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Toyota Hilux Vs Volkswagen Amarok |
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Home ALL 2003-2009 120 series Toyota Prado reviews and comparisons have been moved here! 4WD Dual Cabs
Amarok Vs Ford
Ranger Navara
Patrol Ute
Vs Landcruiser Ute 2WD Dual Cabs Hilux Vs Navara
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Here's a comparison between the current Toyota Hilux pickup and the Volkswagen Amarok released on 1 March 2011. Since we are looking at a utility vehicle as a replacement for the Prado we naturally gravitated to the Hilux but there are so many other choices, it would be silly not to look at the competitors. The Amarok will be Volkswagen's first serious attempt at a mass market commercial vehicle in the Hilux utility class. So the two biggest manufacturers in the world go head to head in the pickup market - should be interesting. We think that Volkswagen is a German version of Toyota in that both make great cars for as many people as possible. So is the Amarok just another Hilux clone? See below for the updated specifications and pictures first impressions and drive review. |
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The Volkswagen Amarok came to our attention during the 2009 Dakar rally as it was used as a official support car. What better place to try out the newest 4x4 vehicle than the toughest rally on the planet. VW is not new to commercials offering a huge number of commercial vans so the Amarok should be pretty decent. Personally a new Kombi van would be perfect for us if designed right. The new Amarok looks conservatively good but has already aged when viewed next to the Hilux, Navara and the all new BT-50 and even the Ranger. The quality of interior is virtually identical to the Hilux except for the VW design theme including softer interior parts but overall plain. The 2 tone plastics is a nice touch but if the 2012 Ford Ranger and the Mazda BT-50 interiors are to be believed they will make the new Amarok and Hilux look positively ancient. The Amarok is not perfect when it comes to interior packaging if you see our initial impressions below. The Amarok comes only as a diesel manual dual cab utility 4x4 so it fits in our shopping list. A single cab version apparently due sometime in late 2011. Lots are still unknowns about the range but as you can see by the specifications it'll probably do OK. The Amarok will probably be the safest pickup too having switchable ABS and traction control and LSD. Since everything is switchable it should go well on some off-road track too! Unfortunately the higher spec when combined with AWD does not have low range gearing so not as capable as it's competitors. As for its competitors stay tuned for some more
comparisons over the next few months.
Even with the new Amarok out our personal leader board includes
(update November 2011) : |
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Toyota Hilux
VW Amarok
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A direct comparison revealed that the Amarok has interior packaging issues. The Amarok does not have enough places for trade people or any normal person to store stuff around the cabin and it even has a tiny glovebox and center armrest! Most critically you will find it hard to install CB equipment and other after aftermarket comms systems. Strangely for a new design there is zero places to store for your mobile phone within reach - cup holders don't count since they will have drink containers in them. Under seat storage may be useful for families but imagine the conversation in a work environment -' excuse me while I reach between your crotch for my phone - honest its under your seat'. As side from the lack of low range gearing and an automatic on most models, the other huge question mark is the running costs for the new Amarok. Every VW has significantly high running costs after a few years and the Amarok will be no different. Drive report soon.
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