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The What Van? Road Test: Volkswagen Amarok (2023)
Date: Monday, October 2, 2023
Interior and equipment
A big 12-in vertical touchscreen dominates the centre of the dashboard of what is undoubtedly a well-equipped truck, and controls many of the in-cab functions; although thankfully some of them are still controlled by physical buttons. It is complemented by a 12in digital instrument panel.
The infotainment package embraces a DAB+ radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus VW Connect Navigation.
Dual-zone climate control is included in the deal as are front foglights with a cornering function. IQ.Light LED matrix headlights are fitted to Style, PanAmericana and Aventura and provide a high standard of nocturnal illumination.
So are a 12v socket and a pair of USB ports along with an inductive charging pad for your smartphone.
A keyless ignition system is fitted along with an electric parking brake and reversing sensors. The vision provided by the reversing camera is exemplary and we can only applaud the 360° birds-eye view which alerts you to any potential hazards around the vehicle when you are manoeuvring.
In line with VW’s well-established policy, the Amarok Style is packed with plenty of other on-board safety and driver assistance devices, including adaptive cruise control.
The line-up further embraces lane assist, which stops you wandering out of lane; a side assist lane-change system that warns you if vehicles are on course to enter your blind spot; and dynamic road sign display. Installed, too, is park assist with park distance control, which helps you manoeuvre into a parking space, and rear traffic alert, which triggers a warning if you are about to reverse into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Perhaps the most important safety feature, however – and one that is found on all Amaroks – is autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring. It alerts the driver if they are about to run into something or somebody, and applies the brakes if no action is taken.
Electronic stability control is present too along with front, side, curtain and knee airbags.
Electric windows are installed in all four doors and the heated exterior rear-view mirrors are electrically-adjustable. They fold in automatically and groaned in protest every time they did so on our demonstrator, prompting us to look for our trusty spray-can of WD40.
The driver’s seat can be adjusted 10 ways electrically, and that of course includes the ability to alter the height. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is height-adjustable too, so most people should be able to find a comfortable driving position.
The front passenger seat offers eight different electric adjustments.
Storage facilities include a big lockable glove box with a second compartment above it, a roomy lidded bin between the two front seats along with a couple of cup-holders and a tray on top of the dashboard. You will find a holder for your sunglasses just above the windscreen and all the cab’s doors boast a bin and a cup-holder.
Turning to the rear seat, there is a decent amount of room for the outboard passengers with more legroom than was on offer in the old Amarok, which had a shorter wheelbase and was shorter overall. The middle passenger doesn’t fare too badly either, although shoulder room remains a little tight with three occupants in place.
With just two on board the back of the middle seat can be folded down and transformed into an armrest with a pair of cup-holders.
Whoever is travelling in the back can avail themselves and make full use of a 120v/230v outlet in the rear of the console between the two front seats.
The cab is graced with side steps and our truck’s 18in alloy wheels were shod with Goodyear Wrangler Territory HT 255/65 R18 tyres. Tyre pressure monitoring keeps an eye on them and a full-size steel spare wheel is provided.
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