2020 VW Amarok Black Edition - Roadtest & Review | Vanarama.com

Pickup trucks are cool - there’s no denying it. They sit astride the two categories of commercial vehicles and personal vehicles with all the practicality of a heavy-towing LCV and a luxury SUV. The VW Amarok is eye-catching from any angle, boasting a rugged appearance, a massive powerful engine, and styling. And the Black Edition trim level is imposing… not just because of what options you get… but because of how much meaner looking it is now!
So, let’s see how this monster handles its very own Vanarama Road Test.
Let’s start at the front where we always do… classy, jeep-like grille with the V6 logo mounted to the left. Black polish trim strip on grille. Black-effect fog light wrapping. Huge, sweeping bonnet and high driving position. 20-inch Talca black alloy wheels. Lights & Vision pack. Parking sensors. Gloss black exterior mirror housings. Black styling bars around the loading bay improves the profile massively.
The widest loading bay on the market is 1.22m across allowing Euro pallets to be loaded in sideways! The soft-drop tailgate (point out rear parking sensors/rear-view camera) can also take a load of 200kg. Payload: just over 1,000kg. Braked towing weight: 3,100kg. Unbraked towing weight: 750kg. Width: 1.6m. Width between arches: 1.22m. Length: 1.5m.
In the cabin, driver/passenger seats - lining and comfort. Leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel. Dashboard display and multi-function display DID readout. Climatronic AC and climate controls. Advanced infotainment system: Voice control options. Phone control compatibility. Electronic voice enhancer - allowing people in the back to easily hear the driver when they speak. Sat Nav - SD Card Readers. Rear-view camera display. App-Connect system supports Apple Carplay & Android Auto. Storage, comfort, features, connectivity. In the back of the cabin: Spacious passenger seats. Isofix points. Leather lining too!
Other top features include: 3.0 V6 TDI 258PS - V6 cylinder diesel engine. 8-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62mp in 7.4 seconds. 3-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
VW have said they’re discontinuing the model… which seems ridiculous to me because of how great a pickup truck it is. True, the engine is very thirsty, but you can’t deny that the sheer range of options available on the Amarok at the Highline and Black Edition trim levels make it worth bagging now.
The Mercedes-Benz X-Class disappearing is understandable, but the prospect of losing the Amarok with its meaty V6 engine and good looks just doesn’t compute.
What do you think?

[@noworriesimfijian]

Great video. After being a lifelong Toyota Hilux fan I dont regret making the switch to the Amarok. Comfort, tough to boot, very 4WD capable...not to mention class leading power and speed in its segment. Even outguns the Ranger Raptor. Got a 550V6 here in Fiji and while the V6 model is among the more expensive of it's class along with the Wildtrak it definitely is the better truck in terms of performance. For highway driving can't beat it, getting around town on short runs it's got really good fuel economy (650-700km on one full tank). Towed a portable sawmill which weighs around 2.7tons and it handled that no problems. I've taken it offroad and the only modifications I've installed are an iDrive and changed the factory tyres to All Terrain. It handles superbly on the tracks even before the need to switch on the Off Road mode. Definitely love this truck and will be holding on to it for awhile, especially if they will be discontinuing the model. I would be disappointed if the Ford VW collaboration for their next Wildtrak and Amarok platform uses the 2.2 Ecoboost engine from the Raptor/Ranger platform. Btw you have a new subscriber in Fiji. Cheers mate.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks so much, appreciate your support and subscribe! Incredible to hear about the amount of weight you've been able to tow with this beast. I really enjoyed my couple of weeks with the Amarok - it's a great truck, wide, comfortable, powerful. It's really fun to drive. Yeah, you're not alone on the Ford engines, I think a lot of people were surprised to hear it was going to be put in everything they made in the medium sector and up. Thanks again, appreciate you getting in touch.

[@89tuber]

Great review Vanarama. What I liked about it is the enthusiasm, e.g. the infotainment system was well explained, most other testers hammer it because it's smaller than it's rivals. You've spent a few moments actually showing it to us. (Same goes for the small cubby in the armrest, the top storage tray etc) What I did find lacking was not having that 1-liter bottle.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: I'm so pleased you enjoyed the review - and glad you liked the level of detail in there. Please let me know if there's anything else I should cover, and please keep watching! Thanks again.

[@bearlabrador2018]

Brilliant truck, well chuffed with mine, and Vanarama really impressed with their service. Best motor I’ve ever owned in 25 years of driving.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Really happy to hear you enjoyed our service and the truck. Thanks for commenting.

[@matiasbosshardt8888]

I love the performance of the Amarok

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Me too!

[@mungasadenis9722]

You really exhaust everything, I've loved your review I'm so impressed about the vw amarok specs.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks for that. It's a great pickup truck. Shame it's on its way out...

[@skullandcrossbones65]

G'day, Why don't reviewers tell us what the problems with the vehicles are. The "sports bar" makes access to the tray difficult. Limited/poor load binding/security points. Lacking power in reverse. The tray lighting is pathetic if you can get them to work. Lots of settings return to default each time you turn the key off. After market accessories are limited. Great vehicle for long trips. 2400km in 24 hours, 2 drivers no fatigue.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: I didn't encounter much difficulty, but completely appreciate your feedback. Seems like you like the vehicle though...

[@skullandcrossbones65]

@@vanaramauk G'day Tom. I was forced into it. As a general drive vehicle it is nice. As a 4x4 it is capable with limits on ground clearance. As a ute/pick up/bukkie etc. It is dreadful, If somebody wanted to put on a canopy then that changes the story. I have done 45,000 km in 2 years VW dealers don't want anything to do with warranty issues. I have had a fuel line fall off the fuel tank. My wife dislikes the vehicle and wants her old car back (Navara STX 550). If the Navara STX 550 transmission had a software upgrade to be more like the VW control, then it would easily be my preferred vehicle. I purchased some after market wheels for the VW. Due to a design error, it feels like they are not balanced, so i'm stuck using the VW stupid low profile tyres on a dirt road every day. The tray has stress fractures where the sports bar attaches, the dealer removed some brackets and blames me for not refitting them (not supplied with vehicle). The TJM "Winch Bar" has stress fractures where additional lights have been added. One small bump on a kangaroo and the bar started to bend. If you come to North West Queensland (Australia) then look me up and we can do a review you will never forget.

[@Smithy1789]

Great video, always loved the Amarok. Especially with that V6, I’d get one if I had the money. Wouldn’t get one brand new though, too much depreciation.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Glad you enjoyed it. You could get a new one on a lease for a lot less than outright. Just in case you fancy a browse: www.vanarama.com/volkswagen-van-leasing/amarok.html

[@FPLAussieMike]

Going to test drive one next week. Thanks!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Hope you enjoy it! The Amarok is an excellent choice.

[@FPLAussieMike]

Vanarama I did thanks. Purchased the highline black 580. Thanks again

[@vanaramauk]

@@FPLAussieMike Tom here: What a choice!

[@colincassie1]

Would absolutely love one of these but I just can't see where the high pricing comes from.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: The VW badge. Lease one and it's far more affordable... but I would say that.

[@BumblebumBear]

Good film....i've got an Amarok.....it's awesome.....best pick up by far....superb engine......btw...switch to turn off reverse sensors is really handy when towing a trailer

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks for the tip! Handy is what the Amarok is all about. Great truck. Glad you enjoyed the review and thanks for the support.

[@electron-positron]

Wouldn't a Europallet on it's side be very long and thin? You'd only need a pickup 12inches wide..

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Good question, the Euro pallet measurements are: 47.2 in × 31.5 in × 5.7 in, so you might need a little more width.

[@electron-positron]

@@vanaramauk I was only joking.. 😄

[@sbmphoenix]

Ford/vw partnership.... ranger raptor with v6 amarok engine...... the ultimate truck. Id have one!

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Wouldn't that be a great thing? Although with an LCV payload and tax rates, eh?

[@evilmario6061]

Named after a Mike Oldfield album

[@stambysettesette2174]

4wd is absolutely not about low profile tyres on 20' inc alloy rims and cup holders...btw nice car/truck. May be best in class in comfort... but off road...when things go wrong...I don't think so.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Haha, you're right, but they look awesome.

[@medz3398]

Just change the tyre

[@matiasbosshardt8888]

It will be another generation of the Amarok, it could be from Ford( Ranger platform) or VW with a new platform

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Never a bad thing.

[@bmwdaywhatyouwant7679]

Nice review! It's just that the Japanese rivals make the Amarok seem somewhat fragile and expensive. But on the other hand, how many people really use their pick ups for manual labor, aye? 😂

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: It's a good point. You're more likely to see people driving these as their family vehicle. And can you blame them? All the comfort of an SUV and you can use it for work in a pinch if you really have to!

[@medz3398]

The amarok is more refined than the Mitsubishi, the hilux and the Navara. In all tests done in Australia for on road and offrod the amarok and the Ranger always beat the Japanese rivals.

[@sbmphoenix]

On my 4th navara (2016 d40), but what else could I replace it with, the np300 navara is to road based but still not as good as the amarok/ranger.

[@dr.killjoy5001]

Awesome looking car but the first thing I would do is changing the wheels to proper off road looking ones cause these ones are hideous.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: That's the Black Edition... go for the Highline trim level and you'll get all the toys but with nice silver alloys instead.

[@mrtenten2394]

dude moved the front seat forward lol

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: That's true, but only a few notches to allow me to film in the back.

[@imranrahman6736]

Hi.. I am New subscribe 😍😍😍

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: Thanks for subbing!

[@medz3398]

It’s not on its way out. The next generation amarok will be out in 2020. It will be a joint venture between ford and Volkswagen.

[@vanaramauk]

Tom here: I meant the last true VW Amarok before the partnership kicks in.

[@medz3398]

Vanarama apologies. I for one am not looking forward to it. Would have been better if Volkswagen fixes their shortcomings. They would have had a vehicle to trump everyone else. But I can see they want to get into the US market

[@karelltulod3079]

I NEED THAT CAR IM POOR IM FROM PHILLIPINES I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO BUY A SIMPLY CAR ONLY

[@ar12.]

Don’t get side swiped and be in the backseat unless you want to become a vegetable.

[@frederickmoller]

Being from across the pond, I'm very disappointed with VW as they don't sell the Amarok and the T6 van here, but that's okay by me as I know and love our F150s which btw are bigger and 'wider' that your Amarok, and better too. As are our Ford Ranger and Ford full size vans, so Volkswagen please PISS OFF we have better options here across the pond, lol!

[@andrewengland8021]

Cool story 😎