2018 VW Amarok Review
The Volkswagen Amarok is a pickup truck that excels in versatility and off-road capability. For large load movers, its broad trunk is a plus. The single-cab and double-cab Amarok variants are available with rear-wheel drive or 4-motion four-wheel drive and are powered by turbocharged gasoline or turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engines. Its competitors 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
2018 VW Amarok side and front view
The first generation of the VW Amarok was produced from 2010 until 2021. It was propelled by a variety of fuel-stratified injection (FSI) and turbocharged direct injection (TDI) gasoline engines. The 2.0 L TDI and 2.0 L BI-TDI engine options, both of which could be chosen with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, were two alternative engine configurations that VW provided in 2012.
2014 saw the debut of VW’s limited-edition Amarok Dark Label. For 2017, VW unveiled an updated Amarok lineup. The 2.0L TDI engine from the earlier versions has been swapped out for a brand-new engine, making this facelift stand out. The Amarok’s former four-cylinder engine has been replaced by a 3.0L TDI V6 engine from Volkswagen. The 2.0 Bi-TDI (Turbo-charged Direct Injection) engine, which was once the most powerful option, has been replaced by the new V6 TDI engine, which generates up to 23% more power and 28% more torque while using less fuel and releasing less harmful emissions.
Two of the three drive concepts offered for the Amarok are rear-wheel drive shiftable 4Motion and Permanent 4Motion. As opposed to the shiftable all-wheel drive system, which can switch the drive between the axles, 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.
In 2022, the second version of the VW Amarok went on sale and is still being produced today. Two-door single-cab and four-door double-cab body variants are available for this generation.
The 2.0 L (Diesel) and 3.0 L (Diesel) engines are available in the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok, and they are mated to 6-speed manual and 8-speed automated transmissions respectively.
2018 Volkswagen Amarok Grades (SINGLE & DOUBLE CABIN)
- TDI 400 CORE EDITION (4×4)- This grade comes with cruise control, mobile phone connectivity, power steering, and a digital clock.
- TDI 420 (4×2)- This grade comes with a 12-volt power outlet, memory card reader, power steering, and child safety anchor points.
- TDI 400 CORE PLUS (4×4)- This grade comes with brake assists, daytime running headlights, and an MP3 player.
- TDI 420 CORE EDITION (4×4)- This grade comes with mud flaps, a leather handbrake lever, and electronic stability control.
- TDI 420 CORE PLUS (4×4)- This grade comes with an AUX/USB input socket, hill holder, and hill descent control.
- V6 TDI 550 CORE- This grade comes with heated front seats, an alloy sports bar, satellite navigation, and fog lights.
- V6 TDI 550 SPORTLINE- This grade comes with a heavy-duty suspension, a chrome front grille, and a reversing camera.
- V6 TDI 550 HIGHLINE- This grade comes with a memory card reader, a Radio CD with 6 speakers, and a central locking remote.
- V6 TDI 550 DARK LABEL- This grade comes with an alarm system, a parking distance control rear, and a leather steering wheel.
- V6 TDI 580 HIGHLINE EDITION- This grade comes with a lockable glovebox compartment, grab handles, and a trip computer.
- V6 TDI 550 ULTIMATE- This grade comes with an AUX/USB input socket, traction control, and brake assist.
- V6 TDI 580 ULTIMATE- This grade comes with an alloy sports bar, a reversing camera, and a satellite navigation system.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The interior of the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok is quite subtle and elegant. Both the single and double cabins’ first-row seats are comfortable, provide lumbar support, and have enough head and leg room.
There is adequate headroom in the second row of the double cabin. The little knee room could make taller people feel a little uneasy.
2018 VW Amarok first row
2018 VW Amarok second row
Cabin Storage
The 2018 Volkswagen Amarok has a recessed tray in the center of the dashboard, two cupholders, deep door pockets, and a glovebox compartment in the first row of both the single and double cabins. In the second row of a double cabin, there are two cupholders on the central armrest and deep door pockets.
2018 VW Amarok cabin compartments
Boot Space
With regard to its class, the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok features the biggest load area. With a width of 1,620mm (the distance between the wheel arches), it is by far the widest load bed, although not having the longest load bed at 1,555mm.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok is eye-catching and clearly distinguishable. The front end is composed of a broad horizontal grille with the Volkswagen label attached to it. Some models additionally feature V6 badges on the chrome grille.
The vehicle has a nice appearance thanks to adaptive LED headlights and daytime running lights. At the fascia’s base, there are fog lights.
Due to the vehicle’s high ground clearance, running boards that make up the side profile allow for passenger entry and exit.
A large tailgate with LED taillights is visible in the back. Some models come with rear step bumpers to make accessing the truck bed more convenient.
2018 VW Amarok front view
2018 VW Amarok side and front view
2018 VW Amarok side and rear view
2018 VW Amarok rear view
2018 Volkswagen Amarok Safety Features
The 2018 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.
2018 Volkswagen Amarok Fuel Consumption
2018 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 L diesel engine consumption- 12.6 km/l on average
2018 Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 L diesel engine consumption- 11.8 km/l on average
2018 Volkswagen Amarok Acceleration
2018 Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.8 secs
2018 Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.3 secs
2018 Volkswagen Amarok Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2018 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
The steering wheel of the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok is so responsive that you won’t have any trouble even in the most severe off-road terrain. Its rear leaf spring suspension system allows it to handle hefty loads while simultaneously shielding passengers from road jarring.
This truck is distinguished by features such as adaptive traction control and electronic brake distribution which gives it a better handling.
2018 VW Amarok steering wheel
2018 VW Amarok automatic gear shift
Reliability
The 2018 Volkswagen Amarok is a dependable truck, especially when traveling off-road. However, the most typically reported problems in the 2018 VW Amarok are EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) failures. Regular maintenance of this vehicle may be beneficial in preventing such problems.
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 2018 Volkswagen Amarok
Engine power and refinement
Quiet and composed unladen
What we don’t
Limited rear seat room
Conclusion
The 2018 VW Amarok combines dependability, adaptability, and off-road capability. This is the truck to use if you enjoy hauling tonnes of freight or pulling trailers.
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