Clash of the Titans: Volkswagen Amarok vs. Toyota Hilux

[MUSIC] [MUSIC] We've had some pretty cool crew cars in the past. We've had some pretty cool crew cars in the past. But one that stands out the most, has to be, our invincible Toyota Hilux. But one that stands out the most, has to be, our invincible Toyota Hilux. The name alone conjures up idealistic images of a fearless hero, fighting a David and Goliath battle, versus a sadistic mother nature, weathering storms, traversing treacherous mountain trails, o,r wading waist deep through swamps. The name alone conjures up idealistic images of a fearless hero, fighting a David and Goliath battle, versus a sadistic mother nature, weathering storms, traversing treacherous mountain trails, o,r wading waist deep through swamps. But now we've got a new behemoth in town. But now we've got a new behemoth in town. The Volkswagen Amarok. The Volkswagen Amarok. A name that in car terms, is a relatively blank slate. A name that in car terms, is a relatively blank slate. It matches the Hilux's imposing stature, but the Hilux's name positively dwarfs it. It matches the Hilux's imposing stature, but the Hilux's name positively dwarfs it. Can the Amarok even begin to compete with it? Can the Amarok even begin to compete with it? I'm here to put it to the test, and try to see objectively, which one has been the better crew car. I'm here to put it to the test, and try to see objectively, which one has been the better crew car. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] People talk about a car's soul, and I feel a large part of that comes from its own legend. People talk about a car's soul, and I feel a large part of that comes from its own legend. The stories, the background, and on that fron,t the Hilux is king of the pickups. The stories, the background, and on that fron,t the Hilux is king of the pickups. It's the benchmark for reliability. It's the benchmark for reliability. The poster boy, the never say die, can't be killed attitude. The poster boy, the never say die, can't be killed attitude. Our old one has now gone on to bigger and better things, spending its days saving endangered animals. Our old one has now gone on to bigger and better things, spending its days saving endangered animals. And you can always find a good Hilux story, like one which apparently dragged itself over 40 miles with four American soldiers on board, with its rear drive shaft blown to bits. And you can always find a good Hilux story, like one which apparently dragged itself over 40 miles with four American soldiers on board, with its rear drive shaft blown to bits. Or the fact that in New Zealand, there are said to be over 100,000 of them, in a population of only four and a half million. Or the fact that in New Zealand, there are said to be over 100,000 of them, in a population of only four and a half million. It started way back in 1968, as a compact pickup, and is now on to its seventh generation. It started way back in 1968, as a compact pickup, and is now on to its seventh generation. So fast forward over 40 years, and you could say the Amarok has got some serious catching up to do. So fast forward over 40 years, and you could say the Amarok has got some serious catching up to do. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] The Amarok story's slightly more modest. The Amarok story's slightly more modest. VW's pickup concept was unveiled in 2008. VW's pickup concept was unveiled in 2008. And it was introduced to the world as the Amarok, in 2010. And it was introduced to the world as the Amarok, in 2010. Incidentally, I mentioned the Amarok's name being dwarfed by the Hilux's. Incidentally, I mentioned the Amarok's name being dwarfed by the Hilux's. But whilst Hilux is short for high luxury, a name that really has no relevance to Hilux's of today. But whilst Hilux is short for high luxury, a name that really has no relevance to Hilux's of today. Amarok is Inuit for wolf, which is a lot cooler. Amarok is Inuit for wolf, which is a lot cooler. Volkswagen has a connection to the name wolf. Volkswagen has a connection to the name wolf. The Volkswagen Lupo, is Italian for wolf, which was named in homage, to Volkswagen's base and headquarters, in Wolfsburg. The Volkswagen Lupo, is Italian for wolf, which was named in homage, to Volkswagen's base and headquarters, in Wolfsburg. But in a short space of time, the Amarok has been very well received. But in a short space of time, the Amarok has been very well received. Shortly after its 2010 launch, it was immediately used as a support vehicle on that year's Dakar Rally. Shortly after its 2010 launch, it was immediately used as a support vehicle on that year's Dakar Rally. Three modified Amaroks this year, broke a Guinness World Record, carrying nine people each, off-road, across the entire length of Russia. Three modified Amaroks this year, broke a Guinness World Record, carrying nine people each, off-road, across the entire length of Russia. In fact, the Royal Netherlands Army, has now replaced its G-Wagons and now uses Amaroks. In fact, the Royal Netherlands Army, has now replaced its G-Wagons and now uses Amaroks. So, in less than five years, it's actually managed to do quite a lot. So, in less than five years, it's actually managed to do quite a lot. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] It is unfair, in a way, to directly compare these two vehicles. It is unfair, in a way, to directly compare these two vehicles. As our Ian Cook [INAUDIBLE] Hilux, was pimped out to the max. As our Ian Cook [INAUDIBLE] Hilux, was pimped out to the max. Had bash plates, snorkel, winch, roof rack. Had bash plates, snorkel, winch, roof rack. Two spare tires, and was jacked up by over 15 millimeters. Two spare tires, and was jacked up by over 15 millimeters. Although their [INAUDIBLE] are remarkably similar, the four cylinder three liter Hilux, put out 169 BHP. Although their [INAUDIBLE] are remarkably similar, the four cylinder three liter Hilux, put out 169 BHP. Reached knot 62 in 11.6 seconds, and had a top speed of 109 miles an hour. Reached knot 62 in 11.6 seconds, and had a top speed of 109 miles an hour. While the two liter by turbo diesel Amarok, put out 178 brake horse power, reached knots of 62, in 11.3 seconds, and had a top speed of 108 miles an hour. While the two liter by turbo diesel Amarok, put out 178 brake horse power, reached knots of 62, in 11.3 seconds, and had a top speed of 108 miles an hour. On the road, the Amarok's actually just remarkable. On the road, the Amarok's actually just remarkable. There's been one word that I've thought. There's been one word that I've thought. The moment I got into this car, I've been driving it for five minutes. The moment I got into this car, I've been driving it for five minutes. And it's a word that's overused in cars, so I don't really like to use it. And it's a word that's overused in cars, so I don't really like to use it. But it just kept on repeating itself in my head, and it's refined. But it just kept on repeating itself in my head, and it's refined. And this car is remarkably refined for a pickup truck. And this car is remarkably refined for a pickup truck. While the Hilux felt rough and ready, this just feels. While the Hilux felt rough and ready, this just feels. Like a high up Golf, it looks like it inside. Like a high up Golf, it looks like it inside. It's, it's so strange. It's, it's so strange. It's, it is the Volkswagen of pickup tricks. It's, it is the Volkswagen of pickup tricks. Again, feels like another cliché, but true, so, what are you gonna do? Again, feels like another cliché, but true, so, what are you gonna do? This is actually what the Hilux should be in the truest sense of the word, cuz technically, this is high luxury. This is actually what the Hilux should be in the truest sense of the word, cuz technically, this is high luxury. I've got the high line trim which is the highest one, and, yeah, it really does. I've got the high line trim which is the highest one, and, yeah, it really does. It feels like you're in a Volkswagen, and you don't get the sound, or the noise, or the drama, that you get with other pickup trucks. It feels like you're in a Volkswagen, and you don't get the sound, or the noise, or the drama, that you get with other pickup trucks. I mean, the Hilux's wheel would vibrate at 70 miles an hour. I mean, the Hilux's wheel would vibrate at 70 miles an hour. It would just would be a bit deafening, and it would drink like a supercar. It would just would be a bit deafening, and it would drink like a supercar. There would be several shoots, where Alex and I would be driving to Wales, and, I'd spend more on fuel than he would, and he'd be driving some kind of mad V10. There would be several shoots, where Alex and I would be driving to Wales, and, I'd spend more on fuel than he would, and he'd be driving some kind of mad V10. Whereas this, I mean, it's the blue motion. Whereas this, I mean, it's the blue motion. It has start-stop. It has start-stop. It is refined! It is refined! This doesn't feel like a pickup truck. This doesn't feel like a pickup truck. But you don't get that, that great feeling of driving a pickup truck. But you don't get that, that great feeling of driving a pickup truck. In a Hilux, I would just daydream of buying more plaid and. In a Hilux, I would just daydream of buying more plaid and. LIving in a kind of rural bucolic lifestyle, but, here you don't get that. LIving in a kind of rural bucolic lifestyle, but, here you don't get that. And, in a way, that's the shame, the highlights was rough and ready, and, you loved it for it's quirks. And, in a way, that's the shame, the highlights was rough and ready, and, you loved it for it's quirks. I mean, that's not really a positive, because it has, it has lots of little faults, but you loved it for it. I mean, that's not really a positive, because it has, it has lots of little faults, but you loved it for it. And, you could, you felt. And, you could, you felt. Comfortable in there. Comfortable in there. You felt, it felt homely. You felt, it felt homely. I felt like I could bring my muddy boots in there and, and scuff up all the interior, and it wouldn't matter, whereas this doesn't really feel like builders could buy this and mess it up, because it just feels too nice in here. I felt like I could bring my muddy boots in there and, and scuff up all the interior, and it wouldn't matter, whereas this doesn't really feel like builders could buy this and mess it up, because it just feels too nice in here. You don't feel like you could do any kind of pickup truck activities in here, if that makes sense, because it's too, it's just too nice. You don't feel like you could do any kind of pickup truck activities in here, if that makes sense, because it's too, it's just too nice. Now the, key to my heart is my wallet, unfortunately, and the Amarok knows that all too well. Now the, key to my heart is my wallet, unfortunately, and the Amarok knows that all too well. It's true, the Hilux had a big spare tire and roof rack up there, which, at 70 miles an hour on the motorway, it would have been the equivalent of a sail, so I couldn't really be surprised that it rarely. It's true, the Hilux had a big spare tire and roof rack up there, which, at 70 miles an hour on the motorway, it would have been the equivalent of a sail, so I couldn't really be surprised that it rarely. Got, you know, over 20 mpg, which it didn't been really ever, but, I mean, this thing, Volkswagen, say it does about 35 on the combined cycle, and you feel that. Got, you know, over 20 mpg, which it didn't been really ever, but, I mean, this thing, Volkswagen, say it does about 35 on the combined cycle, and you feel that. It does that. It does that. And, I'm always on the motorway looking down in disbelief, that I haven't yet run out of fuel. And, I'm always on the motorway looking down in disbelief, that I haven't yet run out of fuel. That I don't have to pour hundreds of pounds into this every few hours. That I don't have to pour hundreds of pounds into this every few hours. It's it's quite remarkable actually. It's it's quite remarkable actually. It's got all the space, of a pickup truck, and none of the none of the hassle. It's got all the space, of a pickup truck, and none of the none of the hassle. You wonder though, who's gonna buy this kinda thing? You wonder though, who's gonna buy this kinda thing? Because it's, like I said it's, it's sort of too nice for construction. Because it's, like I said it's, it's sort of too nice for construction. Maybe it's something like a landscape architect who needs something with lot's of room, but, doesn't really get his hands. Maybe it's something like a landscape architect who needs something with lot's of room, but, doesn't really get his hands. Too dirty, but one thing I haven't quite tested yet, and that's it's off-road capabilities, because, I mean with a Hilux. Too dirty, but one thing I haven't quite tested yet, and that's it's off-road capabilities, because, I mean with a Hilux. [INAUDIBLE] it's name said, it was invincible off-road, and this hasn't got all of the modifications, so I wonder. [INAUDIBLE] it's name said, it was invincible off-road, and this hasn't got all of the modifications, so I wonder. Will an off-road amateur like me, be able to tell the difference? Will an off-road amateur like me, be able to tell the difference? This doesn't have a low-range gearbox. This doesn't have a low-range gearbox. So, will I get in trouble? So, will I get in trouble? Well there's only way to find out. Well there's only way to find out. And that's to take back to the place, that we originally operated the Hilux. And that's to take back to the place, that we originally operated the Hilux. So let's do that. So let's do that. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Again, this can't be shown to be a completely fair test. Again, this can't be shown to be a completely fair test. As there was no way this [INAUDIBLE] Amarok compete with our heavily modified Hilux. As there was no way this [INAUDIBLE] Amarok compete with our heavily modified Hilux. But even so having driven standard Hilux and Range Rover at this very facility, I had a fairly basic idea of what this should be capable of. But even so having driven standard Hilux and Range Rover at this very facility, I had a fairly basic idea of what this should be capable of. At first my hesitance on the circuit was just a clear sign of my prejudice. At first my hesitance on the circuit was just a clear sign of my prejudice. The feeling in my head that said this car was just too pristine to be in any condition to off-road. The feeling in my head that said this car was just too pristine to be in any condition to off-road. But I didn't wanna fill it's under body with stones and clay. But I didn't wanna fill it's under body with stones and clay. Whereas any scratches or dents given to a Hilux, would only serve to increase it's reputation. Whereas any scratches or dents given to a Hilux, would only serve to increase it's reputation. But having got over this. But having got over this. With on-road tires and no adjustments what so ever. With on-road tires and no adjustments what so ever. I was amazed at what it can do. I was amazed at what it can do. It's stating the obvious to say it's not quite in the same league as the Range Rover and Hilux. It's stating the obvious to say it's not quite in the same league as the Range Rover and Hilux. There were definite limitations to what it can do, but for the most part, it performed admirably. There were definite limitations to what it can do, but for the most part, it performed admirably. A hardcore off-road capability, isn't exactly what I look for in a crew car. A hardcore off-road capability, isn't exactly what I look for in a crew car. In fact when it comes to day to day functionality means of use. In fact when it comes to day to day functionality means of use. I have to say the Amarok takes it in every category. I have to say the Amarok takes it in every category. I'll be honest, I was a lot more excited when told I would be getting a Hilux for a crew car, than an Amarok and that's the power of a name. I'll be honest, I was a lot more excited when told I would be getting a Hilux for a crew car, than an Amarok and that's the power of a name. But the reality has been very different. But the reality has been very different. The mark of a good crew car, is how much we are fond of it, and a nickname goes a long way. The mark of a good crew car, is how much we are fond of it, and a nickname goes a long way. And whilst the Hilux was named the Canyon Arrow after the Simpsons [INAUDIBLE] of an SUV that destroys everything on the road and in sight. And whilst the Hilux was named the Canyon Arrow after the Simpsons [INAUDIBLE] of an SUV that destroys everything on the road and in sight. The Amarok very quickly became the rock. The Amarok very quickly became the rock. And not just because it's the last syllable in the name. And not just because it's the last syllable in the name. If you see this thing in the flesh, you understand why, it is a rock. If you see this thing in the flesh, you understand why, it is a rock. Comparing this to the Hilux, the Amarok has very big shoes to fill. Comparing this to the Hilux, the Amarok has very big shoes to fill. But luckily, this thing is enormous, in every sense of the word. But luckily, this thing is enormous, in every sense of the word. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] We've had some pretty cool crew cars in the past. We've had some pretty cool crew cars in the past. But one that stands out the most, has to be, our invincible Toyota Hilux. But one that stands out the most, has to be, our invincible Toyota Hilux. The name alone conjures up idealistic images of a fearless hero, fighting a David and Goliath battle, versus a sadistic mother nature, weathering storms, traversing treacherous mountain trails, o,r wading waist deep through swamps. The name alone conjures up idealistic images of a fearless hero, fighting a David and Goliath battle, versus a sadistic mother nature, weathering storms, traversing treacherous mountain trails, o,r wading waist deep through swamps. But now we've got a new behemoth in town. But now we've got a new behemoth in town. The Volkswagen Amarok. The Volkswagen Amarok. A name that in car terms, is a relatively blank slate. A name that in car terms, is a relatively blank slate. It matches the Hilux's imposing stature, but the Hilux's name positively dwarfs it. It matches the Hilux's imposing stature, but the Hilux's name positively dwarfs it. Can the Amarok even begin to compete with it? Can the Amarok even begin to compete with it? I'm here to put it to the test, and try to see objectively, which one has been the better crew car. I'm here to put it to the test, and try to see objectively, which one has been the better crew car. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] People talk about a car's soul, and I feel a large part of that comes from its own legend. People talk about a car's soul, and I feel a large part of that comes from its own legend. The stories, the background, and on that fron,t the Hilux is king of the pickups. The stories, the background, and on that fron,t the Hilux is king of the pickups. It's the benchmark for reliability. It's the benchmark for reliability. The poster boy, the never say die, can't be killed attitude. The poster boy, the never say die, can't be killed attitude. Our old one has now gone on to bigger and better things, spending its days saving endangered animals. Our old one has now gone on to bigger and better things, spending its days saving endangered animals. And you can always find a good Hilux story, like one which apparently dragged itself over 40 miles with four American soldiers on board, with its rear drive shaft blown to bits. And you can always find a good Hilux story, like one which apparently dragged itself over 40 miles with four American soldiers on board, with its rear drive shaft blown to bits. Or the fact that in New Zealand, there are said to be over 100,000 of them, in a population of only four and a half million. Or the fact that in New Zealand, there are said to be over 100,000 of them, in a population of only four and a half million. It started way back in 1968, as a compact pickup, and is now on to its seventh generation. It started way back in 1968, as a compact pickup, and is now on to its seventh generation. So fast forward over 40 years, and you could say the Amarok has got some serious catching up to do. So fast forward over 40 years, and you could say the Amarok has got some serious catching up to do. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] The Amarok story's slightly more modest. The Amarok story's slightly more modest. VW's pickup concept was unveiled in 2008. VW's pickup concept was unveiled in 2008. And it was introduced to the world as the Amarok, in 2010. And it was introduced to the world as the Amarok, in 2010. Incidentally, I mentioned the Amarok's name being dwarfed by the Hilux's. Incidentally, I mentioned the Amarok's name being dwarfed by the Hilux's. But whilst Hilux is short for high luxury, a name that really has no relevance to Hilux's of today. But whilst Hilux is short for high luxury, a name that really has no relevance to Hilux's of today. Amarok is Inuit for wolf, which is a lot cooler. Amarok is Inuit for wolf, which is a lot cooler. Volkswagen has a connection to the name wolf. Volkswagen has a connection to the name wolf. The Volkswagen Lupo, is Italian for wolf, which was named in homage, to Volkswagen's base and headquarters, in Wolfsburg. The Volkswagen Lupo, is Italian for wolf, which was named in homage, to Volkswagen's base and headquarters, in Wolfsburg. But in a short space of time, the Amarok has been very well received. But in a short space of time, the Amarok has been very well received. Shortly after its 2010 launch, it was immediately used as a support vehicle on that year's Dakar Rally. Shortly after its 2010 launch, it was immediately used as a support vehicle on that year's Dakar Rally. Three modified Amaroks this year, broke a Guinness World Record, carrying nine people each, off-road, across the entire length of Russia. Three modified Amaroks this year, broke a Guinness World Record, carrying nine people each, off-road, across the entire length of Russia. In fact, the Royal Netherlands Army, has now replaced its G-Wagons and now uses Amaroks. In fact, the Royal Netherlands Army, has now replaced its G-Wagons and now uses Amaroks. So, in less than five years, it's actually managed to do quite a lot. So, in less than five years, it's actually managed to do quite a lot. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] It is unfair, in a way, to directly compare these two vehicles. It is unfair, in a way, to directly compare these two vehicles. As our Ian Cook [INAUDIBLE] Hilux, was pimped out to the max. As our Ian Cook [INAUDIBLE] Hilux, was pimped out to the max. Had bash plates, snorkel, winch, roof rack. Had bash plates, snorkel, winch, roof rack. Two spare tires, and was jacked up by over 15 millimeters. Two spare tires, and was jacked up by over 15 millimeters. Although their [INAUDIBLE] are remarkably similar, the four cylinder three liter Hilux, put out 169 BHP. Although their [INAUDIBLE] are remarkably similar, the four cylinder three liter Hilux, put out 169 BHP. Reached knot 62 in 11.6 seconds, and had a top speed of 109 miles an hour. Reached knot 62 in 11.6 seconds, and had a top speed of 109 miles an hour. While the two liter by turbo diesel Amarok, put out 178 brake horse power, reached knots of 62, in 11.3 seconds, and had a top speed of 108 miles an hour. While the two liter by turbo diesel Amarok, put out 178 brake horse power, reached knots of 62, in 11.3 seconds, and had a top speed of 108 miles an hour. On the road, the Amarok's actually just remarkable. On the road, the Amarok's actually just remarkable. There's been one word that I've thought. There's been one word that I've thought. The moment I got into this car, I've been driving it for five minutes. The moment I got into this car, I've been driving it for five minutes. And it's a word that's overused in cars, so I don't really like to use it. And it's a word that's overused in cars, so I don't really like to use it. But it just kept on repeating itself in my head, and it's refined. But it just kept on repeating itself in my head, and it's refined. And this car is remarkably refined for a pickup truck. And this car is remarkably refined for a pickup truck. While the Hilux felt rough and ready, this just feels. While the Hilux felt rough and ready, this just feels. Like a high up Golf, it looks like it inside. Like a high up Golf, it looks like it inside. It's, it's so strange. It's, it's so strange. It's, it is the Volkswagen of pickup tricks. It's, it is the Volkswagen of pickup tricks. Again, feels like another cliché, but true, so, what are you gonna do? Again, feels like another cliché, but true, so, what are you gonna do? This is actually what the Hilux should be in the truest sense of the word, cuz technically, this is high luxury. This is actually what the Hilux should be in the truest sense of the word, cuz technically, this is high luxury. I've got the high line trim which is the highest one, and, yeah, it really does. I've got the high line trim which is the highest one, and, yeah, it really does. It feels like you're in a Volkswagen, and you don't get the sound, or the noise, or the drama, that you get with other pickup trucks. It feels like you're in a Volkswagen, and you don't get the sound, or the noise, or the drama, that you get with other pickup trucks. I mean, the Hilux's wheel would vibrate at 70 miles an hour. I mean, the Hilux's wheel would vibrate at 70 miles an hour. It would just would be a bit deafening, and it would drink like a supercar. It would just would be a bit deafening, and it would drink like a supercar. There would be several shoots, where Alex and I would be driving to Wales, and, I'd spend more on fuel than he would, and he'd be driving some kind of mad V10. There would be several shoots, where Alex and I would be driving to Wales, and, I'd spend more on fuel than he would, and he'd be driving some kind of mad V10. Whereas this, I mean, it's the blue motion. Whereas this, I mean, it's the blue motion. It has start-stop. It has start-stop. It is refined! It is refined! This doesn't feel like a pickup truck. This doesn't feel like a pickup truck. But you don't get that, that great feeling of driving a pickup truck. But you don't get that, that great feeling of driving a pickup truck. In a Hilux, I would just daydream of buying more plaid and. In a Hilux, I would just daydream of buying more plaid and. LIving in a kind of rural bucolic lifestyle, but, here you don't get that. LIving in a kind of rural bucolic lifestyle, but, here you don't get that. And, in a way, that's the shame, the highlights was rough and ready, and, you loved it for it's quirks. And, in a way, that's the shame, the highlights was rough and ready, and, you loved it for it's quirks. I mean, that's not really a positive, because it has, it has lots of little faults, but you loved it for it. I mean, that's not really a positive, because it has, it has lots of little faults, but you loved it for it. And, you could, you felt. And, you could, you felt. Comfortable in there. Comfortable in there. You felt, it felt homely. You felt, it felt homely. I felt like I could bring my muddy boots in there and, and scuff up all the interior, and it wouldn't matter, whereas this doesn't really feel like builders could buy this and mess it up, because it just feels too nice in here. I felt like I could bring my muddy boots in there and, and scuff up all the interior, and it wouldn't matter, whereas this doesn't really feel like builders could buy this and mess it up, because it just feels too nice in here. You don't feel like you could do any kind of pickup truck activities in here, if that makes sense, because it's too, it's just too nice. You don't feel like you could do any kind of pickup truck activities in here, if that makes sense, because it's too, it's just too nice. Now the, key to my heart is my wallet, unfortunately, and the Amarok knows that all too well. Now the, key to my heart is my wallet, unfortunately, and the Amarok knows that all too well. It's true, the Hilux had a big spare tire and roof rack up there, which, at 70 miles an hour on the motorway, it would have been the equivalent of a sail, so I couldn't really be surprised that it rarely. It's true, the Hilux had a big spare tire and roof rack up there, which, at 70 miles an hour on the motorway, it would have been the equivalent of a sail, so I couldn't really be surprised that it rarely. Got, you know, over 20 mpg, which it didn't been really ever, but, I mean, this thing, Volkswagen, say it does about 35 on the combined cycle, and you feel that. Got, you know, over 20 mpg, which it didn't been really ever, but, I mean, this thing, Volkswagen, say it does about 35 on the combined cycle, and you feel that. It does that. It does that. And, I'm always on the motorway looking down in disbelief, that I haven't yet run out of fuel. And, I'm always on the motorway looking down in disbelief, that I haven't yet run out of fuel. That I don't have to pour hundreds of pounds into this every few hours. That I don't have to pour hundreds of pounds into this every few hours. It's it's quite remarkable actually. It's it's quite remarkable actually. It's got all the space, of a pickup truck, and none of the none of the hassle. It's got all the space, of a pickup truck, and none of the none of the hassle. You wonder though, who's gonna buy this kinda thing? You wonder though, who's gonna buy this kinda thing? Because it's, like I said it's, it's sort of too nice for construction. Because it's, like I said it's, it's sort of too nice for construction. Maybe it's something like a landscape architect who needs something with lot's of room, but, doesn't really get his hands. Maybe it's something like a landscape architect who needs something with lot's of room, but, doesn't really get his hands. Too dirty, but one thing I haven't quite tested yet, and that's it's off-road capabilities, because, I mean with a Hilux. Too dirty, but one thing I haven't quite tested yet, and that's it's off-road capabilities, because, I mean with a Hilux. [INAUDIBLE] it's name said, it was invincible off-road, and this hasn't got all of the modifications, so I wonder. [INAUDIBLE] it's name said, it was invincible off-road, and this hasn't got all of the modifications, so I wonder. Will an off-road amateur like me, be able to tell the difference? Will an off-road amateur like me, be able to tell the difference? This doesn't have a low-range gearbox. This doesn't have a low-range gearbox. So, will I get in trouble? So, will I get in trouble? Well there's only way to find out. Well there's only way to find out. And that's to take back to the place, that we originally operated the Hilux. And that's to take back to the place, that we originally operated the Hilux. So let's do that. So let's do that. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Again, this can't be shown to be a completely fair test. Again, this can't be shown to be a completely fair test. As there was no way this [INAUDIBLE] Amarok compete with our heavily modified Hilux. As there was no way this [INAUDIBLE] Amarok compete with our heavily modified Hilux. But even so having driven standard Hilux and Range Rover at this very facility, I had a fairly basic idea of what this should be capable of. But even so having driven standard Hilux and Range Rover at this very facility, I had a fairly basic idea of what this should be capable of. At first my hesitance on the circuit was just a clear sign of my prejudice. At first my hesitance on the circuit was just a clear sign of my prejudice. The feeling in my head that said this car was just too pristine to be in any condition to off-road. The feeling in my head that said this car was just too pristine to be in any condition to off-road. But I didn't wanna fill it's under body with stones and clay. But I didn't wanna fill it's under body with stones and clay. Whereas any scratches or dents given to a Hilux, would only serve to increase it's reputation. Whereas any scratches or dents given to a Hilux, would only serve to increase it's reputation. But having got over this. But having got over this. With on-road tires and no adjustments what so ever. With on-road tires and no adjustments what so ever. I was amazed at what it can do. I was amazed at what it can do. It's stating the obvious to say it's not quite in the same league as the Range Rover and Hilux. It's stating the obvious to say it's not quite in the same league as the Range Rover and Hilux. There were definite limitations to what it can do, but for the most part, it performed admirably. There were definite limitations to what it can do, but for the most part, it performed admirably. A hardcore off-road capability, isn't exactly what I look for in a crew car. A hardcore off-road capability, isn't exactly what I look for in a crew car. In fact when it comes to day to day functionality means of use. In fact when it comes to day to day functionality means of use. I have to say the Amarok takes it in every category. I have to say the Amarok takes it in every category. I'll be honest, I was a lot more excited when told I would be getting a Hilux for a crew car, than an Amarok and that's the power of a name. I'll be honest, I was a lot more excited when told I would be getting a Hilux for a crew car, than an Amarok and that's the power of a name. But the reality has been very different. But the reality has been very different. The mark of a good crew car, is how much we are fond of it, and a nickname goes a long way. The mark of a good crew car, is how much we are fond of it, and a nickname goes a long way. And whilst the Hilux was named the Canyon Arrow after the Simpsons [INAUDIBLE] of an SUV that destroys everything on the road and in sight. And whilst the Hilux was named the Canyon Arrow after the Simpsons [INAUDIBLE] of an SUV that destroys everything on the road and in sight. The Amarok very quickly became the rock. The Amarok very quickly became the rock. And not just because it's the last syllable in the name. And not just because it's the last syllable in the name. If you see this thing in the flesh, you understand why, it is a rock. If you see this thing in the flesh, you understand why, it is a rock. Comparing this to the Hilux, the Amarok has very big shoes to fill. Comparing this to the Hilux, the Amarok has very big shoes to fill. But luckily, this thing is enormous, in every sense of the word. But luckily, this thing is enormous, in every sense of the word. [MUSIC] [MUSIC]