Volkswagen has entered the lucrative ute market. But how does its small-engined Amarok spar with Nissan’s new powerhouse? NEIL DOWLING compares. June 18, 2011
NISSAN NAVARA
ST-X 550
Price: $60,990VALUE: This is the top-of-the-line Navara. The 550 flicks the 2.5-litre turbo diesel four in favour of Renault’s 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 170kW/550Nm. It’s mated this to a seven-speed sequential auto and electric part-time 4WD system with low range. Features include a six-speaker, six-CD audio with Bluetooth and dual-zone airconditioning. Star: 4/5TECHNOLOGY: This is the first showing of the V6 in a 4WD but maybe not the last. That, and the seven-speed auto, are the techno highlights. The rest is, like the VW, purposefully conventional to remain rugged, durable and together over the rough stuff. This and the Amarok have nearidentical coil-over suspension. Star: 4/5

DESIGN: Unlike the Amarok, the Navara doesn’t win many hearts. It looks old-fashioned. But the dashboard is easier to use than the VW’s and the steering wheel controls are excellent. Seating is reasonable at the front but the cramped position in the back is poor. VW is a lot better here. The lockable ute lid is a great idea. Star: 3/5

SAFETY: This rates under the Amarok despite having two more airbags. It adds stability control and ABS with an off -road mode. As in the VW, it has rear drum brakes. Braking performance is still great but a tad quaint. Navara also has five lap-sash seatbelts. Star: 2.5/5
DRIVING: This can out-accelerate most cars on the market. It’s also smooth and very quiet. The seven cogs in the box suit the engine and the fact it’s an auto makes it fine for the family. It’s also comfortable. What lets it down is the uncommunicative steering, which reduces precision while cornering. Star: 4/5
SCORE: 3.5/5
VW AMAROK ULTIMATE
Price: $58,490
VALUE: The Ultimate has all the extra fruit and is the most expensive Amarok. The Trendline ($47,990), with parttime 4WD and low-range gearing, is better for off -roaders. Ultimate has a permanent 4WD system without lowrange but gets leather, CD player, comfort suspension, dual-zone climate airconditioning and side steps. Star: 3.5/5
TECHNOLOGY: Australia gets only the 2 .0-litre twin turbo diesel engine across the Amarok range. It may be the smallest 4WD ute engine but with 400Nm from 1500rpm, it’s probably the best. A permanent all-wheel-drive system runs through a Torsen centre diff and there’s a switchable electric rear diff lock. Star: 5/5
DESIGN: This is arguably the prettiest and most purposeful 4WD dual-cab on the market. It’s efficient too, being the only one in its class to fit Euro or Aussie pallets sideways in the back. Argentine build quality is very good. The 19-inch wheels look good but give poor after-market tyre options, especially for off-road. Star: 4/5
SAFETY: The five-star crash rating is good news all-round. It complements the usual comprehensive safety gear – ESC, ABS and so on – but adds a secondary mode that compensates for off -bitumen roads. There’s seating for five and five lap-sash seatbelts. Star: 4/5
DRIVING: Until the auto arrives early next year, interest will be dull for the six-speed manual gearbox. The shift quality is firm and not as good as VW’s front-drive models. But the engine never stops giving. It’s a bit noisy but is economical (7.9L/100km). Despite the small engine, the gear ratios are perfect. Star: 3.5/5
SCORE: 4/5
VERDICT: My heart says Amarok but the Navara, with automatic, higher 3000kg tow rating, more features and so on is more versatile. It could be a tow car for grey nomads or a family car. But Amarok is a near perfect execution. If it had an auto it would be untouchable.
Volkswagen – 19pts
Nissan – 17.5pts