REFINE THE WORKHORSE concept and you have the Amarok. Volkswagen has taken a thorough SWOT analysis to this market sector and decided that you can have sharp looks, a classy interior and a frugal engine without compromising load space and reliability. The Amarok ads promise it’s the smart choice, beating the odds on fuel economy. It has also garnered a four-star NCAP rating, but what else does it have to make its mark?

Exterior

Styling is a subjective thing, though the Amarok nails all the bases: it’s tall, has those strong bevelled surfaces, wide wheel arches (in plastic which can be replaced easily enough if it takes a knock) and huge spaces under the arches. Alloy wheels (16 inch Taruma style with 245/70 profile Pirelli Scorpion ATR rubber) are part of the package, while the bold grille complemented by massive headlights imparts the necessary meaty look. All local vehicles are specced with the high rider suspension, which means they look good and build the brand, VW can charge a bit more, and owners benefit from more ground clearance, a better ride and the tougher spring package. Kind of a win-win. The load box? It’s wide, deep and long, plenty for tough applications, with tie-down hooks in each of the lower corners, offering a payload of 1354kg. The polyurethane coating on our test units adds to the durability – highly recommended.

Interior

A consistent theme inside is quality. The cabin is very wide – almost 2 metres – and the layout is at once simple and pleasing. Textures and fit and finish are way ahead of the game. It all feels well worked out in terms of function and ergonomics. There is plenty of storage space, a deep centre console, wide cupholders and uber sensible thick rubber carpeting that adds to the hose-out workhorse ethos. The dash plastics are hard but have been given the typically thorough VW scratch, dent and stress test, so should take lots of daily abuse. The seats are more comfortable than the rivals, in a hard-wearing finish, with substantial side bolsters to add to the car-like security.

I found the optional CD-radio a little confusing, but the sound quality is right up there and it offers connectivity via USB and a data card slot for MP3 files. Satellite steering controls are not on the workhorse spec list, but as compensation the leather-clad wheel is a pleasure to hold. Cruise control is stalk operated as per the brand, plus there’s climate control, electric windows and mirrors, and a comprehensive multi-function display in the instrument binnacle. Space behind the seats is impressive for a single cab, and readily accessed as both front seats fold forward at the pull of a lever.

Performance

Lots of commentators don’t believe a 2.0-litre engine is up to the task, despite it being a newfangled bi-turbo, direct injected, rather sophisticated unit. Key rivals Hilux, Isuzu KB and Ford’s Ranger have 3.0-litre muscle, though on paper much the same outputs. In its favour the BiTDI 120kW with its impressive 400Nm torque peak (from 1500 to 2000rpm) in our test unit also does duty in the T5 range of Volkswagen vehicles, where it’s proven reliable all over the world. It’s a strong argument, but still has some work to do in this platform.