BRILLIANT: 2023 VW Amarok review | Wheels Australia

[@bigfan4793]

Just got mine. Love it. Has more leg room than the ranger. Drives and feels like a beast

[@DavidHill-g2d]

The 'Style' is surprisingly well appointed. It is almost identical to the Aventura, minus the fancy tray cover. Vastly superior seats, steering wheel, digital dash and interior finish to the Ranger, but both are the best utes in the market right now.

[@noelyoungman3353]

Excellent review Alex. You’ve answered the questions I wanted to ask and needed to know.

[@andrewthomas3985]

The interior is miles ahead of the Ranger sea of black!

[@greenthumb7241]

As far as I can tell the front camera and proximity sensors are working, the programming and installed map data may have a few gaps or glitches however.

[@davidoconnor9288]

Does it have all the head wrecking ott safety messages blurting out at you as you drive in Australia?

[@trevorevans7101]

Excellent review. Glad that I've found your Chanel

[@Sentido-Critico]

I owned an all VW Amarok V6 -the real thing- and I now own and use the new Ranger V6 diesel (rebadged amarok by VW, made 100% by ford). I must tell the ZF transmission + the V6, combined with the permanent AWD and the Torsen dif vag group HAD in their OLD Amaroks is far better than the ford for daily and highway use. FAR BETTER. The Ranger and “new” Amarok made by ford, have more off road capabilities, with transfer case low and high selection. The 4WD electronic mode does not pair with the Torsen dif lock AT ALL. Nice ride on both of them. I dont believe the ranger clone rebadged amarok deserves a review. It is not a vw. It is not a different truck. That said, it is a really good choice, go for whatever brand you like, just don’t be fooled, you are not buying a better Amarok, you are buying a better Ford with a different badge.

[@malcolmscott4150]

Pricing due to tax incentives for businesses make these dear however what a great choice buyers have in this weird 2023 market where supply issues still seem to mean limited availability and even higher pricing - great review Alex 🎯👏👍

[@pmcc5344]

The next gen Amarok (Aventura) is a damn good ute, don't care what the naysayers say.

[@ThatsHimThere]

Fantastic review mate I like your style

[@bryonricketts385]

I have a 2019 550 core Amarok and it kicks arse. I’d like to put myself into an Amarok Ventura but can’t justify the cost….they look fantastic and even though they are based on the ford ranger I still think that the vw engineering dept is above the ford engineering dept

[@LyfovRyan51]

Have test driven a Pan Americana. I like the look of the Style, but in NZ i believe it's not available with the V6.

[@greenthumb7241]

Hi Alex, The new safety equipment is very reassuring and a big jump from the previous model. Youmentioned the noise, harshness and vibration repression was impressive, but did not mention the driveline shake characteristic, or the diff lock button in a spot which can be accidentally activated or the wind noise and draft coming in through the front door seals or even the wobbly flexing bonnet in front of the driver. Perhaps the problems I’m having with my new Amarok are unusual and not an inherent characteristic of the model.

[@samsearle4433]

I have a new Amarok and have the same issues as you. Windows sound like they are a little bit open and the bonnet vibrates in front of the driver. I have a problem with the front camera or sensors not automatically turning on when in D and parking...have you taken it back to the dealer? Mine is going back this week for them to take a look.

[@greenthumb7241]

Hi Sam, Unfortunately mine was off from the very start, back in June 2023. I had faith the local dealer was trying to look after me and was as unimpressed with the delivery as me (mine was delivered by PrixCar then handed to the dealer for first registration and extras). I’m now left to deal directly with VW Australia , they won’t support the dealer and insist the shaking and characteristics mentioned are intended in the operation of the vehicle. I couldn’t even get a dollar figure from the dealer of purchase to re sell it as a used vehicle, they did not want it in their showroom. I’m booked in next week for an independent assessment to further my Consumer rights of repair, replace or refund. Good luck.

[@samsearle4433]

@@greenthumb7241 all the stuff you mentioned I have had from the start as well. I took delivery 2 weeks ago. On the freeway I was getting some steering feedback like the wheels were slightly out of alignment. Are your front camera and proximity sensors working OK? Might be worthwhile mentioning that you know others that are having similar issues...?

[@greenthumb7241]

Thanks, they and I know I’m not the only complaint. VW flat out refuse to check the transmission, I suspect the 10R60 torque converter is at its limit of 600Nm with the LionV6 @1750rpm, which is exactly when it shakes the most intensely, the frequency of the shaking is consistent with similar torque and revs when travelling at various speeds. A slow speed 18km/h at 1750rpm up hill can reproduce the shudder and rules out tyre and tail shaft balance. There are technical bulletins in the US for this transmission whining, shuddering and the like, mine has all of the undesirable traits. I wouldn’t be surprised if VW have specified and used their own ATF in the Amarok version instead of the Ford spec ATF and it’s contributing to the undesirable traits, especially as the trans is operating at its limit all the time when paired with that motor. By the way VW Australia have said, all new V6 diesel Amarok shudder and whine so it’s not a fault, it’s operating as intended. Authorised VW technicians can not reproduce the speed detection failures in the service bay, so, again, not a fault as far as they are concerned. I have a picture of the dash on a new Amarok showing 110km speed limit detected on Glen Osmond Road, (60km/h zone), have offered to send it in, they don’t care for a copy. Definitely regret purchasing the new Amarok.

[@samsearle4433]

@@greenthumb7241 bought some new ATs and had the wheels aligned and feedback is much improved. It's going into VW tomorrow to check the bonnet and central display unit. Good luck.

[@benbarnard8280]

It is the best in class, that inside is nice, if you want to see cheap plastic, look at the Hilux.

[@cxvii6812]

Cheap plastic lasts longer

[@utube9487]

Man....the hard plastics everywhere...for $80k. We live in a different world in 2023.

[@thelonewolf666]

damn shame it had ford parts--- no way would i buy another amarok now

[@Wisdom_Gate123]

I like this! 👍👍👍👍

[@bryonricketts385]

As far as rear connectivity it’s easy…just get a 12v usb connection usually configured with two outputs and plug it in…..problem solved.

[@Lyko-r1d]

It's all well & good it nice and comfortable with all the tech. However, can it handle off road no nonsense driving, that's what I'm paying 80k for?

[@jasonjoo9923]

Picked up a brand new amarok a few days ago. Drove 15km, engine light came on. In service now. I love the ute but its quality is questionable.

[@mentorv]

Updus about how the VW you have is doing please

[@thelonewolf666]

due to ford parts

[@666dualsport]

over price, no wonder they cant many, the ranger is better value as you get a wildtrak for this money inc premium pack

[@perpetualgrin5804]

Better plastics in the cabin than the engine😅.

[@angusnz7910]

Engines (v6) one hell of a step backwards. Anyone who knows it’s history (and no Ford hasn’t addressed its well known chain and crank design flaws). VW’s v6 wasn’t perfect by a long shot…but mechanics that know this ‘new’ engine are already waiting for the inevitable

[@doneB830]

What chain

[@tyzon00800]

So sad when a bitter person who cannot afford one bags out vehicles that he cannot buy , guess you drive a triton 😂😂

[@Stevevm21]

So basically you said nothing

[@anandmasih3840]

😍😍

[@Tristananger12345]

I prefer the look of the ranger and the interior layout

[@kentaylor2950]

Looks like a Holden Colorado

[@TalismanPHX]

Interior is bland and far too much plastic. Not a fan

[@ikatelx1503]

Performance is better for me together with the prices compared to the other brands

[@youhen01]

I hate it. There is no VW lineage. Just a rebadged ford