Motoring: Amarok Aventura combines performance with elegance

Opinion

By Andrew Muzamhindo | Jan. 12, 2024

The Amarok Aventura was equipped with 21-inch Varberg alloy wheels and the customary half-round wheel arches.

Pros

A unique exterior and interior design

A powerful V6 diesel engine

Permanent four-wheel drive

Superior on-road performance, competent off-road performance

Cons

Ranger Platinum, which offers more features, is often brought up in comparison.

Modest payload

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In addition to being an excellent heavy-duty worker, this bakkie also makes for a plush family car.

You may choose from three different single-cab models and sixteen different double-cab ones. From the base 2.0 TDI manual, which is the most affordable option, to the top-of-the-line Amarok Aventura 3.0 TDI V6, which I got to experience in South Africa as it isn't available in Zimbabwe just yet, there's a wide variety of options.

The package

At the front, you can see the car's distinctive blue paint job, a bumper, and horizontal LED daytime running headlights with High Beam Assist—a function that comes in handy while driving at night. The grille is gray in design.

The Amarok Aventura was equipped with 21-inch Varberg alloy wheels and the customary half-round wheel arches. Its stocky and powerful build becomes more apparent as it approaches its back end. It's well wrapped. In addition, there are silver roof rails, a folding back seat, slender taillights, and the iconic "Amarok" emblem. In addition, the key fob or the cargo area are both capable of operating the rollover.

There are a lot of shared features with the Ford model in the interior. The main console has a digital cluster with many information displays and a roomy 12-inch screen. The layout is similar to the Ford Ranger, with a few small differences, such as the placement of the controls, electronic shifter, and dials in the center.

Still, it's undeniably a Volkswagen with its multifunction wheel. Climate control, heated front and rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats, and choices for USB, 12-volt, and AC220-volt charging are all there and accounted for, as are all the other anticipated contemporary conveniences.

Additional safety features include an electronic childproof safety lock switch, seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a tire pressure monitor.

Several storage compartments, including the door panels, center console, and cubby, provide enough room for your belongings. Whether you're stuck in traffic for hours or navigating tough terrain, the Amarok's cabin is a pleasant place to spend time.

Performance

The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine in the Aventura model, when coupled with the ten-speed automated transmission, produces 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque. From 0 to 100 km/h, it takes 9.1 seconds.

It comes with two extra speeds in the gearbox and greater torque than the V6 TDI in the previous-gen Amarok. It's sturdy and can pull up to 3,500 kg, which is more than the previous bakkie could do with 3,100 kg—and that was with just full-time AWD.

A low-range ratio allows you to choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and the vehicle is equipped with a terrain response controller and a rear diff lock. Additionally, the wading depth has been enhanced to an astounding 800mm from 500mm on the previous Amarok.

With ease, the new Amarok keeps up highway speeds and is fun to drive. The Aventura has perfected a beautiful combination of smoothness in city driving combined with off-roading capabilities; the steering is light and simple to wield; and the suspension delightfully absorbs the shocks and unpleasant road conditions. The powertrain is refined and torque-rich.

Fuel consumption

Volkswagen claims 8.4 liters per hundred kilometers when utilizing active cruise control for autonomous braking and throttle control; however, the bakkie returned an average fuel consumption of 11.4 liters per hundred kilometers.

The Amarok's rivals include the similarly equipped Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 Wildtrak 4WD and the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 double-cab Legend RS auto.

Even though it's a Ford behind the hood, it proudly displays the Volkswagen label on the outside. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice and figuring out which car offers the greatest warranty and maintenance services.

You do get power and elegance for the top dollar you spend. Experiencing a sense of opulence will be typical.

My decision

To what extent does the Amarok Aventura stand out from the crowd? It does without doubt. Golf bags and holiday luggage will fit in the enormous trunk of this Volkswagen Amarok, which makes a real case for itself as the "only car you need"— comfortable, quick, and easy to drive.

There isn't much that combines elegance and practicality like this, save from more costly SUVs, so it may be more expensive than competitors when it comes to a workhorse but you are buying an SUV with a load bin. It has top-tier mechanicals paired with a unique (and some would argue classier) design, and it excels on road and in handling in particular.

With its impressive on- and off-road capabilities, Volkswagen's boast that this model is their luxury SUV with a load bin.

Expect to see some in Zimbabwe this year. It was launched in South Africa last year. This is one bakkie that feels quite as premium in execution.

Specifications

Engine capacity: 3.0l

Power: 184kW

Torque: 600Nm

Transmission: Type: Ten-speed auto

Drivetrain Type: Selectable 4WD, low range transfer case

Performance: Top speed: 180km/h, 0-100km/h: 9.1 seconds (as tested)

Fuel consumption: 8.4l/100km (claimed), 11.4l/100km (as tested)

Emissions: 222g/km (claimed)

Standard features

High beam assist, leather seats, surround park distance control, adaptive cruise control, daytime driving running lights, auto on/off lights, rain sensor wipers, climate control, USB A&C ports, touchscreen infotainment system, terrain response mode, tyre pressure monitor, heated seats, lane keeping assist, seven airbags