Of course, if you compare the Amarok and the Ranger outwardly, then there is nothing to say about some kind of healthy competition. And at one time at the international exhibition of pickups, Ford Ranger clearly proved that Volkswagen still has to learn and learn. At the exhibition, Amarok took only third place, while the Ranger got the first.
Inside view and comfort
Well, let's move on to a closer acquaintance with our cars, and find out who came out, Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger.
Getting into Amarok, the first thing that catches the eye is the air ducts. Well, why ask to spoil the already unremarkable atmosphere, budget air ducts from? And the point here is not even the cheapness and simplicity of these parts, but the fact that their design does not at all harmonize with the general appearance of the interior and exterior. As we said earlier, appearance Volkswagen is very strict and rectangular. In the same style and the general atmosphere inside. The rather flat, unattractive front panel, which is based on the design of straight lines, has the same felled look, and resembles the panel of multi-ton work trucks or dump trucks.
Where is the vaunted feeling passenger car? Large, round plugs for sockets, similar to air ducts, do not fit into the overall picture at all and seem to be unnecessary details that you want to get rid of as soon as possible. The plastic is, as you might expect, very tough. Of course, this is, first of all, a working car, it is a pickup truck and it was not made for beauty and comfort. But its price does not quite correspond to a simple workhorse. In addition, Volkswagen has positioned its pickup as very comfortable and, inside which, you will feel like in a full-fledged passenger car.
Undoubtedly, in the movement the passenger habits of Volkswagen are revealed, but only the driver feels it. Management in Amarok is quite light and relaxed, and in a pair the car really seems to be passenger. However, the rear passengers do not understand this. The rear seat backrests are nearly vertical and legroom is limited. So you can only dream of comfort behind.
The suspension version for the city can partially smooth out the lack of convenience. But with such a suspension, the Amarok almost completely loses the capabilities of a pickup. Since there are only three plates in the rear springs of such a suspension, and in the standard there are five of them. So the carrying capacity on the urban version of Volkswagen is significantly lower than that of competitors, however, the ride and ease of management are significantly higher. But why buy a bulky pickup truck that can carry a little more than, and even less comfortably?
Getting into the salon of an American, at first glance, the answer arises to the question of who is better, or Ford Ranger. The interior is really very similar car models Ford. Both outside and inside in new version The Ranger has nothing left of its predecessor. This is a completely built from scratch car that has incorporated everything that modern people need.
Now this is not the same old Ranger with a simple and unremarkable interior. From now on, sitting in this car, you feel like the king of the road, and not an agricultural worker. As bloated as the Ranger itself, the front fascia is done in a very harmonious style. Bright and mesmerizing dashboard... The finishing plastic is tough, but if you compare the Amarok and the Ranger, then the quality of the Ford finish is several times higher, and in appearance this oak plastic can be easily mistaken for a noble material. Very original and modern design , will leave few people indifferent, especially since it has a lot of adjustments, which include the control of the audio system. However, the steering wheel itself has the ability to adjust only in height, while Amarok has wider capabilities in this case, namely, you can change the position in terms of reach and height. However, Fords are many times more comfortable, spacious, and have special support. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the chair as you like using electric drives. In Volkswagen, all adjustments are mechanical and in their capabilities are significantly inferior to the Ranger.
Perhaps one of the most important details, the convenience of rear passengers, in Ford, is simply at its best. Amarok in this sense was left far behind. The ranger is just created out of town. Even with a height of 180 centimeters, you can easily sit in the back seat, and still have quite a lot of legroom. At the back, as in the front, there are armrests, and the back of the sofa has enough inclination so that you feel great even in long journeys... There are two stashes under the rear seat in which you can put tools. In the Wildtrak version, the Ranger's interior is made even more attractive thanks to the new seat design, which is only available in this configuration. There will be new ones with the Wildtrak inscription, in addition, the chairs will be made of leather and fabric in black and orange colors.
The Ranger has another very original solution - the multimedia display is located not directly on the torpedo, but in a special niche, which protects it from glare daylight... Due to the fact that the display is constantly in the shade, the image on it can be seen quite brightly and clearly. In addition, there is another display for displaying images on the inside rearview mirror.
In terms of a combination of key factors such as attractiveness, convenience and comfort, the Ford Ranger clearly beats the Volkswagen Amarok. And therefore, the first place for the best salon, we deservedly award a Ford masterpiece.
Technical comparison, engines and performance parameters
So let's take a look at what Ford and Volkswagen have to offer from a technical point of view to car enthusiasts.
Test drive a Ford Ranger car:
The three-liter version of the Ranger, perhaps, has only one drawback relative to the Volkswagen - high consumption fuel. In all other respects, Ford is clearly beating the Amarok. As small it is generally out of competition. The enormous power allows the Ranger to behave very playfully on the track, even with a load on board. Amarok, having already taken on board half a ton of cargo, clearly begins to hand over in maneuverability, in acceleration and speed. The Ranger, on the contrary, becomes more obedient with each new kilogram.
When choosing a Volkswagen Amarok or a Ford Ranger, we recommend paying attention to Ford. One of the main advantages of the Ranger is this. At one time, Henry Ford set out to make cars accessible to everyone. His company follows this principle to this day. And the Ford Ranger is a direct example of this. For comparison, the cheapest version of Volkswagen with a double cab and rear-wheel drive costs 1,365,900 rubles, and the most expensive Amarok in the Canyon configuration will cost you as much as 2,583,700 rubles. The cheapest Ford Ranger will cost 1,369,000 rubles, just 3,100 more, but you get a car. The most expensive Ranger in the Wildtrak version will cost only 1 709 000 rubles. The difference is almost a million rubles. Despite such a difference in price, the Ford Ranger is much more reliable, more comfortable, more beautiful and more passable than the Volkswagen.
Test drive the car Volkswagen Amarok:
So, we tried to compare Amarok and Ranger. We succeeded, and as a result, we identified only one significant advantage of Volkswagen over the Ranger. Amarok is indeed more economical in terms of fuel, but this is where all its outstanding qualities end.
The pickup class is still a poorly studied segment for Russian consumers. Therefore, when choosing such cars, you can easily be deceived. When buying these cars, do not rely on the brand and appearance of the car, carefully study the characteristics of each candidate, and then you will not waste your money, but get a strong and reliable "steel horse" for all occasions.
Created a great version of the car that combines high payload, high cross-country ability, stylish design and lovely power unit... But these are not all the advantages of this model. The Volkswagen Amarok review will help you learn more about the advantages and capabilities of an SUV.
The Germans are pragmatic people, so they approached the development of this car with great seriousness. Pickups were originally created to transport not only large, but also dirty cargo. That which cannot be put in the trunk ordinary car, it is quite possible to move in the cargo compartment of a pickup truck. At the same time, the interior remains clean and comfortable.
But in this case, simply creating an open space in the cargo compartment will not work. Even a non-specialist understands that it is not enough to “cut off” a part of the body and weld a trailer to it. The development of this type of car includes many components:
- Powerful.
- Reliable springs.
- Sturdy frame.
- and tires, etc.
As you can see, the designers had to work hard, and now let's take a closer look at what happened as a result of the fruitful work.
Universal option
Initially, the model was conceived to solve purely utilitarian goals: the transportation of goods. We have already said that the car has a high carrying capacity. He can easily move more than a ton (manufacturers call the figure - 1100-1200 kg). At the dawn of their history, pickup trucks were "workhorses" adapted for transportation, including on bad roads.
That is why the approach to the creation of such an option was purposeful: a powerful engine, a reliable design and provision of special running capabilities were developed. All these criteria are met specifications Volkswagen Amarok.
Now we'll talk a little about beauty. Think of American films in which heroes travel in pickup trucks. But as a rule, what kind of cars are these: broken cocktails that evoke feelings of compassion and pity. They are often used by farmers, as well as people engaged in small businesses. Yes, they do a great job with country roads without asphalt, transport vegetables or building materials, meat or fish. But can they be called the car of your dreams? Hardly.
This is why we start with looks Volkswagen amarok... Imagine a "mini truck":
- The width can range from 1944 to 1954 mm.
- The length is 5254 mm.
- The height is the same impressive - 1834.
Great design
Let's start our review of the Volkswagen Amarok with some features. The pickup is available in two versions "Single Cab" - a two-seater cab and "Double Cab" - a four-door cab with five seats, including the driver.
What about the exterior? It is simply gorgeous: soft lines combine the power of the wheel arches. The stylish radiator grille with horizontal stripes is in perfect harmony with the headlights and the company logo.
- The interior is functional and comfortable, as in most passenger cars of this company. Any pleasure for your money: climate control, comfortable seats, heated front seats, nice little things in the form of cup holders, rugs and covers.
- Obligatory electric drives not only for windows of all doors, but also for side mirrors. The huge interior allows three adults to travel comfortably in the rear seats. The angle of inclination of the seats is comfortable. The only problem can arise if the thresholds are not set. It will not be very convenient to get into the salon.
- The steering wheel is comfortable and stylish. On the front panel everything you need, including the screen on-board computer and car radio.
- The large body can be made more attractive and functional. For this purpose, a box with windows or a roller shutter cover are specially installed.
In general, the car looks powerful. All elements are large, but harmonious. To make it more recognizable, the designers suggested placing the brand name on the front and on the tailgate.
Now let's take a look under the hood.
Powertrain characteristics
Engineers equipped the SUV with a beautiful 2-liter turbocharged volume. 140 is enough horse power power to move heavy loads without problems, overcome difficult road sections, steep slopes, landslide areas.
The maximum speed of the pickup is 168 km / h. Do you count a little? But let's take a look at Russian realities. Most tracks have speed limits, so exceeding is fraught with problems with the police. Therefore, this speed is quite enough. Despite its heavy weight, the car accelerates to 100 km / h in just 13 seconds.
The slight increase in speed to 179 km / h provides a new turbodiesel that can be selected for trim from 2013. In this case, the power is 180 "horses", and acceleration to hundreds is possible in 10.9 seconds.
| car model | Volkswagen amarok |
| The country of manufacture | Germany / Argentina |
| Body type | pickup |
| Number of places | 2/5 |
| Number of doors | 4 |
| Engine displacement, cubic cm | 1968 |
| Power, hp with. / about. min. | 180/400 |
| Maximum speed, km / h | 184 |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h, s | 10,3 |
| type of drive | full |
| Checkpoint | Manual transmission / automatic transmission |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Consumption per 100 km | 9,8 |
| Length mm | 5254 |
| Width, mm | 1944 |
| Height, mm | 1834 |
| Clearance, mm | 230 |
| Tire size | 245/70 / R16, 245/65 / R17 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1889 |
| Full weight, kg | 3040 |
| Fuel tank volume | 80 |
The gearbox in the initial version was purely mechanical. But at present, if you wish, you can choose a reliable and easy-to-use one.
Good foundation
Engineers have come up with a new platform for the car to fully meet the possible loads. The ladder frame is the most durable and reliable for this class of car.
Back volkswagen suspension Amarok is designed in two versions: with two-leaf springs (they are considered the most comfortable) and five-leaf springs (a simpler version).
The front suspension is independent with springs and double wishbones. Roca rims are reliable, because they are made of high-strength material, All-Terrain tires will not fail on any road. They also help to increase the ground clearance to 265 mm.
The developers gave the pickup 3 types of drive:
- For smooth roads and in the urban cycle, rear-wheel drive is more convenient.
- The plug-in all-wheel drive makes it easy to climb steep climbs and navigate snowy trails.
- Full permanent for particularly difficult roads and soils: sand, mud, clay.
An interesting test drive Volkswagen Amarok was held near San Carlos de Bariloche. As a result of a trip along the pampas, mountain serpentine roads, country roads, we managed to see what the pickup is capable of: excellent cross-country ability, steep climbs were overcome without problems.
Unfortunately, the leaf spring suspension can make the rear seat passengers a little shaky. It may sound paradoxical, but for more comfort, you need about 200 kg of cargo in the back. This weight is sufficient to provide good grip with the road.
Therefore, if the owner's plans do not include constant transportation of goods, it is worth thinking about an SUV with a traditional body.
Otherwise, technical volkswagen characteristics Amarok is really great. This allows you to overcome serious obstacles:
- Puddles and other water streams up to half a meter deep.
- Enter at a height of about 28 degrees, and exit at 23 °.
- Drive on slopes at 23 degrees.
The creators have made great efforts to make a worthy car in this class. Interesting marketing "tricks" were invented by pragmatic Germans. They did not immediately conquer the American market, which has long been densely filled with models made in the USA and Japan.
Therefore, marketers did not begin to "head through" the wall of the American market, but offered their new product for sales in Latin American countries. An unusual advertising concept was chosen: a pickup truck for the sand dunes. It would seem that not so often there is a need for trips along coastal beaches. But the idea hit the mark. Such an advertising campaign showed high cross-country ability, reliability of the unit and remarkable carrying capacity of the SUV. And since 2009, production of an SUV began in Argentina to fill the South American market.
The indisputable advantages of the pickup are obvious. The car can proudly carry the status of an SUV. The permeability is very high. With all-wheel drive, Volkswagen can easily overcome sandy areas, move on a dirt road in any rain, this also applies to snow. In addition, the benefits are:
- Installed 8-speed.
- Big luggage compartment and high carrying capacity.
- A diesel engine that works better than a gasoline engine in frosty weather.
- Reasonable price in comparison with analogues of others, especially American manufacturers.
Experts point out small disadvantages.
- Poor quality windshield: Sand and small stones leave scratches.
- The rubber band of the wipers quickly fails.
- Not very good insulation. For a comfortable trip, you will have to do an additional one.
- Large turning circle (about 13 m).
A car can be an excellent option for entrepreneurs who need constant transportation of goods. But at the same time, it can be used for other purposes: recreation, long trips.
Outcome
Despite the fact that initially South America was considered the main sales markets, and then Australia and Africa, the Russians appreciated this model. Polls revealed an interesting trend. Most buyers buy cars not for business, but because they like big cars, they are reliable, powerful and will not let you down in any weather and on the worst road.
Initially, pickup trucks were created as compact trucks designed to transport small loads - they were widely used american farmers and private entrepreneurs. However, in our country, they are often bought instead of conventional all-metal SUVs, guided by - a striking example of this is the "almost passenger" Volkswagen Amarok. But American companies are still loyal to traditions, for example, the Ford Ranger pickup truck has a payload of more than 1.2 tons! Therefore, in order to find out which car is better to buy for personal use - Ranger or Amarok, it is worth comparing the main parameters of pickups.
We carry cargo
It is clear that for the future owner of a pickup, the size of the cargo compartment is not the last place in the characteristics of the car. The Ford Ranger, with its most popular two-row cab, has a platform length of 1.4 meters and a height of 0.5 meters. Decent performance, although Ford owners often complain about the small width (1.56 meters), as well as the excessive loading height - almost 90 centimeters. For agricultural work or transporting building materials, the Ford Ranger is ideal, but for loading household appliances - with a stretch. In addition, immediately after the side of the Ranger there is a high step, which makes it difficult to put loads sensitive to impacts and other influences into the body.
In the field of cargo transportation pickup Volkswagen is not inferior to its traditional American competitor - its body length is 10 centimeters longer, and its depth is 2 cm.In addition, the width volkswagen platforms Amarok, equal to 1.65 meters - it helps to transport large enough loads like modern refrigerators or LCD TVs. The step is almost invisible - thanks in large part to the thick plastic cover on the underbody of the Amarok - it also protects the metal from corrosion and prevents damage to the load.
If you compare the Amarok and the Ranger, it might seem that Volkswagen is the perfect fit for the role of a compact truck. However, the Ford Ranger has a payload that is 1.5 times that of the German car - 1.2 tons. Of course, the Volkswagen Amarok can be ordered in a special Heavy Duty version, but the reinforced five-leaf springs, which add 200 kg to the pickup, deprive it of the excellent handling that the manufacturer is so proud of. But Volkswagen can tow trailers weighing up to 3.2 tons due to powerful motor and an optimized drivetrain, while the Ford Ranger can only haul 2.5 tons. But the Americans have one more "trump card" - a proprietary plastic superstructure that makes the body closed, for the Ranger it costs only 90 thousand rubles, while Volkswagen offers it for 150-175 thousand rubles, depending on the material and type of tailgate mechanism.
On the run
Off-road qualities
You can find some sense in buying a pickup truck for urban use, although such an acquisition is difficult to call justified, so it will be a priority. Pickup owners have high hopes for the Ford Ranger as it has been compared to the popular US F-150, which is capable of overcoming very difficult obstacles. However, in the case of the Ranger, the driver will have to watch out for deep holes, ruts and stream banks. Mechanical differential locks replaced electronic systemimitating their work. As a result, the Ford Ranger quickly gets stuck in the mud and cries out for help by spinning the suspended wheels.
Not too successful - the 2.2-liter diesel engine drives the Ranger well over flat terrain, but quickly loses its enthusiasm when a slight rise appears. If the Ford pickup is fully loaded, the driver will have to get used to pressing the gas pedal three-quarters or more, which will inevitably affect fuel consumption. Of course, in the Ford Ranger lineup there is also a car with a 3.2 engine with a capacity of 200 horsepower, but with it the fuel consumption of a pickup truck exceeds 15 liters per 100 kilometers. There are no complaints about the automatic gearbox - it quickly enough adapts to the selected driving mode, allowing you to maintain high revs off-road and save fuel when driving on the highway.
But you don't expect any off-road adventures from Volkswagen Amarok - with all its appearance the pickup shows that it is intended for high-speed driving on high-quality asphalt. The Amarok problem is completely similar to that of the Ford Ranger - the lack of mechanical interlocks prevents the driver from driving through particularly difficult sections of a washed-out dirt road. However, the engineers who created the Volkswagen Amarok were not mistaken in installing a Torsen differential in the all-wheel drive transmission. Although it allows for some slippage, the Amarok transmission very quickly adjusts the distribution of torque - as a result, the same obstacles can be passed "in motion", adding gas right in front of a difficult area.
The Volkswagen biturbo diesel has very good traction and does not bother the pickup driver with the usual low revs... However, it is still quite difficult to manage it - in this case, it is not a lack of power that interferes, but its excess, which makes the wheels of the Volkswagen Amarok slip on prolonged ascents with slippery surfaces. Therefore, the driver should not wear wading boots or heavy winter boots - to drive a Volkswagen pickup off-road, you need to perfectly feel the pedals. Eight stage automatic gearbox ideal for a heavy machine - it shifts gears just a little slower than mechanics and always finds the perfect gear ratio for the Amarok.
On the asphalt
The impressions of driving a Ford Ranger on a good road are quite expected - in its habits a pickup is very similar to a GAZelle or other light truck. The Ranger bounces high on every bump and shudders the entire body, even when passing deep cracks in the pavement, and an attempt at a speed bump can lead to all four wheels off the ground. Controllability can be assessed no higher than the "three" - the car is frankly upset by the slow response to steering and large exchange rate fluctuations when driving on a bad road. With a full load, the Ford Ranger goes much better - the pickup stops jumping, but the thuds and jerks of the steering wheel do not disappear anywhere.
But the 2.2 turbodiesel, which is not enough to lift the Ford Ranger up a hill, when driving in normal mode, impresses with its soft reactions - when you press the gas pedal quickly, the car accelerates quickly and without any jerks. The six-speed "automatic" Ford is trying to save fuel - with even driving, it turns on very quickly top gear and tries to keep it until the speed drops below 800-1000 rpm. In general, the Ford Ranger leaves a mixed impression - the car allows you to control traction very conveniently, but quickly "shakes out the soul" of the driver and passengers.
| Car model: | Ford ranger | Volkswagen amarok |
| The country of manufacture: | USA (Build - Thailand) | Germany |
| Body type: | Pickup | Pickup |
| Number of places: | 5 | 5 |
| Number of doors: | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement, cubic meters cm: | 2198 | 1968 |
| Power, hp with. / about. min .: | 150/3700 | 180/4000 |
| Maximum speed, km / h: | 175 | 179 |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h, s: | 12,3 | 10,9 |
| Type of drive: | Full | Full |
| Checkpoint: | 6 automatic transmission | 8 automatic transmission |
| Fuel type: | DT | DT |
| Consumption per 100 km: | Urban 11.9 / Outside 8.0 | In the city 10.1 / Outside the city 7.3 |
| Length, mm: | 5359 | 5254 |
| Width, mm: | 1850 | 1944 |
| Height, mm: | 1815 | 1834 |
| Clearance, mm: | 232 | 230 |
| Tire size: | 265/65 R17 | 245/65 R17 |
| Curb weight, kg: | 2048 | 1975 |
| Full weight, kg: | 3200 | 2820 |
| Fuel tank volume: | 80 | 80 |
High-quality asphalt is a natural element of the Volkswagen Amarok pickup - you can feel it after the first kilometers traveled. Vehicle with standard three-leaf springs in rear suspension gently passes all the irregularities, annoying jumping only after the appearance of especially deep holes and "speed bumps". The Amarok's handling is ideal for a pickup truck, because unlike other light trucks, it instantly responds to steering movements and does not go astray. When fully loaded, the Volkswagen Amarok acquires a tendency to sway - one feels that the car was created more as an image than for transporting heavy loads. If you order the Heavy Duty modification with two additional leaflets in the springs, you can face the same jumps as the Ford Ranger, although the handling will still be much better.
Volkswagen's powerful bi-turbo diesel makes the pickup driver think he is sitting in a large Touareg SUV - the car's dynamics are so good. Its only drawback is its too fast response to pressing the pedal, which makes you drive the car in a "ragged" rhythm with frequent gear changes and jerks. Although this quality of the Volkswagen Amarok helps to confidently keep in the city traffic with its frequent changes and sharp overtakes. Automatic box gears initially - only six of its steps are used in the city, the seventh is intended to achieve maximum speed, and the eighth - for uniform movement at a speed above 120 km / h. In general, the Volkswagen Amarok can be called one of the few pickups with the habits of a passenger car - if only we are talking about the Comfort modification with a standard suspension.
Comfort
If we compare the Volkswagen Amarok or the Ford Ranger, then one cannot but pay attention to inner spaceavailable to the driver and passengers. Despite the fact that the Ford Ranger has remained faithful to the "cargo" traditions, inside it looks just fine - the center console attracts attention with a large LCD display located in a deep rectangular well, as well as a scattering of buttons and intricately shaped deflectors. Workplace the driver of the Ford pickup truck is quite comfortable due to the instruments with large digitization and a large four-spoke steering wheel. The car can be equipped with not only air conditioning, but also dual-zone climate control, which significantly increases the value of the Ranger in the eyes domestic consumer... In addition, the Ford Ranger offers a variety of storage options for small items:
- Capacity behind the back of the rear sofa;
- Two drawers located under the rear seat cushions;
- Cooled box inside the armrest.
The front seats of the American pickup do not impress with particular comfort - one feels that they were created more with the expectation of quick embarkation and disembarkation, which is extremely important for commercial vehicles. On a long journey, the driver of the Ford Ranger begins to feel pain in his shoulders and lower back, which is explained by the far from optimal profile of the backrest and a high pillow. But to the back row seats Ford pickup truck cannot be pretentious, since even three construction workers in full equipment can fit here. If desired, backpacks can be placed here, taking advantage of the space at the feet of passengers - it is not necessary to load them into the Ranger's body, which is open to all rains and winds.
As already mentioned, the Volkswagen Amarok is similar to the SUVs and crossovers of this manufacturer, and the similarity applies not only to behavior on the move, but also interior design... Its interior is not similar to the interior trim of the truck - you can find here such interesting elements as two-tone upholstery of the front panel or multimedia system with a large touch screen. The devices are similar to those with which others are equipped. volkswagen models - between two round dials there is a small display of the trip computer. However, there is nothing to catch the eye - unlike the Ford Ranger, there are no specific design solutions in the Amarok.
Volkswagen pickup seats are very good despite the lack of automatic adjustments. The optimal profile supports the driver's back, allowing you to endure a long journey without the slightest fatigue, and the low cushion brings the Amarok closer to the passenger seat. The rear is slightly tighter than in the Ford Ranger - and this applies not only to the distance between the two rows of seats, but also to the width of the cabin. In addition, there is not that abundance of places for storing small things - except glove box the driver is offered only a small box inside the armrest. The seats also recline forward, but there is almost no space behind them - volkswagen owner The Amarok can only put a work jacket and boots here, as the distance from the backrests to the rear wall of the double cab is very small.
Truck or car?
If you know what you want from such a specific car as a pickup, then you can easily choose between the Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger. For entrepreneurs, farmers and other people looking for a work vehicle, the Ranger is the right choice because of its large payload and excellent traction control. However, you should not expect comfort from a Ford pickup truck, since its chassis is more focused on the transportation of bulky goods. For a comfortable ride around the city and country roads, it is better to purchase a Volkswagen Amarok. It can play the role of being equipped with a powerful turbodiesel engine, a modern all-wheel drive transmission and a comfortable interior with a presentable finish.
What should you focus on when looking at a German pickup? First of all, of course, on the fact that he is German. In fact, marketers from the Volkswagen Group did what competitors from Mercedes and BMW, for example, feared to do. Yes, now rumors about a pickup from Mercedes are taking on real shape, but four or five years ago, colleagues looked at the Vagovites with their pickup concept, to put it mildly, with misunderstanding.
Time passed, and voila: the Volkswagen Amarok pickup "took" its market, found its buyer and has already firmly established itself in the line of the concern. Moreover, the car went through several updates and received several modifications, which speaks of the demand in the world market and, of course, in Russia.
What do we know about the German pickup truck, which feels very good in the domestic market and has recently experienced another, high-quality, deep update?
1. Produced where it should be.
VW Amarok production is established in Germany at the plant in Hanover and in Argentina, at the plant near Buenos Aires. In the same place, in Argentina, a competitor to Amaroka is also produced - the L200 pickup from Mitsubishi. This is not surprising, because it was for the Latin American and African markets that Amarok was originally intended. For our market, cars are supplied, of course, from Hanover. Here you are - real German quality in all its glory.
2. The frame structure is a must-have in the pickup class.
Yes, and this is worth paying attention to. The fact is that the culture of "frames" has gradually dissolved in modern trends, both in design and in body construction technologies, even in the class of heavy SUVs.
Moreover, the ladder frame here fits so harmoniously into the design that it would be simply a crime to change such a decision. And the fastening of springs with different fastening heights for a better distribution of the center of gravity is generally an excellent solution in the paradigm of the Amaroka frame structure.
3. Volkswagen Amarok salon.
The designers worked very hard here. We remember previous generation a pickup truck, which was distinguished by a certain stiffness, or something. Looked, frankly, budget. Very budget for such a car. Now in the salon there is a completely "Vag" spirit. In the best traditions of the corporate design of the German brand. Quality, functionality, ergonomics, reliability. Plus - high-quality navigation and a lot of space on the back sofa. What else does a real "pick-up" need?
4. Engine "Volchenka".
To 2.0-liter diesel unit BiTDI had no complaints. 180 forces in the asset with a maximum torque of 420 Nm. Pulls well, on the track - very good. The 8-speed automatic transmission from Aisin also caused only positive emotions. The combination gives approximately 7 - 8 liters of consumption per hundred kilometers on the highway and 10 - 12 liters in the combined cycle. An excellent indicator for a car of this size.
For fans of driving "hotter" in the VW Amarok lineup, the Aventura equipment has appeared, which under the hood received a 3.0-liter V6 turbo engine with 224 horses in the asset with a maximum torque of 550 Nm.
5. Psychological perception of the pickup.
Perhaps only residents of the southern outskirts and regions of the United States can fully tell about this approach to business. A pickup truck for a Texas or Alabama resident is not just a workhorse, but a face. No pickup - you're not a cowboy, not a local, not a man. And the point.
Talk about too much of it, too cumbersome, not aesthetic ... in general, you can get in the face with this approach. A car should be a lot, as well as emotions from owning it. Pulling up to a bar on the outskirts of Dallas in a mid-size sedan is like ordering gas-free water or Diet Coke from this bar. You understand. In this perception, "Amarok" is charisma. Not a Dodge Ram, of course, but a compromise.
In general, for a completely complete and adequate perception of "Amarok" as a full-fledged representative of the Russian automotive market, all of the above, of course, is not enough. That is why we tortured him, poor fellow, for quite some time. He suited both the role of a traveler and the role of a reliable "collective farmer" capable of enduring (transporting) all the hardships and deprivations of rural reality.
Summing up our adventures with the VW Amarok pickup, we can make the following verdict: despite its specificity in terms of the body (a pickup in Russia is still smaller than a pickup), the car has proven its versatility. And this is exactly what a huge share of Russian buyers requires from a car. Especially those who cannot imagine their existence without forays into the outskirts of the Kuban and other regions of our immense.
➖ Unreliability (susceptibility to various breakdowns)
➖ Color quality
➖ Music
pros
➕ Passage
➕ Manageability
➕ Visibility
➕ Design
The advantages and disadvantages of the 2018-2019 Volkswagen Amarok in a new body are revealed based on feedback from real owners. More detailed pros and cons of Volkswagen Amarok with mechanics, automatic and all-wheel drive 4x4 can be found in the stories below:
Owner reviews
Beautiful! Comfortable, there is a lot of space behind, the iron is thick, although it rusts at the moment. Amrok rides and steers very nicely, controlled on the asphalt. Excellent fit comfort and visibility. Good native light, sometimes they really blink, the car is still high.
Of the minuses: it blooms slowly! The engine is working to the brink of its capabilities, there is no stock at all. Everything must be done with great anticipation. The machine is strange, not very consistent.
There are no factory facilities for transporting and securing goods, except for 4 loops, and are not provided - only collective farms. Any covers and kungs rub the sides to the holes! A roll bar that doesn’t rub the OD complete with Canyon arcs (they are really comfortable and allow Katyusha length gauges to be carried) costs 700,000 rubles!
Repair by official space - the difference is up to 10 times! At the same time, there is NO real guarantee! In case of a break after replacing the timing, you will be refunded 500 rubles. for a belt, with a repair cost under 200,000 rubles.
Andrey Tashmatov, drives a Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI (180 hp) AT 2013
Video review
And what to expect from commercial vehicle? Many other pickups, by the way, are not positioned as commercial. It would be fine, but the price tag is too high ...
Design VW Amarok, of course, for an amateur, but square wheel arches Is archaism american pickups of past years (take a look at the Chevrolet Colorado), and "quadraticism as a whole" does not have the best effect on aerodynamics.
A small-capacity engine (only 2.0 liters) - all sorts of turbo, this, of course, is good and correct, but the volume will never be superfluous. There is no center differential - if you don’t get out of the mud at all, then you can, of course, cut on rigidly connected axles, but in winter, through the city slush, you can’t comfortably drive rear wheel drive, nor on complete with rigidly connected axes, i.e. Amarok is far from universal. Well, to the heap - he has a cramped salon! There are pickups from the same class that are more spacious.
Maslenizza Ok, drives Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI (180 HP) 4motion MT 2013
Volkswagen Amarok - truckwhat to expect from her. On the first, Amaroka laid a cast iron plate weighing 120 kg. Drove and wanted to hand over to the metal reception. They could not open until the evening, they flattened everything and everyone. They lifted the side and opened it in an hour, so it was dangerous to carry two bags of cement.
When large quantities of dual-mass flywheels began to fly, the plant dropped the program and unloaded input shaft - this is the opinion of the plant. They installed these programs on the sly, and then they said that they installed a mandatory program without my consent.
So, this Amarok became a sheep, not a wolf. You give gas, and he stands like a ram and thinks ... and then starts driving ... And this is all on the sly, without my consent.
Besogon, drives VW Amarok 2.0 BiTDI (180 HP) 4MOTION AT 2013
Got enough. I will write. In 2012, he bought a Volkswagen Amarok. Fully loaded for 1,560,000 rubles. Got everything I needed and left for 2 million. Skated 50 thousand km. and the two-mass flywheel welled up, the clutch disc, the dipped beam lamps burn no more than 10 thousand km. run, the next step was to have a box - they don't run for a long time.
I decided to change it to a new Amarok, also with complete set, with a gun, paid extra and left again for two million rubles. Skated 30 thousand km. and the box welled up, the front brake discs do not go more than 25 thousand km. I changed it for my money.
I waited for the gasket under the kung for exactly a year, when they will change, but did not wait. Now I'm waiting for the box, they promise to change it. As soon as they change, I will sell it right away ... Full, as they say, a bucket, not a car, although the first was assembled in Chile, and the second in Hanover.
Constantly small work: the buttons on the door will go away, then the wipers, then the seats, etc. ad infinitum ...
The owner drives an Amaroka 2.0 BiTDI (180 hp) 4WD AT 2013
I bought the first Amarok in 2013, before that there were three station wagons in a row (Ford, Honda and Subaru), so I couldn't get used to landing for a long time. With my runs (an average of 60,000 km per year) this is important, but then I got used to it and remembered the convenience of driving a high car.
General impressions: a comfortable truck, convenient for work and life, inexpensive to maintain (except for maintenance up to 160,000 km, I did not repair anything, and then replacing the ball valves without levers cost a penny), it drives well both on asphalt and on other roads. Automatic and four-wheel drive work well.
Three years later I changed it to a new Amarok, I have no regrets. Of the advantages, I note a good suspension, which "swallows" a lot of everything without noticing, springs of 5 sheets allow you to load more than a ton into the car (on a new car, however, 3 leaf springs), with a quiet ride it is quite economical - up to 7 liters of diesel fuel per hundred, at speeds over 130 km / h - up to 9 liters.
Among the disadvantages: in bad weather, the side windows and rear-view mirrors are splashed.
Review of Volkswagen Amarok diesel 2.0 (180 hp) with automatic transmission 2016
So, the updated Amarok. What changed? The new front end is a matter of taste, I personally like it more than the old one, with round foglights. It is a pity that we did not receive xenon, although to order - please. With xenon, the Amarok looks generally great, and it shines much better. If possible, I recommend it.
The new front panel is definitely a plus. Firstly, it is simply beautiful - the round elements were removed, the style was made stricter and "more thoroughbred". Secondly, it (thank God!) Has not lost its enviable functionality.
Now about the cons. I hate innovation for the sake of show. This is the story with music. Have you added everything? Well, that means something must be spoiled. They spoiled nothing at all - the music itself. As a result, you can listen to music even from a flash drive, even from an SD-card, even from a disk, you can slide your finger over a beautiful picture, adjust the bass and balance, you can surprise your friends with a spectacular pop-up menu - but the sound will be frankly miserable. How did it happen?!
Next is the piano lacquer on the panel. Honestly, I would like to find that wonderful person who opened a worldwide plant for the production of this muck, and roll this "piano" for him somewhere ... What kind of mass craze for this material happened among automakers? Well, it's obvious: cheap shiny, dirty and scratched material from any touch.
For operation. After running in, the car went on an expedition a large circle»: To Yakutia along the winter road through Ust-Kut and Taas-Yuryakh and back through Yakutsk and Skovorodino. And there, in Yakutia, it has already broken down. The microclimate control unit has failed. In fact, the only one really new part in the whole car, which was introduced during the restyling!
Review of Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 diesel with manual transmission 2016
