In a place such as South Africa, bakkies have always been immensely popular. Whether it is the Toyota Hilux double cab, the Nissan Hardbody or even the smaller Opel Corsa Utility, South Africans love them – whether they are filled with mom’s soccer team on the way to practice or carrying a load of sheep.

As one of our most popular brands on the road, it is surprising that Volkswagen has not vigorously attacked this market more in the past.

Well, that has all changed now with the launch of the Amarok. The name comes from the Inuit for “wolf”, and the manufacturer hopes its newcomer will change its lacklustre history in the class.

The Amarok will come with two diesel engine options, a 120kW 2.0 TDI and a four-cylinder 90kW TDI. The turbocharged engines boast low fuel consumption stats, with the 90kW TDI consuming only 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

There will be two variants available – the Trendline and the Highline – with the Highline including far more features and comforts.

Another selling point is its space, particularly in the interior. It boasts the widest load space in its class, which should be a strong selling point for buyers looking for a load-bearing vehicle.

The Amarok has great looks, and matches the VW front end styling and curves. Judging by the number of heads that turned in both the male and female audiences I drove past, the Amarok looks sure to take a healthy chunk out of the current bakkie segment.

South Africans love pretty much all the VW models, and the Amarok should be no exception, even in later years when the bakkie is doing the rounds in the used car market.

VW has high hopes for its newcomer to be a sales success. Likely customers will be those looking for something more refined and upmarket than is currently on offer. The plan is to impress those who are after a luxurious interior and fine road manners.

This top-spec, four-door, five-seater double-cab Highline version suggests this aim is easily attainable. Its 163bhp 2.0-litre common-rail diesel offers strong performance, while selectable four-wheel drive adds go-anywhere ability and great fuel economy benefits.

The system is user-friendly, too. All you need to do, is press a button on the console to engage all four wheels.

Even on rough-looking roads, the Amarok rides surprisingly smoothly. Through demanding bends, too, it handles competently. From behind the wheel, noise levels are decent and there is no lack of pace, but the gear change is slightly clunky on the six-speed transmission.

Interior features include front and side air bags, climate control and an MP3-compatible radio/CD player with six speakers. The rear side windows are tinted, although the leather trim of our test car costs extra. The cab is roomy up front, and this Highline version gets a rear bench with a trio of three-point seat belts and head restraints.

Off-road, the Amarok outperforms its key rivals. Most have 2.5-litre diesels, but VW’s 2.0-litre can match them for power and torque.

Another plus point is the ABS, which cuts in more gently on loose surfaces. This enables a mound of gravel to build up ahead of the front wheels, which helps to bring the vehicle to a drama-free halt.

This vehicle’s looks are going to ensure great sales on top of the ticks it gets in the high-performance boxes. It is more of a ‘prettier’, stockier front-rower than the “Bakkies Botha” battering rams we are so used to seeing in this range.

And like our own Springbok rugby captain, I think the Amarok could prove to be a worthy leader!

Pricing starts at R316 000. ▲

Robbie Stammers