This was an interesting launch for the wave of Aussie journalists – we’ve had extensive time between the wheel of all the new Ford Ranger, so we came into this having quite a deep understanding of the underlying platform.
And, to be honest, I thought it’d be much the same as the Ranger. But, it’s quite clear that both teams worked together to develop the core ingredients for the product, but then split to tackle the implementation separately.
Volkswagen has a much wider band of driveability and where Ford has leant on comfort and cushiness, Volkswagen has leant far further into sportiness and variability between different models.
For the driver that wants a sharper ute that can be punted through corners but still do load carrying and towing, it feels like the Amarok is now the head-and-shoulders leader in the segment.
As I mentioned earlier – this test of Amarok didn’t really take into account the type of variable road conditions you’ll find in Australia, so we’ll have to reserve ultimate judgement for when we finally get it back home and have a chance to properly test it.
Early indications are great and if you have put a deposit down, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. It certainly has a unique Volkswagen feel and while it shares a platform with Ranger, it certainly doesn’t feel like just a badge swap.
