2016 Volkswagen Amarok Atacama TDI420 review

The 2016 Volkswagen Amarok(with VW navigation) competes in one of the fiercest and most competitive growth segments of the Australian vehicle market; the pickup utility sector. This makes it very difficult for any fresh carmaker to come in and take a slice of the pie. In terms of sales and volume, the Amarok lags behind HiLux, Ranger, Colorado, Navara, D-Max, Triton and BT-50, taking just six per cent market share so far this year (through April).

This probably has more to do with the loyalty of customers in this segment, sticking to the trucks they know and trust, rather than the quality of the product itself. Risk-averse fleet customers in particular are strong proponents of the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ mantra.

Volkswagen has long been known for having a premium level of sophistication and polish in its products, and sought to bring this to the ute market in 2010. Since then, it received some unfortunate press for gearbox and diesel engine woes. Volkswagen Australia announced earlier this year that the Amarok would be the first model line locally to kick off recalls related to the emissions scandal as well. These factors may have discouraged sales.

To splash some positivity into the showroom the company has released 500 special edition “Atacama” Amaroks. This is one of them. They are based on the top line TDI420 double cab. So, can the Amarok still keep its head above water even with the aforementioned hurdles? And does the Atacama make it a more attractive option?

From the outset, the Amarok has a lot going for it. The slab-sided shape looks great and allows generous dimensions in and out, particularly in the tray. It is the biggest-in-class at 1620mm wide, and the only ute which can fit a full-sized pallet. It has the biggest-in-class overall width as well, at 1954mm, resulting in exceptional rear seat room and overall cabin space.

Inside, you find a level of refinement and neatness not seen in any other competitor. Granted, the materials are harder-wearing but switchgear and corporate gearlever and steering wheel shared with the Golf do plenty to lift the ambience of the interior. The dual-zone climate control works well without fuss, while the dials are logical and easy to read. Auto up and down windows are a delightfully unexpected feature in this arena, while global close just takes that unfair advantage even further. What about install a Car DVD Player

The Atacama seats feature an interesting diamond crosshatch pattern and offer plenty of adjustment for a very commanding driving position. It feels very upright and van-like, in a good way. Cushioning is soft and absorbent, so they are suitable for long journeys too.

A small infotainment screen with funky stylised circles can be distracting to operate on the run, especially when trying to change radio station or input navigation. Speaking of which, the navigation display is an ugly brown 8-bit affair. Audio quality from the six-speaker stereo is up there with the best, though. The upcoming facelifted Amarok will incorporate a larger screen and neater trapezoidal vents with material improvements, but even so this has to be one of the best in the class for ergonomics, simplicity, and comfort.

Servicing intervals are every 15,000kms or 12 months, with an average cost of $628 over two years, which is on the pricier side of the class. Details such as the shower light in the tray are the kinds of things you don’t see in the predominantly Thai-built competitors; in fact the Amarok is sourced from the Skoda factory in the Czech Republic.

Volkswagen has included bi-xenon headlights and LEDs, a spray-on tubliner, 18-inch ‘Durban’ black alloy wheels, and an anodised black sports bar and side-step package for the Atacama. These special edition utes retail from $53,990 for the TDI 400 with a six-speed manual, and from $56,990 with the only eight-speed automatic in the class. The auto allows the engine to produce 20Nm more. Four colours are available including this dazzling Horizon Blue. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!