Volkswagen Amarok 4x4 TDI420 2.0L Twin Turbo Diesel Highline

The perfect work vehicle – It is criminal that the Amarok is rated only mid 3s currently. Amarok is in my view the perfect work vehicle in Australia. As a 1 tonne ute it avoids FBT. It is car like to drive. It is quiet but powerful when needed. Passing is easy. It is also minimally bumpy to drive. I have the full time four-wheel drive 2 l Highline and routinely get 9 litres… Read more

for 100 km or slightly less. That's amazing for what it is. The auto is almost always in 8 gear and just purrs along at low RPM.

If you read the reviews the only really negative criticism is that the rear seats don't have the same safety features as most of the other utes now but if 90% of the time you are using it as a daily driver and for work trips it's not a big issue really. If you have a collision realistically unless you run into a vehicle with similar mass it will not really factor into it that much. In any case hopefully they rectify that in the future model update. The seamless four-wheel drive always on is a factor that increases the safety have a most other utes anyway. It is fantastic on wet or icy roads. In the few times I've taken it off road in a minor way it is also seamless. You don't need a low range with this gearbox.

The hands-free is excellent and the sound system pretty good. The only issue is integration with my Galaxy 9 note phone and fix is 2 remove the phone from Bluetooth and set it up again which if you're travelling for 3 to 5 hours is a pain but acceptable. The GPS works great better than Google Maps for the most part.

The tray is huge and has served me very well for tip runs for the occasional transferring of loads between branches.

There are a lot of little nice touches with the auto wipers the one touch electric windows the cruise control the useful dash that gives you fuel economy range speed e t c.

Australia is pretty wasteful requiring 1 tonne trucks to evade fringe benefits tax. If they had any sense they would also extend that to electric vehicles and hybrids but the next best thing is a really efficient diesel like the Amarok. I understand the 2 wheel drive models are even more efficient at about 7.5 l per hundred kilometres.

It's pretty cool being able to conduct business on the phone as you drive in comfort and arrive at your destination six hours later relatively well-rested considering.

Reliable fast for a dc and economical – What can I say, have went to Uluru and back towing a big van and was surprised how good on fuel it was. Goes great offroad. Only problem I've had is a rear main leak but the dealer fixed it straight away. Serviced every 15k and drive to work in it every day.  Show details

Unless you have deep pockets avoid – My brother went out and got sucked into buying a 2015 Amarok bi turbo demonstrator money pit. Now Im always sceptical about people car reviews because you dont know how bad people treat the vehicle or if they actually service it or drive it thru the ocean for example  Show details

Great car no issues – Love the dash. Very easy to use all 4x4 switches. Long distance driving great. Would have loved more storage under seats including back seat. Spare tyre not easy to drop down or replace. Replacement pares very slow to turn up such as new key or tyre change gear sold in separate pieces NOT IN A KIT ..Mmm probably the dealers fault. Over all love the Amarok ute 4x4  Show details

EGR failure – EGR failed and dumped all the water whilst towing our caravan Engine seized and now face a $10k repair bill. Vehicle has had all services completed on time. 123000klms 4 years old... Unacceptable. This is on top of the issues i had in the first year consisting of a transmission leak, climate control failure, air conditioner not working, L hand… Read more

door lock failed, L hand door window not working, Rh Mirror glass fall off, warped brake rotors then new brakes also warped and 4 warranty recalls. I actually thought i would get 10 years from this ute. Very disappointing.

300,000kms – I have just hit 300,000 kms in my 2013 Amarok. With 8 speed auto, mostly highway driving, some towing and only off road at boat ramps. New oil every 15,000kms. Doesn't miss a beat! Local dealer is exceptional with free loan car while servicing and upfront quotes. Had an issue with injectors recently but sorted promptly at low cost.  Show details

EGR Coolant problem – I brought my Amarok second hand at three years old, 20k miles. I've had it a year, now on 60k miles, its had two vw services as scheduled. red engine temperature light now comes on, i took it to the dealer and been advised the egr cooler is failing. VW will not contribute anything towards it and have the attitude that i should expect cars to break after 3 years. i brought a vw for a quality reliable car/van, this is not it.  Show details

Very happy customer – Fantastic ride, great economy 8.4l/100. I have only had the vehicle fir six weeks but couldn't be happier. I have owned multiple 4WD & utes but this one beats all of them for comfort and versitility. I purchased the vehicle as a run iut drmo model and saved heaps. Took it offroad on the beach and it handled it perfectly. Totally recommend this truck.  Show details

Out of date Satellite Nav System – Nice Car. We have been to the dealer and VW and like everyone these days they want your money but do not want to know about any issues. One would have thought you would get the most up to date Sat Nav system when you bought a new car but it's not true. All business think of saving money and the Sat Nav system is so old at least over 3 years it… Read more

doesn't even have the main Highway upgrade and takes you off the highway and through towns and traffic. Yes VW has a new upgrade but you have to pay for it. One would think VW would want to keep customers happy for repeat business but once a great wealthy man said there is nothing more important than MONEY. Not true. Unhappy Customer.

Problems from the first week – We had issues since the first week we bought it. From windows not closing to car not turning on! Now we have major issues and the ute is off the road now for 4 months. It will be taking 4 months for VW to manufacture a wiring harness then shipping it to the dealer. Not good enough. We've paid over $60000 for a constant headache and no car ! I hate VW. Do your self a favour and stay away from any VW.  Show details

Problems grinding brakes – Bought a brand new highline fully loaded,just hit 8000k been back to Rockdale VW 4 times at a near a week at a time and it's there right now! I'm so angry that all they keep saying is they can not fault it! What a joke $60k brake problems, temp gauge issues, seat moves by itself, lets see if they can fix it this time? Have emailed dealer principal stating if you can't fix I am happy to trade it ! Maybe it's just a bad one ???????  Show details

I've done 73,000km, still can't fault the car – Wouldn't get any other ute, unless they had a similar ZF 8 speed gearbox. Quiet and refined, handling is nice. Don't service the car with VW and find a good diesel mechanic and running cost shouldn't be too high. Off road it can handle anything thrown at it, maybe a 2" lift and you shouldn't have a problem with most of the common tracks.  Show details

cracked erg – I have the displeasure of owning not one but 2 of theses vehicles and both have had cracked ERG s one caused the engine to overheat and blow up. It was in for repairs for 3 months only to have it blow a gasket out the front of the engine lose all of its water and overheat again. Some weeks the dash is like a Christmas tree with different warning… Read more

lights. Both cars go through a lot of oil especially when towing. They are without a doubt the worst 4X4 we have ever owned they get bogged in the sand and don't seen to be able to build up enough power to turn the wheels. And after less than three years of ownership I was offered less than $30000 for a car I paid over $65000 for. Never again will I buy anything but hilux.

Came From Luxury – I traded in my MY13 Touareg to an MY15 Highline Amarok. Initially it was hard as I missed all the luxury and the power, but the Amarok is in a class of it's own. After test driving just about every dual cab on the market, the Amarok came out a clear leader. It's very much car like, it's quiet in the cabin has plenty of poke. Pros: - Comfy… Read more

ride, plenty of grunt - don't let the 2.0l engine put you off until you've tried it with the 8 speed ZF gearbox, goes like the clappers

- Plenty of cabin space - This is our family car and comfort was needed as we do a lot of distance travelling

- Largest tray in the class

- Quite, comfy cabin

- Excellent fuel economy

Cons:

- Crap high beams with no bi-xenon option (must have in my opinion, I miss them as my Touareg had them)

- Ground clearance could be better, but it would come at ride expense so it's manageable

- Media unit needs a bigger screen & outdated instrument dash - there's options available for the media unit after market

- No rear vents

- No rear airbags - although the car is 5 star rated

Worth a test drive – Brand new highline. Beautiful on road. Biggest tray in class. Smallest motor in class but happy to rev and with 8 speed box makes it effortless. Drl's and bixenons a bonus for 2016 models. Downsides are crappy 4 inch display. Needs keyless ignition or at least illuminated ignition. Awkward cruise control stalk not as user friendly as base model… Read more

golf setup. Definately need update to interior to compete with ranger. If gadgets are your thing you will be let down with amarok. But ride and comfort make up for that. Reliability is a gamble like any new car. Horror stories from all brands make life confusing so go with the one that suits your needs and cross your fingers.

Worst car I ever had – I have had my high line for 18 months now and hate it more and more every day. After one week I rang the dealer asking for my money back no such luck. Ride is so uncomfortable that I have a head ache by lunch time and told comfort springs not available aftermarket, no illumination around ignition, rear drum brakes on a $62k vehicle (been obsolete… Read more

on lesser vehicles for years)?, rear brakes don't self adjust so constantly having brake adjusted (this feature was standard on ford customline in 1957), tail gate doesn't lock with central locking, left front tyre scrubbed out even though had it aligned at each service, brake pedal too high, sat Nav is so painful I use my iPhone, bald face lied too about fuel economy (worse than my 4 tonne tilt truck), poor reverse lights, rear carry area light has never worked, water leak passenger door, brake pedal squeaks in and out every time you use it, squeaking rear suspension, drivers door trim falls off and you can't open the door, fuel sloshes around when parking, glove box too small, voice command has never worked even one time, occasionally motor shakes so bad it feels like it gonna come out, motor rattly and misses until warms up, you get the exact same dash in a 60k vehicle as you do in the 25k vehicle. VW have tried to be everything to everyone with this car and it does none of them well. While there are redeeming features of the amorok I should have bought another Mercedes.

Top notch vehicle! – Performance is excellent, plenty of power down low, heaps of torque, revs like a petrol (but you barely ever need to get over 2000rpm), zero turbo lag - always power on tap. Put a load or a trailer (or both) and it doesn't even realize it's there! Great offroad performance on the sand or off - the traction control system, 4wd system, 4wd assist… Read more

and diff locks means you can go over anything that you can clear the bumpers over.

Interior has plenty of function, heaps of storage pockets, a first class climate control system (functional, but not over the top), stereo/Bluetooth integration is seamless. Very comfortable to drive/ride in - a 500km drive feels like you've just driven down to the corner shop! It's not as well appointed as it's luxury counterparts however, and lacks the features of the non-commercial Volkswagens (e.g. no rain sensors available, Apple Carplay not available despite being out in other models).

Reliability has been good but not great, mainly due to emissions control systems failures - has had to have a couple of things replaced by the dealer. No permanent damage done however, and the problems have not reoccurred. All in all I can't complain after 60,000km of low maintenance driving. The 15,000km service interval is refreshing also.

Fuel economy I get is around 8L/100km around town, I have seen as low as 6L/100 on highway (well over 1000km/tank).

The only real 'flaw' I've noticed is that the mirrors don't swivel - if you hit one, it will snap off, at a cost of $720 each.

Cabin is super quiet, and it handles like a sedan. Highly recommended and wouldn't hesitate to replace it with another one.

Great Ute – Performance- Okay for 2 liter turbo, seems quicker than most others in class Handling - Great, AWD works well Cabin noise - Quietest in class Cabin space is a big plus for the Amarok Off road - Great in the sand dunes, haven't tried mud or rocks yet Fuel efficiency - i get about 750 to 800km per tank, i am probably a bit lead footed tho  Show details

Excellent – 2013 Highline, 25000 km on the clock and so far and nothing has faulted. Love the auto 8 speed engine very responsive. Ride is firm but handles well, no roll like other utes I have owned.  Show details

Workhorse with style – I'm reviewing the TDI420 8-Speed Auto (2013) which I've had now for 4 months. I absolutely love this ute, my rating (if I could give it) would be 4.5, it just lost a half a point for a few minor issues. Firstly the good: It drives like an SUV and I found it similar to my dad's Subaru Forester in terms of handling. You do notice that you're… Read more ·  1

driving a big ute but it's nowhere near as cumbersome as say a Navara or Hilux (which I've driven both occasionally). The interior is top class and I'd recommend forking out the little bit extra for the leather seats as these make the world of difference. I got them mainly so they'd be harder wearing but they are just all class. Very roomy inside. The looks, obviously - classic VW styleing. The little things like 12V port on top of the dash for GPS and in the trayback, tie-down points, storage compartments under front seats, large door pockets. The multi-attachment points are great and worth a mention - I've got a third-party mobile phone holder (Brodit) that is fantastic, the phone sits in there solidly and doesn't bounce about. I'm thinking of getting the cupholder attachment for the passenger side one. Very capable offroad, the only thing I wish I had gotten were slightly bigger tyres (All-terrain) and kept the road tyres in the garage for resale. Underbody like a tank and well covered with paint. Tray light hidden in rear-window brake light.

And the not-so-good: indicators on the left - not as big a deal now I'm used to it, but when I get in my wife's car I do keep turning the wipers on by mistake. To fold the back seat down is a hassle (tab at either end), lucky you don't have to do it very often, just taking the child seat in & out. Cruise controls are fiddly little buttons on top of indicator arm. The voice assist button thing is on the steering wheel and I keep pressing it accidentally when palming the wheel, so it interrupts my music and says 'main menu' before I press it again. First world problems, I know. The main downside is the 'Turbo-lag' - when in 1st, starting from a dead stop, there is a lag in acceleration which is annoying, at best. When there's a break in traffic and you need to go quickly, you don't and you end up pulling out slowly in front of someone.. Now, I've heard from other sources online that the problem is rectified after about 15,000 kms, as I've only done 5,000 I can't comment on that. If, after 15,000 it does go away, my review is changed to a 5. offroad ability, comfort, carrying capacity, style tubo-lag?, minor stuff