 L/100 km
Featured equipment
- Front frontal airbags
- Front side airbags
- Curtain airbags
- Stability and traction control
- Involuntary lane change warning
- Forward collision warning
- Traffic and pedestrian monitoring
- Reading maximum speeds
- Cruise speed control
- Trailer stabilization system
- Hill climb assist
- Hill Descent Assist
- Tire pressure check
- Front and rear parking sensors
- reverse camera
- 9″ multimedia touch screen
- Android Auto y Apple Car Play
- Dual-zone air conditioning
- Perforated leather upholstery
- Heated and electrically adjustable front seats
