Sponsored by Volkswagen New Zealand
If you're in the market for a ute that seamlessly blends rugged capability with a touch of sophistication, the Volkswagen Amarok range deserves your attention. A compelling choice for discerning individuals who appreciate the great outdoors, cherish family time, and need a vehicle that does it all.
And now, there’s even more reasons to consider an Amarok with 3 scheduled services, now included across the entire Volkswagen range.
As you navigate the sea of ute brands, you'll find the Volkswagen Amarok positioned as a more premium option in the one-tonne segment. It’s a vehicle that understands your need for a capable workhorse that also serves as a comfortable companion for weekend adventures with the boat or fishing gear, and a reliable family vehicle, something that New Zealand motorsport legend Greg Murphy recognised.
Murphy, a long-time Amarok driver, expects the best from his ute and the all-round performance combined with refined driving experience sets the Amarok apart in what has traditionally been a workhorse segment.
“I have to have a ute. I need one for the things I do - my ‘extracurricular activities’ mean I tow a lot, with some pretty big trailers, so a ute is my vehicle of choice,” said Murphy of his Amarok PanAmericana that he uses as a daily driver.
“I also spend a lot of time in it, so it needs to be something that I actually enjoy driving.”
“This is my fourth Amarok, but my first second-generation one. It’s a comfortable, capable ute, with all the bells and whistles, but in a practical ute format.
“I regularly tow some pretty heavy weights on large trailers, and the Amarok does that brilliantly. The V6 engine is strong and capable, and it just does it so easily.”
One feature Murph particularly appreciates is the Amarok’s Trailer Mode that recognises when you hook a trailer up and will adjust the transmission shift points, blind spot sensors and driver assists to allow for the extra length.
“I love the Trailer Mode feature, particularly the fact you can register several different sized trailers, and it will adjust its settings to suit each of them.”
“It really is a ute that does everything you need, plus a bit more. And I never get sick of driving it.”
The Amarok offers a choice of model grades and powerful engines to suit different preferences. The Amarok Style packs a 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine that is both refined and muscular, while the 10-speed automatic transmission is smooth and impressively responsive.
If you need (or let’s face it; want) even more muscular power, then the Amarok PanAmericana and Amarok Aventura offer a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine that provides a smooth and strong driving experience, generating 184kW of power and a substantial 600Nm of torque.
Stepping inside the Amarok, you’ll appreciate Volkswagen’s attention to detail; the cabin features a unique architecture with subtle design cues familiar to VW owners. While it’s still a ute at its core, the use of materials creates an upmarket feel, enhanced by attractive black and brown trim combinations.
With standard features like a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry and start, embedded satellite navigation, IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights and up to six different driving modes, the Amarok also boasts 5 Star ANCAP Safety and that big 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
For added practicality and style, the Aventura offers an optional ‘Premium Package’ that includes big 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as a powered roller lid, transforming the rear tray into something akin to the boot of an SUV, ideal for securely storing your gear.
While the Aventura is particularly aimed at on-road use with its tarmac-oriented tyres and car-like design details, it still possesses considerable 4x4 ability thanks to its robust hardware, and for those who venture further off the beaten track, the PanAmericana model offers a more off-road focused setup with all-terrain tyres and off-road tuned suspension, while still performing beautifully on the road.
The Volkswagen Amarok is a vehicle that conveys a sense of quality, capability, and refined taste. The attention to interior design, the smooth and powerful engines, and the overall driving experience speak to a level of sophistication that is a step above what we traditionally expect in a practical, hardworking ute.
Making the Amarok an even more tempting proposition is Volkswagen’s newly announced service plan inclusion adding great value and assurance for buyers.
With each service, Volkswagen certified technicians will give the vehicle a comprehensive 30-point safety inspection, plus a diagnostic and software check, while all genuine Volkswagen parts also come with a two-year warranty for full peace of mind.
For those who value quality and a vehicle that can handle both the demands of an active lifestyle, and the comfort needed for family journeys, the Amarok presents itself as a worthy contender for your next vehicle.
For more info visit Volkswagen.co.nz.