The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has been around since 2022 and caused more controversy than the original did on its world debut.
While Wolfsburg’s first attempt at a bakkie made headlines for its initially controversial choice of a 2.0ℓ diesel engine, this gradually faded with not only its premium promise, but even more so with the arrival of the 3.0ℓ TDI V6 in 2017.
Effectively the initiator of the premium bakkie segment, the second generation’s tie-up with Ford resulted in many seeing the darkest shade of red possible when the joint venture became public news around 2019. Despite this, Amarok sales haven’t nosedived and instead have consistently breached between 350 and 400 units a month.
Tweaked line-up
Made exclusively in South Africa at Ford’s Silverton Plant outside Pretoria, the Amarok followed its alliance partner by quietly receiving a line-up restructuring in May. As a way of not only ‘launching’ the revised range, but to celebrate Volkswagen’s 75th birthday in South Africa this year, we joined the brand on a five-day off-road trip called Amarok Adventure over 1 463km.
Starting in Durban, the route ventured into Lesotho and involved not only the Sani Pass, but also the Naude’s Nek Pass above Rhodes in the Eastern Cape. From there, it headed to Graaff-Reinet before finishing in Nelson Mandela Bay.
For the trek, three variants had been provided: the 2.0 TDI Life priced at R801 000, the 2.3 TSI PanAmericana at R1 099 000, and the 3.0 TDI PanAmericana carrying a R1 190 900 price tag.
Setting sail for Sani Pass
Touching down in Durban, the first day was largely tarmac-bound and involved a drive into the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. In an almost strategic move, the Life was selected for the drive to Pietermaritzburg, and up Sani Pass.
Day two saw the start of the real adventure as, after less than 100km from our overnight destination, off-road maestro Danie Botha had us driving on gravel. A short strip of tar then followed, including what was once the gravel section at the base of Sani Pass leading to the South African border post.
Passports stamped and sorted, the challenge of Sani beckoned. Heading higher through the series of hairpins made for breathtaking views, even more so as the rock-faced walls soon started showing signs of ice.
Winter wonderland
As per Botha’s guidance, tyre pressures were dropped to 1,8 bar and low-range four-wheel drive (4L) was selected. At the summit of Sani Pass, ice and gravel gave way to snow as the landscape turned into the proverbial winter wonderland.
Once into Lesotho, we headed up Black Mountain Peak. Although on a tarred road, high-range four-wheel drive (4H) was selected to prevent a loss of traction.
Inevitably, the thick covering of snow brought out everyone’s inner five-year-old, leading to snowball fights at the summit.
Playtime over, we headed back down, a task that tested not only the nerves, but also the Amarok’s brakes. Fortunately, there were no punctures, damage or misjudged corners.
Naude’s Neck Pass
Day three represented the final challenge as the route from the base of Sani would take us to our overnight stop in Barkly East (renamed Ekhephini). In keeping with the line-up progression from top to bottom, the TSI was chosen.
The main highlight of the day was the rutted and steep Naude’s Nek Pass, which in its heyday formed part of the Mountain Trial round of the National Rally Championship. With ice but no snow present, reaching the top as the sun started fading made for an evocative sight when gazing into the valley below. The descent, which involved numerous hairpins and quick straights, reaffirmed why this section had earned rally-stage status.
Into the karoo
Day four dawned cold and breezy in the Eastern Cape for the run to Graaff-Reinet. With the gravel driving over, we completed the range hierarchy by taking the keys to the V6. Unlike the previous two days, the trek proved undramatic as we entered the historic Karoo town.
The final day dawned with the shortest drive to Gqeberha, (formerly Port Elizabeth). However, what was supposed to be a straightforward drive had one final surprise. In a full 360° move, we found ourselves back in the TDI.
No longer convoy-bound, two Volkswagen executives and I were soon faced with a problem with less than 150km to go.
Obstacle cleared
Perched on a precarious angle was a truck on the side of the road being secured by a tow truck that had been called to right a second ‘18-wheeler’ that had toppled over a few metres back.
With the road blocked and our plane back to Johannesburg unlikely to wait, careful thinking had to be relied on.
Nosing the Amarok ‘off’ the road and into the ditch, we made it past the nose of the tow truck.
With 4H engaged and the traction control switched off, we gunned the TDI and managed to extract ourselves from a potentially tricky situation.
The risk proved worthwhile as fellow colleagues had to find alternative routes, resulting in them missing their scheduled flights.
What’s the vedict?
Highlighting what is seldom discussed about the country, the event once again showcased the beauty that South Africa has and the gems that it hides.
With no accidents or trouble throughout the five days, the Amarok impressed from base engine to flagship model.
It is not simply a rebadged Ranger, but a well-devised package with a distinct character, worthy of the Volkswagen badge on its nose.
Vehicle pricing
Single Cab
Amarok 2.0 TDI R593 200
Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion R665 800
Double Cab
Amarok 2.0 TDI R669 700
Amarok 2.0 TDI AT R689 700
Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion R742 500
Amarok 2.0 TDI 4Motion AT R767 500
Amarok 2.0 TDI Life AT R704 700
Amarok 2.0 TDI Life 4Motion AT R801 000
Amarok 2.0 TDI Style 4Motion AT R896 600
Amarok 2.0 TDI Dark Label 4Motion AT R931 600
Amarok 2.3 TSI PanAmericana 4Motion AT R1 099 000
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 Style 4Motion R1 076 500
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 Dark Label 4Motion R1 111 500
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 PanAmericana 4Motion AT R1 190 900
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 Adventura 4Motion AT R1 252 200
