2017 VW Amarok Review
The Volkswagen Amarok is a pick-up truck made by Volkswagen commercial vehicles. The versatility and off-road characteristics of this body on frame vehicle which was made public in 2010, are helping it gain traction in the Kenyan market. Interbrand, a brand marketing consulting firm, asserts the name Amarok is related to the Romanic proverb "he loves stones" in an effort to hint to the vehicle's all-terrain capabilities. Its rivals include the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Hardbody.
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Detailed Review
2017 VW Amarok front view
From 2010 through 2021, the VW Amarok’s first generation was manufactured. A variety of turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel and fuel stratified injection (FSI) gasoline engines were used to power it. Two additional engine variants were offered by VW in 2012, the 2.0 L TDI and 2.0 L BI-TDI, both of which could be ordered with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Amarok Dark Label, a limited-edition vehicle, was introduced by VW in 2014. VW revealed a refreshed Amarok lineup for 2017. The 2.0L TDI engine from the older models has been replaced with a new engine, which is the facelift’s standout feature. The Amarok now has a 3.0L TDI V6 engine from VW in place of its previous four-cylinder one. Comparing the new V6 TDI engine to the previous 2.0 Bi-TDI (Turbo-charged Direct Injection) engine, which was previously the most potent choice, the new engine produces up to 23% more power and 28% more torque while using less gasoline and emitting fewer emissions.
Rear wheel drive shiftable 4Motion and Permanent 4Motion are two of the three drive ideas available for the Amarok. The permanent full-time all-wheel drive system distributes power through a torque-detecting differential with a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear axles as opposed to the shiftable all-wheel drive system, which can switch the drive between the axles.
The VW Amarok’s second generation went on sale in 2022 and is continuously being manufactured. This generation has two-door single cab and four-door double cab body variants.
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok comes with two engine options; a 2.0 L (Diesel) and a 3.0 L (Diesel) engine coupled to a 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission.
2017 Volkswagen Amarok Grades (SINGLE & DOUBLE CABIN)
- TDI 400 (4×4)- This grade has cruise control, mobile phone connectivity, power steering, and a digital clock.
- TDI 340 (4×2)- This grade comes with a 12-volt power outlet, memory card reader, power steering, and child safety anchor points.
- TDI 400 CORE EDITION (4×4)- This grade comes with brake assists, daytime running headlights, and an MP3 player.
- TDI 420 (4×2)- This grade comes with mud flaps, a leather handbrake lever, and electronic stability control.
- TDI 400 CORE PLUS (4×4)- This grade comes with an AUX/USB input socket, hill holder, and hill descent control.
- TDI 420 DARK LABEL- This grade comes with heated front seats, an alloy sports bar, satellite navigation, and fog lights.
- TDI400 ATACAMA (4×4)- This grade comes with a heavy-duty suspension, a chrome front grille, and a reversing camera.
- TDI 420 CORE EDITION (4×4)- This grade comes with a memory card reader, a Radio CD with 6 speakers, and a central locking remote.
- TDI 420 CANYON (4×4)- This grade comes with an alarm system, a parking distance control rear, and a leather steering wheel.
- TDI 420 TRENDLINE (4×4)- This grade comes with a lockable glovebox compartment, grab handles, and a trip computer.
- TDI 420 ULTIMATE CS (4×4)- This grade comes with an AUX/USB input socket, traction control, and brake assist.
- TDI 400 HIGHLINE (4×4)- This grade comes with an alloy sports bar, a reversing camera, and a satellite navigation system.
- TDI 400 HIGHLINE CS (4×4)- This grade comes with map reading lights, an engine immobilizer, and cruise control.
- TDI 420 CORE PLUS (4×4)- This grade comes with power mirrors, daytime running headlights, and anti-lock braking.
- TDI 420 HIGHLINE (4×4)- This grade comes with a heavy-duty suspension, an electronic differential lock, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- TDI 420 HIGHLINE CS (4×4)- This grade comes with a multi-function steering wheel, a reversing camera, and satellite navigation.
- TDI 420 ULTIMATE (4×4)- This grade comes with side steps, mud flaps, and trailer stability control.
- TDI 420 ATACAMA (4×4)- This grade comes with protective glazing, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear privacy glass.
- V6 TDI 550 SPORTLINE– This grade comes with body-colored exterior handles, power steering, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
- V6 TD I550 HIGHLINE- This grade comes with a trip computer, a 12-volt output socket, and a rollover mitigation system.
- V6 TDI 550 ULTIMATE- This grade comes with dusk-sensing headlights, central locking remote, and a voice recognition system.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The interior of the 2017 VW Amarok is incredibly cozy. Both the single and double cabin’s first row offers comfortable seats with lumbar support and ample headroom and legroom.
There is enough headroom in the second row of the double cabin. Due to limited knee room, taller people may feel a little bit cramped.
2017 VW Amarok first row
2017 VW Amarok second row
Cabin Storage
In the first row of both the single and double cabins of the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok, there are two cupholders, deep door pockets, a recessed tray in the middle of the dashboard, and a glovebox compartment. Two cup holders are provided on the center armrest of the second row of a double cabin and deep door pockets.
Boot Space
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok has the largest load area in its class. While it isn’t quite the longest load bed at 1,555mm, it is by far the widest at 1,620mm (distance between the wheel arches).
Exterior
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok has a striking and unmistakably noticeable external appearance. A large horizontal grille with the Volkswagen logo mounted on it makes up the front end. The chrome grille on some variations also sports V6 emblems.
Together with the daytime running lights, adaptive LED headlights give the vehicle an attractive appearance. There are fog lights at the bottom fascia. Running boards that make up the side profile let passengers get on or off the vehicle because of its high ground clearance.
LED taillights and a big tailgate can be spotted in the rear. For simple access to the truck bed, some models have rear step bumpers.
2017 VW Amarok front view
2017 VW Amarok front and side view
2017 VW Amarok side and rear view
2017 VW Amarok rear view
2017 Volkswagen Amarok Safety Features
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.
2017 Volkswagen Amarok Fuel Consumption
2017 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 L diesel engine consumption- 13.1 km/l on average
2017 Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 L diesel engine consumption- 12.0 km/l on average
2017 Volkswagen Amarok Acceleration
2017 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.1 secs
2017 Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.5 secs
2017 Volkswagen Amarok Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok has a ground clearance of 8.9 inches.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
Service parts are reasonably priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi
Stability And Handling
When it comes to off-road driving, the 2017 VW Amarok is a beast. It has a suspension system that has been fine-tuned to balance comfort and handling by absorbing road imperfections and preserving traction.
The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system in the Amarok provides precise and swift handling. Additionally, this system makes maneuvering simpler, especially at higher speeds. The body-on-frame design provides enhanced stability when cornering and off-road driving by distributing weight more evenly.
Additionally, it boasts a four-wheel drive (4WD) system, which improves stability and grip in off-road terrains. Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control come as standard features in this truck which helps to increase its stability.
2017 VW Amarok steering wheel
2017 VW Amarok automatic shift gear
Reliability
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok can be a darlin’ on the road when well-maintained and regularly serviced. Its above-average ground clearance enables it to cruise difficult terrains in any weather comfortably and swiftly.
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) failures are the most commonly reported problems in the 2017 VW Amarok.
Refer to the Volkswagen Amarok buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Resale Value: Average
Volkswagen Amarok Competitors: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Hardbody.
What we like about the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok
Turbo-diesel V6 engine is quite powerful
Impressive refinement and noise insulation
What we don’t
Still, no second-row airbags compared to its rivals
Missing active safety kit which comes standard in some competitors
Conclusion
Without a shadow of a doubt, the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok has demonstrated its ability to ruthlessly traverse any off-road terrain in any weather. When it comes to off-roading, this truck is the benchmark.
2017 VW Amarok side view
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