[ TOW TEST ] Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 4Motion Automatic Highline.
Now here is a combination for the adventurous family who spend too many days in the confines of suburbia, and who live to go exploring those picturesque back roads that makes southern Africa so exciting!
Mondays to Fridays they demand good, car-like comfort in the city, where heavy traffic proves the need for ultra-smooth automatic transmission, reasonable fuel economy and space. But come the weekend, it’s time to hitch up the caravan, pack the firewood and camping gear into the load bay, and get away from the humdrum of high-density living.
Having an easy tow to and from the destination is a priority. With 550 Nm of turbo-charged engine torque under this V6 Amarok’s bonnet, there is no need to drive in a way that demands concentration in coercing or extracting maximum engine performance. There is also no sitting on the edge of the driver’s seat in readiness of making early gear changes to overtake or get up the hill without slowing down to a snail's pace and holding up traffic. With all this power plus 4-wheel traction, this is one of the most relaxing tows you will find today.
Some 9 years ago, Volkswagen rewrote the bakkie manual when they entered the market with a relatively small engine, a 2-litre twin turbo Amarok. It was a brave move, considering this hotly contested big bakkie market segment was experiencing a demand for bigger and more powerful engines.
Now VW has done it again by fitting a smooth-running 3-litre diesel car engine and 8-speed automatic into the Amarok.
This turbo diesel engine is not new: It has seen service in Audi, Porsche and VW vehicles, not to forget the 4x4 Toureg.
While turbos are effective in getting huge amounts of power out of smaller engines – particularly diesel engines – this bigger capacity turbo diesel engine achieves a response that is simply delightful, particularly when it comes to towing.
Towing ability
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2017-Ausgabe von Caravan & Outdoor Life.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 2017-Ausgabe von Caravan & Outdoor Life.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Resorts Of The Month: Kruisrivier Guest Farm
Off the beaten track and ideal for the off-roading camper
Lagoon And Beachfront Bliss
Morgan Bay Campsite, EC
Conservation: The Endangered Vultures
Rating: The conservation of vultures in Africa is generally regarded as high priority, although limited resources are made available to assist with this important work.
Crisp, Clean Air & Gurgling Streams It Seems
Old Mac Daddy, WC
Destination Of The Month: Transkei On The Fly
When the call came in from a fellow journalist, that his doctor had suggested he not travel due to a recent op, I had about a day to get everything prepared for an adventure to the Transkei Wild Coast.
13 Top Tips For Outdoor Accessory Maintenance
You certainly don’t want to arrive at your holiday destination only to find your gas bottles are empty, the tent has been chewed to heavenly holiness by marauding mice, and you left grandma napping in the caravan when you put it out to pasture at your local Storage Land for the winter season.
our take on SNAKES
Caravan & Outdoor Life joins some of South Africa’s leading herpetologists in the Maputaland region to find rare species and teach the local rural residents how to react to snakes. With Opposite Lock on board, we’re all set to strike at a moment’s notice…
Caravan clinic
Our expert answers your technical questions & gives camping advice
Around The Campfire
Readers share their outdoor adventures and air their values
In The Shade Of A Dappled Glade
Slanghoek Mountain Resort, WC