This weekend, Kayleen and myself undertook the test drive of the new 2011 Ford Ranger dual cab 4x4 manual and the VW Amarok 4 motion manual.
The Amarok, when you first get behind the steering wheel, it does'nt feel like a 4wd, good driving feel, plain dash, all within reach, A pilar not bulky, windsheld rake is not noticable, compact feel of the driving position. Kayleen got the feeling that she was driving the Pug 307 but a bit bigger in size, light clutch, road manners good, nice a zippy, did'nt feel like she was driving a truck....but would like a auto.
Checked out the new Ford Ranger 2011, as soon as I got behind the wheel, windshield rake and A pillar bulkiness was very noticable, nice tight gear selection(similar to Amarok), quite interior but very busy plastic looking dash.
Power good,good turning circle, but with the driving feel of the Ranger....you are driving a 4wd...it feels like a truck (sorry) but it just does. I saw a large bonnet in front of me (did'nt get that with the Amarok)
Kayleen got in behind the wheel...she felt claustaphobic, A pillar and windshield rack very noticable..."roo comes from the side, can't see it because of the A pillar", felt blokey (no offense)...truck feel when driving it, the dash very plastic looking and busy...too many dials / buttons (Bling as she put it)
She also noticed, that there was little side glass area when compared to the Amarok.
So we will be looking seriously at the auto Amarok, when it comes out in mid 2012...the dealer believes that the auto will be avaible for all models, but coupled with the bi turbo engine.