2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600 review (video)

Driving Enthusiast reviewed the second-generation Amarok TDI600 back in December of 2023. The now Ford Ranger-based ute impressed us with its sophistication, capability and European accent, against the more ocker (yobbo?) Ranger.

One thing we did bemoan at the time of our last review was low profile tyres. You might notice this Amarok Style TDI600 test vehicle has a more muscular stance, chunkier rubber and a snorkel adorning its A-pillar. It’s a rolling showcase of the company’s sanctioned ‘Off-Road Expedition Range’.

Knowing full well that many 4×4 ute customers elect to add more off-road hardware and lift kits, VW decided it wanted a piece of the action. As tested, you get 40mm of additional ground clearance front and rear, matt black wheel arch flares and body side mouldings.

Do these add-ons enhance the capability of the Amarok’s street cred as well as genuine off-road ability? Let’s find out.

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: Specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6
Output: 184kW@3250rpm / 600Nm@1750-2250rpm
Gearbox: 10-speed auto
Drive type: Part-time RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 255/65
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2334kg
Power-to-weight: 12.68:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.4L/100km
Our consumption: 9.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 80L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 21.90kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.21 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.71 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.03 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.50 seconds at 141.1km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.769g*
100-0km/h braking: 43.17m in 3.41 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.008g*
Decibel at idle: 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 73*
Starting price: $73,740

*Figures based on previously tested Aventura variant as tested by Driving Enthusiast in 2023. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: How much does it cost?

At $73,740 before on-road costs, the 2024 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 Style already commands a premium over some of its rivals. But once you start factoring in accessories, particularly those geared towards off-road enthusiasts, the price starts climbing. The lift kit alone costs $1515 for the front suspension, with rear suspension options starting from $2315. For those regularly hauling gear or heading into tougher conditions, there’s also the 300kg constant loading rear suspension, available from $2510.

For those who want to tackle some more hardcore stuff, the underbody protection costs $1660 and adds an extra layer of durability, while the matt black wheel arch flares, at $1640, give the Amarok a tougher stance. The snorkel, which costs $1180 adds practicality for water crossings, with a wading depth of up to 800mm, but it produces a distinctive intake noise reminiscent of a wheezing asthmatic kid.

Other off-road features include a nudge bar ($1600) with an integrated LED light bar, recovery boards ($350), and a snatch kit recovery bag set ($225). If you’re after more convenience, the electric roll cover costs $4690 and transforms the ute tub into a more secure storage area, making it ideal for those heading out on long trips.

With all accessories included, this Amarok variant could easily surpass $90,000, especially if you go for the premium canopy options. However, it’s important to weigh these add-ons against the competition, such as the Ford Ranger, which might offer similar off-road readiness but the convnience of not having to visit ARB or Iron Man is a big selling point here.

Servicing varies between $329 and $414, for a total of $1801 over a 75,000km or 60-month capped-price service plan. Intervals are every 15,000km or annually, whichever comes first.

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: Interior & packaging

For those unfamiliar with the Amarok’s cabin, there are a few tell-tale signs that this is based on the Ford Ranger. Chief among these are the gear selector, door handles, and interior structure. The Volkswagen differentiates itself with a unique and more squared off portrait touch-screen, unique vents, a proper VW steering wheel and a few little touches such as indicator stalk and bonnet latch on the left, just so it feels less like a Ford.

It definitely has a very pleasant cabin, with a bit of tasteful dark woodgrain too, but if we wanted to nitpick, the hard plastics and panel gaps aren’t quite up to regular VW standards. The colour combo on this test vehicle certainly looks and feels more premium than most others in this upper-mid-spec class.

The large infotainment screen is crisp in its operation but lacks the volume and tuning and HVAC dials of its donor car, with climate control operation a distracting affair, requiring screen wipes and prods. At least there’s a home button, dispensing with Ranger’s annoying drop-down menu, so swings and roundabouts.

The seats, we have to say, are worth the price of admission alone. They offer a high level of support for your spine and thighs without constrictive bolstering. The driving position is also perfect, with steering column adjustment for rake and reach.

The cabin is spacious, with a wheelbase of 3270mm, and front and rear tracks of 1620mm, offering plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike. However, it misses out on some of the clever tray features as seen in some competitors. Although, this isn’t a top-spec variant.

Payload is an impressive 957kg and the braked towing capacity is the maximum 3500kg with a 6400kg GCM.

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: Powertrain & handling

While the chassis is very capable and solid, the extra suspension travel is slightly more ponderous on the freeway and could benefit from more intricate damper tuning, in our opinion. There is more body roll when cornering, as you’d expect from a lift kit, and the tyres don’t offer the same level of grip and road manners you’d find on a more road-focused setup.

The Volkswagen has a lower DSC intervention threshold than the Ranger, so it will step in to save the day nice and early. In the wet it certainly gets a workout, quickly fighting against wheelspin which is very easy to provoke due to 600Nm becoming available from just 1750rpm. The standard 255/65 tyres also seem pretty average.

In terms of specs, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6 engine produces 184kW at 3250rpm, and 600Nm of torque between 1750-2250rpm. These figures translate to robust performance on the road, whether you’re towing or tackling off-road trails.

Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Amarok delivers smooth power delivery, though it doesn’t feel quite as sharp in response as the non-accessorised version. There’s a slight lag when stepping on the accelerator. We chalk this up to the snorkel, which draws intake along a longer path.

Off road, the Amarok feels at home, particularly with the lift kit. The increased ground clearance from the standard 233mm, along with increased approach and departure angles (standard; 30.0 degrees, 25.6 degrees respectively), make navigating uneven terrain a breeze. The wading depth of 800mm also provides peace of mind when crossing rivers or flooded areas.

While it lacks the unique identity of the first-generation Amarok, the changes do give the new model a more upmarket and continental personality than the vehicle upon which it is based. The interior is very refined and more luxurious than any rival that we can think of.

Although the lift kit and accessories are sanctioned and warranted by the manufacturer, it doesn’t feel like there’s been a lengthy development period. It’s unquestionably capable off road, but a better tyre selection and damper tune would quash the minor on-road compromises.

Nevertheless, considering the premium European personality of the Amarok, it’s worth considering and you’ll have the comfiest seats in the biz.

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• European design and style: The Amarok stands out with a more sophisticated, European-inspired design compared with its competitors, especially inside.
• Comfortable and supportive seats: The velour/suede-like seats are among the most comfortable in the dual-cab segment, providing excellent support for long trips and a nice colour combo for added refinement.
• Comprehensive accessory range: Volkswagen offers a wide range of factory-backed accessories, allowing owners to customise their Amarok to suit specific off-road or practical needs.
• Smooth V6 power: With 184kW and 600Nm, this is the ideal powertrain for both highway cruising including when towing or carry heavy loads, and when zipping around in the suburbs. It remains as one of the only V6 diesel options in the class.

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: Key considerations before you buy

• On-road manners compromised by lift kit: The raised suspension and ordinary tyres impact the vehicle’s handling and dynamics, making it less suited for daily commuting than the standard setup.
• Pricey: It is one of the most expensive vehicles in its class.

2024 Volkswagen Amarok Style TDI600: Video