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Mission: Create an all-purpose pick-up truck (bakkie) that fundamentally portrays the qualities of German automotive engineering. This means that the product produced must measure up to the current benchmark leader in terms of capabilities, while offering SUV like virtues. As the Amarok is from the VW brand, pricing is to be contained. Around for ten years, the Amarok has proven to be a great success that has inspired the birth of some other European trucks. * names not mentioned.

The Amarok has aged well but, following with tradition comes model updates: Not just a simple model update here, the Amarok Dark Label has been rolled and dipped in atrough of studs.

From the outside, the special edition Amarok Dark Label distinguishes itself from the rest of the range through the locally-sourced MAXE matte black styling bar sporting ’Amarok‘ lettering, door handles and exterior mirrors in matte black, matte black highlight front protection grille with dark chrome lacquered ledges, tinted rear windows, blacked-out B-pillars, black side sills, ’Dark Label‘ décor film on the sides, smoked taillights and new 18-inch ’Rawson‘ alloy wheels.

Inside the Dark Label, the new black ’Greenhouse‘ headlining, Vienna leather seats, silk glance chrome air vent borders and floor mats embroidered with ‘Dark Label‘ lettering continue the design theme of this special model.

Functional and standard features of the Amarok Dark Label include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and rear park distance control, tyre pressure monitor, ’Plus‘ multi-function on-board computer, ’Composition Media‘ infotainment system, app-connect with voice control and multi-function steering wheel.

Additionally, the Amarok Dark Label can be customised with the following optional features: Seat heating (winter package), increased GVM/ heavy duty suspension, rear view camera, climatronic air-conditioning, ’Discover Media‘ infotainment system (including Satnav) and rubber floor covering for the cab and passenger compartment.

With a length of 5.25 metres and a width of 2.23 metres including the mirrors, the Amarok presents an aggressive stance and offers everything that could be expected from a rugged truck (bakkie). The voluminous loading area of the Amarok Dark Label is wide enough to accommodate a Euro pallet placed sideways.

Under the skin, the Amarok’s powerhouse is the tried and tested 2.0 BiTDi engine which generates 132kW from 4 000rpm and 420Nm of torque from 1 500 to 2 000rpm. The engine is paired with a class-leading 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent 4MOTION® four-wheel drive system. The Amarok Dark Label completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 11.3 seconds and has a top speed of 179km/h. It has an average fuel consumption of 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Amarok Dark Label has a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres.

Visually the Amarok Dark Label is a win. On the road, the Amarok presents the most SUV like ride quality within its range of peers. For me, I appreciate that quality. Perhaps demurer than the likes of the Ford Raptor, the Dark Label enhancements dial up the Amarok’s parking lot credentials.  If your needs call for the rugged capabilities of a truck, you cannot go wrong with the class that the Amarok brings to a dusty path.

The Competition

Fiat Fullback, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux.

Pricing

2.0 BiTDi Dark Label 4Motion R731 800

Service and Warranty

The Amarok Dark Label comes standard with 3 year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, 5 year/90 000 km Genuine Automotion Service Plan and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service intervals are at 15 000 km.

www.vw.co.za