 Nissan Navara |
VS |  Volkswagen Amarok |
Welcome to the Volkswagen Amarok vs Nissan Navara comparison. Since both models were updated for 2012 we decided to revisit both models and see whether there is any change to our personal rankings of both models. As always we ignore the hype and write what we think this good and bad about the two cars.
The most noticeable change to the 2012 Navara is the updated dashboard and center console making it a nicer place to sit in. As a result one of the materials used have been updated and we feel that the Navara looks and feel is more car like than the Amarok. Everything else about the Navara is as expected and good for a ute in leather, although we pefer the cloth trim for comfort. Everyone goes on and on about hard plastics and even us sometimes, due to they way some are presented. When hard plastics are used correctly there is really not much to complain about and the Navara and especially the Toyota Kluger are examples that show how it can be done well.
Since driving the diesel V6 550 ST-X we were impressed. The engine may not be quiet BUT it has power from idle to the red line there’s nothing like it that we know of in this class. It’s not an outright speed or cornering machine despite the power but it is reasonably fast or ‘willing’ for a large 4WD ute in any gear. It would be interesting to see what it would be like on a wet and slippery city road. Surprisingly it drives better than the Amarok due to softer suspension and less turbo boost shenanigans.
The VW Amarok has many improvements and additions to the model range for 2012. 4×2 or non-4WD Amaroks can now be purchased as dual-cabs or single cabs along with a turbo petrol in some models. The new 8 speed automatic transmission is an option on certain models as well as a revised constant 4WD system but without a separate low range gearbox. Our prior drive of the Amarok was memorable in that it had various mechanical noises not present in other 4WD and a relatively unrefined manual gearbox. At least the suspension felt more in control than the Navara but not by an great amount.
The Amarok interior packaging and equipment issues still plague the Amarok like the lack of bluetooth connectivity and dedicated mobile phone slots and tiny glove box especially for a new design, shows lack of market research.
The main problem with the Amarok is it’s unknown reliability including that one major factor that will effect your decision – the engines require even more specific maintenance and a timing belt! This extra cost that you must take into account if you are considering longer term ownership for a private purchasers and commercial buyers if you do lots of kilometers in a short time. Any commercial engine needs to be reliable and low cost to maintain beyond the 100,000km mark which is why all majors are moving to chains. Admittedly the Navara’s 2.5 litre diesel has well known issues but NOT the 3.0 diesel!
We think that the Volkswagen Amarok is a good first effort but considering that VW designed and built it we feel they have taken advantage of reputation. Sure it is better than the emerging Chinese branded ute SUVs but only ‘overall’ equal to say the older L200 or Triton platform for example. We wonder which models VW were benchmarking. We’d love to be more positive about the Amarok but we can’t.
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| Nissan Navara | Volkswagen Amarok |
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| Engines | |
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V9X YD25 (Modified May 2010) VQ40 (some countries) |
TSI300 CDBA TDI340 DDBA TDI400 DDBA TDI420 (TBA) |
| Weight | |
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1940 – 2001Kg |
FROM 2047 Kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 80 litres V6 Petrol 13.6-14 lts per 100km YD25 Diesel 10.5 lts per 100km V9X Diesel 9.3 lts per 100km |
Up to 80 litres |
| Other specifications | |
| 5 speed or 7 speed Auto or 6 speed manual Overall height/width 1795/1848 Overall length/Wheelbase 5296/3200 Tray L1511mm x W1485mm x D457mm Total payload capability 820kg (Approx) ANCAP safety rating 4/5 |
6 speed manual or 8 speed Auto |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach 29-32 Departure 22-27.5 Breakover N/A Minimum ground clearance 205-217mm Water Fording depth N/A 4WD system: Part time 4WD High & Low range |
Angle of: (degrees) |
| Performance | |
| 0-100kph 11.1secs (TDI400) | |
| Pricing | |
| 2012 $34,990 – 62,990 AUD (4WD only) *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |
2012 $43,990 – 58,990 AUD (4WD only) 2012 FROM $29,990 – AUD (2WD only) *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc… |