It wasn’t that long ago that we tested the full range of the all-new VW Amarok, and with it winning our ‘large lifestyle car of the year’ category for 2023, it’s fair to say that we were impressed. Well, evidently not resting on their laurels, VW have given the Amarok and new petrol-powered heart and in short, it rocks.
The Amarok Aventura Petrol model sits at the top of the line-up tree and with its petrol turbocharged engine, it redefines what it means to conquer New Zealand’s diverse terrain. It’s a genius mix of substantial power and torque, (that’s efficient too), combined with complete passenger pampering. It blends opulence with really useful features with the likes of a premium Harmon Kardon audio, heated leather seats, and a toasty steering wheel to combat those winter chilly days.
At its core lies a muscular 2.3L four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, unleashing 222kW at 5900rpm and a formidable 452Nm of peak torque at 3350rpm. Paired seamlessly with a 10-speed automatic transmission and equipped with VW’s 4Motion selectable four-wheel drive system, the Amarok Aventura Turbo Petrol stands ready for any challenge that comes its way. When it comes to fuel efficiency, this petrol powerhouse claims a mere 10.8L/100km (in fact I achieved exactly that), and its emissions sit at 247g.
Elevating the driving experience, the petrol-powered VW Amarok introduces a new driving dynamic, catering to urban owners seeking a more car/suv-like driving experience. However, it also impresses with its ability to handle a braked trailer load of up to 3500kg and an unbraked load of 750kg, showcasing its versatility and strength. What’s more, in my review model, the rear bed was carpeted, making even more home from home!
You see, gone are the days of fitting ute owners into a single category. They’ve evolved, juggling family life, city errands, a knack for luxury, and occasional splurges. So to be perfectly honest, this ‘trol Amarok is like the ultimate city slicker transformation vehicle
Exclusive to the petrol turbo Amarok are the striking 21-inch Varberg alloys, a user-friendly 12-inch portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system with intelligent voice control, and as previously mentioned, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, heated leather seats, a warmed steering wheel, and an array of advanced safety features, it really is a posh truck.
Apparently, one of the main reasons for introducing a petrol version is to offer VW enthusiasts an easy segue from their SUV lineup like the Tiguan Allspace and in a field where petrol utes are almost a rarity, this premium Amarok stands out, with arguably just Ford’s Ranger Raptor as a contender – And despite its power, it’s far less rawkus than that.
Sure the new Amarok’s significant size upgrade (to a Tiguan) takes a bit of getting used to, but its big footprint means that the interior is spacious too, it feels more like entering a high-end SUV than a rugged ute.
On the road the ‘trol Rok is pretty much silent with no engine roar (or diesel clatter) at 100km/h. The road noise is almost non-existent, except for a faint murmur from the roof bars and the ride is as smooth as they come, particularly when measuring against a ‘regular’ ute. The throttle is responsive and its big 21-inch feet (and wide rubber) offer plenty of grip regardless of the weather conditions, and in fact slightly improve the Aventura’s already good approach (30 degree) and departure (26 degree) angles – should you ever wish to venture off-tarmac.
Moving to petrol-power may seem like a small thing, but the result is something rather special. This new Amarok feels more urban and domesticated and yet it’s still as capable as its siblings. Just one last Tarmac Life top tip, beware when heading to the pumps, stay away from the black nozzles!
