Here's a quick comparison between the D40 Nissan Navara and the VW Amarok. The VW Amarok is due to be released on 1 March 2011.

The big two, 4x4 utes in the country are the Hilux and Navara but VW is hoping that the new Amarok will be able to sell in big numbers to rival the two. There is no reason to doubt VW due to their brand image.

The diesel only Navara is probably a better comparison to the Amarok than the Hilux based on looks. Namely both conservative or traditional. Both also use smaller capacity turbo diesel engines that produce an impressive power and torque by 2010 standards. The 2011 Navara will also have the new V6 3 litre diesel that is claimed to produce 170Kw and a massive 550Nm BUT also at a huge price premium.

With the all new Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 to be released in the next 12 months the ute class will be very interesting to watch.

Specification comparison below!

VW Amarok
VS
D40 Nissan Navara

We've already sat in both and think that the Navara's dashboard area still needs to be designed due to the cheap ambience. The Amarok despite the VW badge does not have the same quality of materials used in the passenger range. However the Amarok's interior is better than VW's existing van range and the Navara. We definitely prefer the Amarok to the Navara and we know you will too. The build quality on the demo Amarok model was very good although we did detect some interior panel fit issues which we can only assume will be fixed on production models.

The biggest problems with the Amarok is that it does not appear to be designed with commercial or even family interests. The glove box is tiny and the center console looks big but not impressive. Likewise there are essentially zero places to install CB radios or other communication or GPS systems.

Overall there is nothing exceptional about either car and we'd be living in fantasy land to use the option of two tone interior trim in the Amarok is a key selling point. Furthermore the lack of low range gearing on some 4WD models doesn't help lift the Amarok's image.

We can only conclude until we get to drive the VW that the Navara needs a interior update to compete.

D40 Nissan Navara (Dual Cab)
2010 FROM $42,660-$53,490 AUD
around $41,000 for ABN holders

VW Amarok pricing
2011 FROM $43,990-58,990 AUD