Most pick-ups feel crude and unsophisticated when towing, but the Volkswagen Amarok proves that this doesn’t have to be the case.
In the past, pick-ups have fallen apart in the lane-change test, their unsophisticated suspension unable to deal with the demands of changing direction violently with a caravan in tow. Not the Amarok. It was never dragged off course by the tourer, with strong grip and helpful interventions from the car’s stability-control system. At high speeds the VW also impressed, with little sign of wandering in strong winds.
There’s plenty of muscle from the 2.0-litre engine, as the 30-60mph time of 16 seconds shows. Ditch the caravan and the Amarok is surprisingly quick in normal driving.
It doesn’t ride as comfortably as most conventional 4x4s, but it’s certainly not harsh by pick-up standards. Likewise the Amarok won’t win any prizes for refinement, but judged against other double-cabs it’s quiet enough for long drives. There’s room inside for four adults to get comfortable (five at a push) and the load-bay is simply huge. A full-size spare and the fitting of trailer stability control boost the VW’s practicality score.
A price tag of £31,482 is higher than that of many rivals, but then the Amarok is a cut above most pick-ups.
