GLEANER JAMAICA
VW has decided to up the ante with this model variant of the Amarok, which is known as the Territus. Armed with imposing 265/60/R18 all-terrain mud tyres, that are both huge and wide in dimensions, it immediately stands out on the road. This version of the Amarok, which started production in 2010, comes with side steps, black wheel arches, and anti-rolling bars to give it a rugged look.
To the back of the twin cab is a black bedliner, which is able to manage loads of up to 911kg and has a designated light. Up front are halogen headlights with range adjustment and a blacked-out front grille, with fog lights below.
Though it is still in its first generation, the interior has been tweaked to look more modernised as well as improved in functionality. For example, there is a slight protrusion where the centre display and a/c units are. This helps with air circulation as each unit is angled towards the driver and passenger, respectively.
Where the display is concerned, it is monochrome with touchscreen functionalities. This might be a bummer for some as many drivers have become accustomed to colour screens, however, the more basic a pickup is, the better it is for me. Call me old-fashioned, but the less technology the more durable things are, plus everything functions in a streamline manner, such as pairing your phone or adjusting the audio setting.
What kind of surprised me was the quality of the six speakers. Every time I get a vehicle to test-drive, I go into the audio settings and level all the options, like treble and bass to zero, as this gives me true feedback from the speakers. After this was done, the music sounded clear and powerful in a manner that rivalled a lot of high- end vehicles.
On the top of the dashboard is a storage area, with a rubber surface, to ensure that whatever is placed there doesn’t slide around, and there is also a charging port. The Territus is littered with these ports. There is even a 12V power outlet in the load area. These are the type of things I like to see in pickups because they are most likely going to be used as fleet vehicles, so practicality is essential.
An area where it loses some points is the size of the storage bins in the door. Unfortunately, they are not large enough in girth to hold a 2-litre water bottle, hence you will have to rely on the two cup holders in the centre console.
For around-town driving the 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel is very nippy, and it pushes out 180hp, which ensures that you can move as quickly as most SUVs.
However, most persons who buy a pickup are interested in how it performs off-road. I remember when the Amarok first launched, it was as though VW was trying to make a casual-lifestyle pickup that competed with the Honda Ridgeline. Well, now the company seems fully committed to building a utilitarian pickup to compete with the likes of Toyota Hilux and Nissan Frontier.
The Amarok uses a permanent four-wheel-drive system called 4Motion which has the ability to shift power to 80% to the rear and 60% to the front. This helps a lot with the intelligent ‘Off-Road’ option which uses a very active hill descent control and anti-brake system. I did notice that this option uses more gas than normal, as it is constantly applying pressure to the ventilated discs brakes, which was a bummer when I was using the petrol version. Luckily, this time, I was driving the diesel variant, and the fuel consumption is very impressive as it can take you on a roundtrip from Kingston to Negril without refilling the tank.
With a ground clearance of 19.2 cm (7.6 inch) and a towing capacity of 3,200 KG, the Amarok definitely means business this time around. It is clear it is ready to get down and dirty with the industry stalwart as it shifts its focus to being fully utilitarian.
Price of tested model: $8,495,000 (full duty)
Price Range/Options: $7,995,000 Comfortline, (full duty)
Engine: 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel
Torque: 420NM/1,500-2,000RPM
Transmission: 4X4 (4Motion)
Fuel tank: 80-litre
Competition: Mazda BT50, Nissan Frontier, Toyota Hilux
Contact info: email – VWSales@atlautomotive.com or telephone – 888-ATL-AUTO
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WHEN we tested the Volkswagen Amarok last year, we nicknamed it Pickup GTI for the punchy performance from its two-litre twin-turbocharged diesel four-cylinder motor and car-like refinement in a rugged off-road capable package. The recently released Amarok V6 adds a hyper-potent three-litre turbo diesel V6 to an already impressive formula. Let’s call this one, Muscle Pickup.
Externally, the Amarok’s styling is unchanged other than the most important thing, that small shiny V6 badge on the driver’s side of the front grille. Inside, your experience will vary based on which of the various trim levels is purchased, but one will not be disappointed by the space, storage options, work-relevant connectivity and a noise level that best some luxury sport utility offerings much further up the price ladder. Even the standard equipment and quality is more than enough for the average owner. For example, the infotainment screen might be smaller, but it retains the speed and ease of use of the larger 6.3-inch touchscreen, still promoting owners that their cellphones are in the vehicle upon shutdown and exit.
The Golf has been in VW’s showroom since 1974 and has spanned eight generations. Some may know it as the Rabbit. Whatever the name, this front-wheel-drive vehicle has always been fun to operate.
Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre, and this is evident by the fact that it is VW’s best-selling model.
The silhouette remains the same, with, overall, sleeker edges that help to future-proof it for years to come. The bonnet and front bumper compress the front grille into a thin strip, with the VW badge in the centre. Despite being very minimal, the red radiator grille louvres give the Golf a sporty appearance. At the ends are the angular headlights that run into the side panels, with the LED indicator lights stopping short over the wheel arches.
