All posts by Macfivenews

Motoring and travel journalist, opinionated gob on a stick

VW Amarok takes on the world

No matter whether it be in South Africa or Australia, pick-ups represent an approach to life and without them certain tasks would be impossible to master. When faced with large loads, challenging country tracks or off-road terrain, everyone is happy to have a pick-up they can rely on.

The Volkswagen Amarok has thus, for example, been used for wildlife preservation in South Africa since way back in 2011, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a partner of the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) in its important rhinoceros protection work. 

Completely new vehicle with “clear Volkswagen DNA”

Looks good, and is highly capable: the new Amarok not only has a completely new appearance inside and out, but in future will also have even more extensive equipment on board. “The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives,” says Dr Lars Krause, Brand Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.” 

Now in its third generation, the new vehicle has significantly more driver assistance systems and will impress customers with its connectivity. The Amarok will, from 2022, feature innovations that have not been seen before in this segment. And it will still, of course, not be deterred by any rough terrain. 

As Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ all-rounder, the new Amarok impresses with its compelling lines and its overall appearance. “The striking front, and above all the defining X design clearly distinguish the new Amarok and emphasise its claim to be leading the way,” confirms Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.” This shows the confidence of the model. 

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Amarok has been in series production since 2010. The premium pick-up used to be made in Hannover and will continue to be built in Pacheco in Argentina. The newest version will also be built in future in the South African city of Silverton. Over the last decade, more than 800,000 vehicles have been sold globally, solving challenges for their owners and drivers on many continents. 

In the southern hemisphere, the vehicle – the only one to date with V6-cylinder diesel engines to make a name for itself in pick-ups’ so-called B segment – is still going strong. In Europe it will again be possible to order the Amarok as a new vehicle from late 2022.

Maximum respect for pick-up

ISUZU D-MAX CROWNED BEST VALUE PICK-UP OF THE YEAR FOR 2022

The Isuzu D-Max has been named the Best Value Pick-up of the Year by renowned specialist publication 4×4 Magazine. Having collected the Pick-up of the Year accolade in 2021, the Isuzu D-Max has continued this winning trend by being awarded the Best Value title for 2022. 

The All-New Isuzu D-Max, which launched earlier this year, combines smart, bold, and aggressive styling, and improved off-road performance with class-leading safety technology. Not only does it deliver the capability and durability you would expect from an Isuzu pick-up truck, but this tough workhorse has also now added superior levels of comfort, refinement, and next-generation technology.

Appealing to a wide variety of drivers, from fleet operators to families, the Isuzu D-Max model range is structured into three segments: Business, All-Purpose and Adventure, resulting in an Isuzu D-Max to suit every customer’s requirement. 

Alan Kidd, Editor at 4×4 Magazine said “The Isuzu D-Max won Pick-up of the Year last year after we first drove it, so we’ve not been at all surprised by the enormous demand Isuzu has encountered since sales began. And one of the reasons why people are queueing up to buy them is that Isuzu has priced them very smartly indeed.”

He continued, “Isuzu has come to market with a range of models which undercut their direct rivals – so for less money, you get one of the newest and best trucks on the market, with famous reliability, rock-solid residuals and a monster of a warranty. No wonder people are putting their faith in the Isuzu D-Max.”

Alan Able, Brand Director, Isuzu UK said “Collecting the award for Best Value Pick-up of the Year is a great way to end 2021. With the launch of the All-New Isuzu D-Max earlier in the spring and the expansion of the dealer network throughout the year, this has been a very exciting and rewarding time for Isuzu UK.” 

The Best Value Pick-up of the Year is available from £21,009 for Single Cab Utility models, with Extended Cab Utility priced from £23,759 and Double Cab versions available from £24,509* CVOTR