Meet the 2021 VW Amarok, the most powerful bakkie in SA

Introduced to the South African market in 2011, the Volkswagen Amarok has continuously improved over the years. This leisure double-cab truck is now more handsome, refined, and powerful, impressing with its SUV-like handling. Thanks to all these desirable features, it won Cars.co.za's Consumer Awards for two consecutive years, beating its two biggest competitors - the Ford Ranger, and Toyota Hilux. 

Let’s find out what makes this one of SA’s favourite bakkie’s on the market.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok is the updated 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine clocking 190 kW (up from 165 kW) and 580 Nm (up from 550 Nm) of torque (available in the 3.0 V6 TDI Extreme 4Motion). Interestingly, the engine can even offer 200 kW for small bursts and sends power to all four wheels through 8-speed automatic transmission.

The automaker says the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok can hit the 100 km/h mark in only 7.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200 km/h. The power is available whenever you want it by setting the transmission lever down into “S” mode or using shift paddles.

Volkswagen says it comes with a 9.5 L/100 km average fuel economy. However, we believe a more realistic return is approximately 12L/100 km, particularly for aggressive driving.

Volkswagen has refined the new Amarok, and the result is a smart and pleasing truck, especially the range-topping Extreme model. It comes fitted with standard 20-inch Talca alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a blacked-out B-pillar, and 4Motion side decals. A body-coloured "sports bar" is optional. What we really miss though is the load-area cover we find in the Hilux RS.

You can find a range of high-quality surfaces, especially the Extreme features exclusive Nappa leather with contrast stitching, 14-way electrically adjustable front seats (with heating), and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles. 

Other prominent facilities include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, an infotainment display system with satellite navigation, a reverse-view camera and automatically activated wipers and lights.

Volkswagen has ensured passengers; safety through ABS with EBD, an electronic stability programme and tyre pressure monitoring, automatic post-collision braking system and electronic trailer stabilisation system, automatic post-collision braking system, and anti-theft warning system.

One area the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok lacks in is the availability of rear airbags. We really have come a long way to consider rear bags a luxury.

The 2021 Volkswagen Amarok Highline starts at R 704 100,00, while the Extreme 4Motion costs R996 000,00 . This exuberant price gives you a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000 km service plan. (Prices correct at time of publication.) This makes the Volkswagen Amarok one of the most expensive bakkie’s on the market. Is it worth it? It really depends on how often you’re going to need that extra power.