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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 80

Volkswagen's Amarok pick-up was first launched in 2010, but made a much more powerful impression in the much improved facelifted form that was launched in 2016. The installation of a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel across the range transformed performance and slightly improved efficiency. Plus there were sharper looks and a much smarter cabin, along with one of the most versatile loading bays in the segment. In short, this is a capable, classy contender offering a premium option for pick-up people.

Modelsword count: 7

3.0 Pick-up (diesel) [163, 204 OR 224PS]

Historyword count: 146

In the 21st century's second decade, European brands increasingly started to enter the growing pick-up segment, but only one of them created their own unique product. Volkswagen's Amarok, first launched in 2010, always stood apart for just that reason - and still did in this much improved post-2016 version of the first generation form. The biggest change with this facelifted version related to what lay beneath the bonnet. You wouldn't have expected an across-the-range switch from a 2.0-litre four cylinder diesel to a 3.0-litre V6 TDI unit to have benefitted efficiency, but that's just what did happen here. In addition, Volkswagen reckoned this updated Amarok set a fresh class standard for cabin quality, especially when it came to infotainment connectivity. Plus there was a smarter exterior look and greater safety cleverness. This model sold until 2020, when it was deleted from the range and not replaced.

What You Getword count: 473

A more sophisticated pick-up should offer more sophisticated looks - as this one does. There are certainly rivals from this era that can make more of a streetside statement, but many buyers in this Amarok's target market will feel that a decent compromise between style and sensibility has been achieved here. The dimensions of this facelifted model are exactly the same as they were with the original version, so this Volkswagen remains a substantial thing, 5.25m long and 2.23m wide. In this post-2016-era form, it was only offered in the double cab body style. Nearly all the key cosmetic improvements made to this facelifted model can be found at the front, where revised headlamps and more interesting upper and lower grille sections make a big difference to this vehicle's rear view mirror overtaking presence. You'll find that much more of a step forward was made as part of the facelift revisions when you climb up inside. Through the classier three-spoke leather-stitched wheel, you view a smarter instrument binnacle featuring chrome dial rings on plusher models. Shift your gaze across the dash and you'll find smarter square air vents (they replaced the previous round ones), with those at the top of the centre stack surrounding a more sophisticated infotainment touchscreen. Ah yes, the touchscreen. It's a cabin focal point and providing you avoid entry-level trim, this monitor will be 6.33-inches in size, with buyers offered a choice of either a standard 'Composition Media' set-up or the optional more sophisticated 'Discover Media' system. What else? Well finding the right driving position is fairly straightforward and all-round visibility is good, aided of course by the high-set driving position. In the rear, the seat base is higher off the floor than it is in some rival models, which makes things significantly more comfortable. This seat back can be folded forward to reveal an area where the jack and tools are stored - a good place to put small valuable items out of sight. If the rear bench isn't in use and you need more storage room, there's also the option to fold up part or all of the seat cushion base and lash it in position, thereby creating floorspace for the transport of bulky items you might not want to leave exposed and insecure in. Time for a few load bay practicalities. Drop down the sturdy lockable tailgate and the headline news is the impressive 2.52m3 load volume, enough to carry a Euro pallet sideways, something not possible in any other rival pick-up from this era. That might encourage you to carry heavier loads, so it's important that the total payload capacity comfortably exceeds the one-tonne mark, regardless of whether you opt for Selectable or Permanent 4WD. There's a rear axle load limit of 1,860kgs, a maximum Gross Vehicle Weight of 3,290kg and a 3.1-tonne towing capacity.

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