Cargo and Passengers: Ford Ranger vs Volkswagen Amarok Comparison. New comment Geometry at the mudslide

What people can think of to experience an unforgettable moment of excitement from driving their car. Today we will introduce you to a test drive of pickups in a simple way, but by connecting it with aeronautics. Our goal was to examine the characteristics of models such as the Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara and Amarok. So, we pressed the gas pedal all the way and rushed ...

Pickups plus balloons

It's still dark outside. The surface of the landfill shines with its virgin purity. Not a single mark from tires, nor other crossbreeds of our hectic life.

Nissan Navara is a powerful and not so old pickup

Aeronauts are a special people. They are always fussing, although it is early to soar into the sky before the first gusts of wind. After all, in most cases it begins with the first rays of the sun that appear on the horizon. So, we tie one pickup truck to a balloon, like some kind of ballast.

The candidate turned out to be a soundly “knocked down” and not very old Nissan Navara (190 hp 2.5 liters). But here we are in for a little disappointment. As it turned out, the Navara does not have a rear towing eye. Of course, we found a way out, because every Russian is an inventor at heart. However, no one expected such a trick from a pickup truck.

Ford Ranger - the second candidate, a relatively new car

Looking at the huge sheet of the balloon, one cannot believe that in fifteen minutes it will turn into a huge “flying skyscraper”. But it's all right. The fan started working, the roar of flames pierced the night darkness and it started! In a few minutes, the balloon filled with burning gas and soared into the sky.

We stood for a while, watching as the majestic symbiosis of the balloon and the pickup truck soared into the sky, and focused all our attention on the remaining pickups. The main one, of course, was the Ranger (2.2 liters, 150 hp). However, Amarok should not be discounted either.

Volkswagen Amarok- the third candidate for heroes among pickups

Having loaded Ford Ranger - you can forget about comfort

The first was the Volkswagen Amarok. It’s not for nothing that such a pickup truck was given such a long accelerator pedal stroke. He confidently and powerfully “floated” along the mud waves. At the same time, the main task of the driver was to turn it on, and the electronics itself would pull the car forward.

However, it should never be forgotten that reverse gear in such a car, the most that neither is ordinary. And moving back such a “tractor” will be worse than moving forward.

Nissan Navara at the same time showed the softness of the gas, intuitive reactions, thrifty power and special torque. At the same time, the car was well controlled and showed its power in full force. This is a real fighter, fighting to the last.

Off-road is the second element of these pickups

Ford Ranger is not inferior in its capabilities Nissan pickup, except perhaps a sharp reaction to gas, therefore, it requires more careful handling. The Ford car also walked confidently along the track. But the electronic lock settings are not something that interferes, they are just alarming.

Rationalism plus functionality

Looking at the roughness of the interior of pickups, you don’t doubt for a moment their functionality. Each of them in without fail It has:

• impressive boxes;
• huge glove boxes;
• not small “burdocks” of mirrors.

If you choose cars in the maximum configuration, then you will be waiting for:

• leather seats;
• cameras for rear view;
• climate with two zones;
• parking sensors;
• monitors of various systems.

But the priorities are immediately visible. Here Ford Ranger clearly looks prettier: eye-catching instrument dials and a variety of color paints on. All this harmony creates a modern design and style. The seats feel spacious with just the right amount of support and additional adjustment ranges (electric).

At first glance, it is clear that when you test the Ford Ranger, you understand that such a car has excellent ergonomics. Everything here is top notch and at your fingertips.

You can only point out the lack of adjustment of the steering column in the longitudinal direction and ill-conceived switches. Probably, they were made in countries where no one needs such functions. Such a trifle is very striking in a spacious and comfortable cabin.

The Amarok is not the best this time around, because usually when it comes to assessing the interior, Volkswagen comes first. Nissan test Navara showed that everything is in its place here and there is no evidence of savings anywhere. However, the same cannot be said for Ford.

You can only praise the outlet. It was skillfully placed on top of the front panel - just the dream of that driver who sometimes connects additional equipment to the car.

Ford Ranger is just a dream, convenient and everything is at hand

Slippery and flat seats, small ranges of adjustments, especially longitudinal ones, make you even more sad. At the same time, it will be inconvenient for the driver to put the steering wheel in the correct position, and for some even to consider small symbols on the switches.

Passengers sitting in the back in such a car will feel left out. They got seats that did not look like armchairs, but like benches with a low cushion. Here you feel constrained, and tightness in the knees clearly interferes.

Hassle with Amarok?

Ford and Volkswagen pickups have similar equipment, only slightly different in power (150 and 163 hp). They put gears on them.

The Ford Ranger deserves second place anyway. At least for the price. It's also worth remembering that Ford adapts well to poor road conditions.

The Nissan Navara isn't good enough by today's standards. Suspension, brakes and rear passenger comfort need to be improved. By changing this, you can again see Nissan in all its glory and brilliance of its brand. Which car do you like out of these three?

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Of course, if you compare Amarok and Ranger outwardly, then there is nothing to talk about some kind of healthy competition. And at one time at the international exhibition of pickups, the Ford Ranger clearly proved that Volkswagen still has to learn and learn. At the exhibition, Amarok took only third place, while Ranger got first.

Inside view and comfort

Well, let's move on to a closer acquaintance with our cars, and find out who came out, Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger.

Getting into Amarok, the first thing that catches your eye is the air ducts. Well, why ask to spoil the already unremarkable atmosphere with budget air ducts from? And the point here is not even the cheapness and simplicity of these details, but the fact that their design is not at all in harmony with the general appearance of the interior and exterior. As we said earlier, the appearance of the Volkswagen is very strict and rectangular. In the same style and the general atmosphere inside. The rather flat, unattractive front fascia, which is based on straight lines, has the same cut-away look, and is reminiscent of that of a multi-ton work truck or dump truck.

Where is the vaunted feeling of a passenger car? Large, round outlet plugs, like air ducts, do not fit into the overall picture at all and seem to be generally unnecessary details that you want to get rid of as soon as possible. The plastic is, as you would expect, very hard. Of course, this is, first of all, a working car, it is a pickup truck and it was not made for beauty and comfort. But his price does not quite correspond to a simple workhorse. In addition, Volkswagen positioned its pickup truck as very comfortable and inside of which you will feel like in a full-fledged passenger car.

Undoubtedly, Volkswagen's passenger habits open up in motion, but only the driver feels it. Driving in the Amarok is quite light and laid-back, and when paired, the car really feels like a passenger car. However, rear passengers do not understand this. The rear seat backs are almost vertical, and there is very little legroom. So behind the comfort you can only dream of.

The suspension version for the city can partially mitigate the lack of convenience. But with such a suspension, Amarok almost completely loses the capabilities of a pickup truck. Since there are only three plates in the rear springs of such a suspension, and there are five of them in the standard. So the carrying capacity on the urban version of the Volkswagen is significantly lower than that of competitors, but the ride and ease of operation are much higher. But why buy a bulky pickup truck that can carry a little more than, and even with less comfort?

Getting into the salon of an American, already at first glance there is an answer to the question of who is better, or the Ford Ranger. The interior is really very reminiscent of Ford cars. Both outside and inside new version The Ranger has nothing left of its predecessor. This is a car completely created from scratch, which has incorporated everything that modern people require.

Now this is not the old Ranger with a simple and unremarkable interior. From now on, sitting in this car, you feel like the king of the roads, and not an agricultural worker. The same bloated as the Ranger itself, the front panel, made in a very harmonious style. Bright and bewitching dashboard. The finishing plastic is hard, but if you compare the Amarok and Ranger, then the quality of the Ford finish is many times higher, and in appearance this oak plastic can easily be mistaken for a noble material. A very original and modern design, few people will be indifferent, especially since it has a lot of adjustments, including audio control. However, the steering wheel itself has the ability to adjust only in height, while Amarok has more opportunities in this case, namely, you can change the position in terms of reach and height. However, Ford's are many times more comfortable, spacious, and have special support. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the chair as you like with the help of electric drives. In Volkswagen, all adjustments are mechanical and, in terms of their capabilities, are significantly inferior to the Ranger.

Perhaps one of the most important details, the convenience of the rear passengers, in Ford is just on top. Amarok is far behind in this sense. Ranger is simply created for the city. Even with a height of 180 centimeters, you can easily sit in the back seat, and at the same time you will have quite a lot of legroom. At the back, as well as at the front, there are armrests, and the back of the sofa has a sufficient slope so that you feel great even on long trips. Under the rear seat, there are two hiding places in which you can put tools. In the Wildtrak version, the interior of the Ranger becomes even more attractive thanks to the new design of the seats, available only in this configuration. There will be new ones with the Wildtrak inscription, in addition, the seats will be made of leather and fabric in black and orange colors.

The Ranger has another very original solution - the multimedia display is not located directly on the dashboard, but in a special niche that protects it from daylight glare. Due to the fact that the display is constantly in the shade, the image on it is seen quite brightly and clearly. In addition, on the interior rearview mirror, there is another display for displaying the image.

In terms of the combination of main factors, such as attractiveness, convenience and comfort, the Ford Ranger clearly outperforms the Volkswagen Amarok. And so the first place for best salon, we quite deservedly award Ford's masterpiece.

Technical comparison, engines and running parameters

So, let's take a look at what Ford and Volkswagen have to offer motorists from a technical point of view.

Test drive a Ford Ranger car:

The three-liter version of the Ranger, perhaps, has only one drawback relative to the Volkswagen - high fuel consumption. In all other respects, Ford clearly outperforms the Amarok. How small it is generally out of competition. Huge power allows the Ranger, even with a load on board, to behave very briskly on the track. Amarok, having already taken on board half a ton of cargo, begins to clearly surrender in maneuverability, in acceleration and speed. Ranger, on the contrary, with each new kilogram becomes only more obedient.

When choosing a Volkswagen Amarok or Ford Ranger, we recommend paying attention to Ford. One of the main advantages of the Ranger is this. At one time, Henry Ford set out to make cars accessible to everyone. His company still follows this principle to this day. And the Ford Ranger is a prime example of this. For comparison, the most cheap version Volkswagen double cab and rear wheel drive costs 1,365,900 rubles, and the most expensive Amarok in the Canyon configuration will cost you as much as 2,583,700 rubles. The cheapest Ford Ranger will cost 1,369,000 rubles, only 3,100 more expensive, but you get a car. The most expensive Ranger in the Wildtrak version will cost only 1,709,000 rubles. The difference is almost a million rubles. Despite such a difference in price, the Ford Ranger is much more reliable, more comfortable, more beautiful and more passable than the Volkswagen.

Test drive of a Volkswagen Amarok car:

So, we tried to compare Amarok and Ranger. We did it, and as a result, we identified only one significant advantage of the Volkswagen over the Ranger. Amarok is indeed more economical in terms of fuel, but this is where all its outstanding qualities end.

The pickup class is still a little-studied segment for Russian consumers. Therefore, when choosing such cars, you can easily be deceived. When buying these cars, you should not rely on the brand and appearance of the car, carefully study the characteristics of each candidate, and then you will not waste your money, but will get a strong and reliable “steel horse” for all occasions.

A source:
Drom.ru

It is generally accepted that the meaning of the life of the “right” man is to plant a tree, build a house and raise a son. And in that exact order. If we temporarily exclude the last point from this postulate, for which we still need to properly prepare, it turns out that the first two are directly related to our today's "male" test. After all, there is no vehicle more suitable for agricultural work and building a house than a pickup truck.

The Hilux dashboard seemed the least informative. But it has a coolant temperature gauge and an off-road transmission mode indicator

Toyota's six-inch screen is no match for the superb display on the Amarok, but it's still better than the loophole on the Ford. In addition, there are no complaints about multimedia control and navigation. The climate control unit is archaic

In front of the central tunnel there are two 12-volt sockets, buttons for seat heating, turning off the ESP and turning on the accelerated engine warm-up. It's nice that the Hilux has a USB input

The central tunnel is like from the 80s of the last century: condo, without frills, with a nondescript lever for the mechanical connection of all-wheel drive and a lowering row

Only Hilux seats are trimmed with velor, not leather. From a usability point of view, the best way. They attract any dirt to themselves and are much more difficult to wash.

On the back a number of Toyota Toyota doesn't even have an armrest. But there is quite a lot of space, and the absolutely flat floor is especially pleasing. And it is on the second row of Hilux that it is most convenient to get

Hilux body - "naked". Even the top version of Lux does not have any plastic overlays. The first transportation will scratch the body, and then it will rust. The cargo platform is only 10 mm shorter than the Volkswagen one (1545 mm). But in terms of width, it outperforms only the Mitsu L200 (1515 mm). The distance between the arches is the smallest - only 1010 mm. The area of ​​the platform is 2.34 m², the height of the sides is the lowest (450 mm). The Hilux has a load capacity of 850kg, but the internet is full of stories of hauling a ton of cargo and more.

On the rear side of the Hilux in the Lux configuration there is a rear-view camera. It is a pity that in wet weather it is quickly splashed with mud.

The steering wheel controls for multimedia and cruise control are among the most convenient on the Ranger.

The dashboard is extremely concise

The Ford Ranger color screen is only five inches. Navigation maps look especially funny on this

Convex center panel - easily accessible for the driver and front passenger, it is not necessary to reach out to her. A little lower is the climate control unit and two 12-volt sockets. On the left - the button for turning on the downhill system

In the rear emblem there is a rear-view camera, which, when reversing, transmits an image to the interior rear-view mirror

On the central tunnel there is a pair of cup holders, a niche for small things with a slippery bottom, a convenient automatic transmission lever and a round transmission mode switch (2H, 4H and 4L). The Ford Ranger is the only car to have a cooled box armrest. There is also a USB input.

In terms of comfort, only the Amarok can compete with the Ford front seats. The L200 and Hilux seats are nowhere near as good. The only drawback is the heating button located in the "blind" zone

The Ranger rear sofa is the most spacious. In the backs of the front seats there are special recesses for the knees. Of the amenities - an armrest with cup holders and a 12 V socket. Only a rather high central transmission tunnel interferes

In terms of the size of the loading platform (with plastic lining on the floor and on the sides), the Ranger is second only to the German pickup truck. The length of the cargo body is 1549 mm, the width is 1560 mm, the distance between the arches is 1139 mm. Its area is 2.41 m². But the Ranger has the highest (511 mm) sides and the largest load capacity - 1152 kg

Volkswagen Amarok

"All-Volkswagen" dashboard and "Amarok" does not cause any complaints. Clean, clear and informative. But a pickup truck, in our opinion, would not be prevented by a coolant or oil temperature sensor

Only Volkswagen has such a gorgeous eight-inch touchscreen with great graphics. Compared to it, the Hilux and Ranger screens look like cheap Chinese fakes. Too bad there is no USB input. The microclimate block is traditionally flawless, but it's a pity that there are no "half" degrees

On the block-like central tunnel are the automatic transmission lever with the possibility of sport and manual modes, buttons for heated seats, activation of the off-road program Off-Road, rear axle differential lock (optional), as well as two 12-volt sockets

The Amarok's front seats are mechanically adjustable, unlike the Ranger's. But they have the best profile.

The back row of the Amarok was noticeably tighter than that of the Ranger. No wonder, because the Amarok is 125 mm shorter wheelbase, and the length of the loading platform, on the contrary, is slightly longer

Volkswagen Amarok has the most spacious body. Length - 1555 mm, width - 1620 mm, distance between arches - 1222 mm. Area - 2.52 m². The sides are almost the same height as the Ranger - 508 mm. But in terms of carrying capacity, the VW Amarok with Comfort suspension loses to all competitors - it can take a maximum of 845 kg of cargo on board. But in the Heavy Duty version, Amarok will be able to take away 1044 kg, which is more than the L200 and Hilux

From the inside, absolutely the entire body is upholstered special material. A 12-volt outlet and cargo compartment lighting are provided. The air-supported cover allows you to keep the body clean, regardless of environmental conditions

The dashboard is built according to a scheme similar to the Hilux: on the left is a tachometer, in the center is a speedometer, on the right are fuel gauges and coolant temperature gauges. Modern VW and Ford dashboards are better readable

Of all the tools, only the microclimate block looks more or less adequate. Radio and

Outside the window it is still dark, the icy-crusted roads of the landfill are pristine - no tire tracks, no other marks of a hectic life. But the aeronauts are already waiting for us, they have their own priorities: the sooner we start, the less the wind, which usually comes with the first rays of the sun, will interfere. One pickup truck is already tied to the ball like a two-ton safety ballast. The candidate is solid, although the oldest compared to the other two Nissan Navara models (2.5 liters, 190 hp). But it immediately turns out that it does not have a rear towing eye... We figured it out, but, to be honest, we did not expect such a set-up from a pickup truck.

“Usually we raise the balloon and take off in about fifteen minutes.” I look at the shapeless mountain of fabric and believe with difficulty. But then the fan rumbled, meter-long flames cut through the twilight darkness - it began! In a matter of minutes, the ball took shape and soared into the sky. We watched him go and turned to the other two pickup trucks. The protagonist here, of course, is a brand new Ford Ranger (2.2 liters, 150 hp). Yes, and "Volkswagen-Amarok" (2.0 l, 180 hp) should not be discounted. Indeed, in his asset is not only a new diesel engine with dual supercharging, combined with an 8-speed automatic, but also a permanent four-wheel drive with self-locking center differential"Torsen", as well as a suspension reoriented for greater comfort.

FOR THREE PERSONS

Balloonists often use four-wheel drive pickups. True, as a rule, they prefer larger models from the American market, which are not officially sold in Russia. But maybe our "undersized" will do?

When such a tiny basket of the crew against the background of a huge ball is loaded into the body of a Nissan, you are convinced that it is not so small! The tailgate slams shut without problems (even the place remains), but putting something else here - say, a bag with a shell - is hardly possible. Movable rails in the body help little, deep scratches remain on the unprotected floor.

The impressive "Amarok" with its simply bottomless body compared to the rest (by the way, it is perfectly protected by plastic) suddenly turns out to be out of business. It's not so much the inconvenient lid that closes cargo platform(for the purity of the experiment, it was dismantled), how many in stainless steel arcs, one of which rests on the basket, not allowing the side to be closed.

Maybe Ranger? This one, despite the tuning, is more practical, besides, the floor and sides of it are better protected from scratches than the Nissan. The tailgate was closed, albeit with an interference fit (unlike the same Navara).

But not a single machine solved the main problem. Like it or not, if you need to transport people, a ball, a basket and other personal belongings, you will have to use all three pickups.

RATIONALISM AND FUNCTIONALITY

Examining the rough interiors, you don’t doubt for a second their professional suitability. In each, there are sure to be impressive boxes, a rather big glove compartment, huge mugs of mirrors. V maximum trim levels there are leather seats, dual-zone climate, rear-view cameras, parking sensors and almost indispensable monitors of navigation systems.

Unusual, comfortable, spacious - this is how Ford is perceived. An additional plus is for solid seats front and rear.

Nevertheless, you immediately prioritize. We clearly like the Ford Ranger: bright instrument dials, a variety of colors and shades on the front panel - in a word, quite modern style. The seats are spacious, but with the necessary support and impressive ranges of adjustments, by the way, electric ones. You can immediately see that the Ranger's ergonomics are on top: everything is clear and at hand. You can only complain about the lack of longitudinal adjustment of the steering wheel and the ugly seat heating toggle switches. They were clearly made in a country where this option is not used in principle. A trifle, of course, but it catches the eye in a comfortable and spacious (including for passengers) cabin.

The Amarok isn't the best this time around, although Volkswagens usually lead the way when it comes to interiors. It’s as if everything is in place, and they didn’t save on steering wheel adjustments, unlike the Ford. I praise the socket, carefully installed at the top of the front panel - just a dream for those who like to connect additional equipment. But driver's seat still inferior to the Ford, and not in size or range of adjustments, but in the possibilities of fixing the body. From the chair "Amaroka" periodically slide off to the side. And behind, with a clear advantage in width, there is especially nowhere to put your legs.

And also visibility. It seems that the Volkswagen has huge mirrors, a well-tuned parking sensors, with which it is even more convenient to moor than with the help of the Ranger video camera (where the image is displayed on the internal rear-view mirror - not the best solution). However, everything to the right of the driver is hidden in a huge dead zone. It takes a long time to get used to this nuance.

Let's call it restrained classicism. Let him be dark. But to be honest, in Navara the driver and passengers are not very comfortable.

The age of Nissan can no longer be hidden by updates. Here they attached a modern display screen to its panel, a rear-view camera, but the inexpressive interior of the Navara did not become more attractive from this. And although this simplicity is not particularly annoying, against the backdrop of a bright Ford and a cozy Amarok, the Japanese pickup passes.

Even more disappointing are the flat and slippery seats, the modest ranges of their adjustments, especially the longitudinal ones. The steering wheel can not be put in the correct position, the symbols on the toggle switches and buttons are small. Rear Passengers also feel left out: they don’t even have a seat, but a bench with a low cushion. And very tight in the knees.

THE ROAD IS LONG

How great it is when, having gone for new experiences, you can move so easily, especially without choosing a path. In the city and on a good road, the Volkswagen impresses with its comfort. Soft, long-stroke suspension, unobtrusively distant rumbling of the engine. Almost "Tuareg", forgive me for such an association.

But the brakes are embarrassing, or rather, the long-stroke pedal: it falls out of the general harmony. Well, the eight-speed automatic puzzles with the number of switches - it seems that by pressing the accelerator, you give a command not to the engine, but to the transmission.

The situation changes radically, as soon as the road becomes uneven, and the speedometer needle rises to 100 km / h. No, the motor is still great, as is the transmission (and even acoustic comfort). It’s just that in the corners, the Amarok starts to scare with rolls. In fairness, I’ll say: for the road, an all-wheel drive car keeps well even in extreme situations. But the feeling of complete relationship with it disappears. The behavior on undulating irregularities also greatly interferes - as if the springs let the vertical buildup pass, not maintaining the peculiarities of our roads. At the same time, the shock absorbers try to bring down the vibrations, but they also can not cope. The result is a chatterbox with large amplitudes, frankly shaking the soul. It turns out that Volkswagen is only for flat surfaces?

Here is the "Ranger", after shaking the crew several times, immediately dot the i's. This pickup informs roughly and in detail about all the small and medium bumps. He is definitely the leader here. But with one optimistic correction: than worse road, the better energy-intensive suspensions work, which perfectly cope with most pits and potholes. Under these conditions, you get tired of shaking noticeably less in it than in a Volkswagen.

Not the strongest Ford engine actually turned out to be quite frisky. He ideally finds mutual understanding with a 6-speed automatic, as a result, a two-ton car dashingly tears from its place. Only at high speed - when overtaking, for example, when it seems that there is still a reserve under the pedal - it suddenly turns out: the possibilities have been exhausted. Similar in character and handling. The absence of rolls and the accuracy of reactions are fascinating, instilling confidence in the capabilities of the Ranger. With an increase in speed, especially on bumps in a turn, a pickup truck with the front axle may suddenly jump out of the turn. Therefore, often use sensitive (not like Volkswagen!) brakes - do not bring the situation to a dangerous one.

Against the backdrop of rivals, Nissan Navara seems to be unable to decide which side it is on. Excellent engine, powerful and torquey, allowing you to accelerate quickly and smoothly. Logical 5-speed automatic, no oz

Initially, pickup trucks were created as compact trucks designed to transport small loads - they were widely used by American farmers and private entrepreneurs. However, in our country they are often bought instead of ordinary all-metal SUVs, guided by - a vivid example of this is the "almost passenger" Volkswagen Amarok. But American companies are still faithful to traditions, for example, the Ford Ranger pickup truck has a payload capacity exceeding 1.2 tons! Therefore, in order to find out which car is better to buy for personal use - Ranger or Amarok, it is worth comparing the main parameters of pickups.

We carry cargo

It is clear that for the future owner of a pickup truck not last place in the characteristics of the car takes the size of the cargo compartment. The Ford Ranger, with the most popular two-row cab, has a platform length of 1.4 meters and a height of 0.5 meters. Decent performance, although Ford owners often complain about the small width (1.56 meters), as well as excessive loading height - almost 90 centimeters. For agricultural work or transportation of building materials, the Ford Ranger is ideal, but for loading household appliances - with a stretch. In addition, immediately after the board, the Ranger has a high step, which makes it difficult to put loads that are sensitive to shocks and other influences into the body.

In the field of cargo transportation, the Volkswagen pickup truck is not inferior to its traditional American competitor - its body length is 10 centimeters longer and its depth is 2 cm. In addition, the width of the Volkswagen Amarok platform, equal to 1.65 meters, should be especially noted - it helps to carry fairly large loads like modern refrigerators or LCD TVs. The step is almost invisible - thanks in large part to the thick plastic coating on the bottom of the Amarok body - it also protects the metal from corrosion and prevents damage to the load.

If you compare Amarok and Ranger, it may seem that Volkswagen is ideal for the role of a compact truck. However, the Ford Ranger has a payload capacity 1.5 times that of german car- 1.2 tons. Of course, the Volkswagen Amarok can be ordered in a special version of Heavy Duty, but reinforced five-leaf springs, which add 200 kg to the pickup truck, deprive it of the excellent handling that the manufacturer is so proud of. But Volkswagen can tow trailers weighing up to 3.2 tons due to powerful motor and an optimized transmission, while the Ford Ranger can only carry 2.5 tons. But the Americans have one more "trump card" - a branded plastic superstructure that makes the body closed, for the Ranger it costs only 90 thousand rubles, while Volkswagen offers it for 150-175 thousand rubles, depending on the material and type of tailgate mechanism.

On the run

Off-road qualities

You can find some sense in buying a pickup truck for urban use, although it is quite difficult to call such an acquisition justified, so it will be a priority. Pickup truck owners have high hopes for the Ford Ranger, as it has been compared to the popular F-150 in the US, capable of overcoming very difficult obstacles. However, in the case of the Ranger, the driver will have to beware of deep holes, ruts and stream banks. Mechanical differential locks replaced electronic system that mimics their work. As a result, the Ford Ranger quickly gets bogged down in the mud and cries for help, spinning the posted wheels.

Not too good either - the 2.2-litre diesel drives the Ranger well on flat terrain, but quickly loses its enthusiasm when there is a slight rise. If the Ford pickup is fully loaded, the driver will have to get used to depressing the gas pedal by three-quarters or more, which will inevitably affect fuel consumption. Of course, in model range The Ford Ranger also has a car with a 3.2 engine with a capacity of 200 horsepower, but with it the fuel consumption of a pickup truck exceeds 15 liters per 100 kilometers. There are no complaints about the automatic transmission - it quickly adapts to the selected driving mode, allowing you to maintain high speeds off-road and save fuel when driving on the highway.

But you don’t expect any off-road adventures from the Volkswagen Amarok - with all its appearance, the pickup truck shows that it is designed for high-speed driving on high-quality asphalt. The Amarok's problem is exactly the same as the Ford Ranger's - the lack of mechanical interlocks prevents the driver from driving through particularly difficult stretches of blurred dirt road. However, the engineers who created the Volkswagen Amarok did not make a mistake by installing a Torsen differential in the all-wheel drive transmission. Although it allows for some slippage, the Amarok's transmission adjusts the distribution of torque very quickly - in the end, the same obstacles can be passed "on the move" by adding gas just before a difficult section.

The Volkswagen biturbodiesel has very good traction and does not annoy the driver of a pickup truck with the usual for supercharged engines traction dip on low revs. However, it is still quite difficult to manage it - in this case, it is not the lack of power that interferes, but its excess, which causes the wheels of the Volkswagen Amarok to slip on long climbs with a slippery surface. Therefore, the driver should not wear waders or heavy winter boots - to drive a Volkswagen pickup off-road, you need to feel the pedals perfectly. Eight-speed automatic transmission ideal for a heavy machine - it changes gears a little slower than the "mechanics" and always finds the perfect gear ratio for the Amarok.

On asphalt

The impressions of driving a Ford Ranger on a good road are quite expected - in terms of its habits, a pickup truck is very similar to a GAZelle or another light truck. The Ranger bounces high on every bump and shakes the whole body even when going through deep cracks in the pavement, and trying to drive a speed bump at high speed can cause all four wheels to lift off the ground. Manageability can be assessed no higher than the "troika" - the car frankly upsets with a slow reaction to the steering wheel and large exchange rate fluctuations when driving on bad road. With a full load, the Ford Ranger goes much better - the truck stops jumping, but the thuds and jerks of the steering wheel do not disappear.

But the 2.2 turbodiesel, which is not enough to lift the Ford Ranger up the hill, when driving in normal mode, impresses with soft reactions - when you quickly press the gas pedal, the car accelerates quickly and without any jerks. Ford's six-speed "automatic" tries to save fuel - when driving evenly, it shifts into high gear very quickly and tries to keep it until the speed drops below 800-1000 rpm. In general, the Ford Ranger leaves a mixed impression - the car allows you to control traction very conveniently, but quickly "shakes the soul" out of the driver and passengers.

High-quality asphalt is the natural element of the Volkswagen Amarok pickup - it is felt after the first kilometers traveled. A car with standard three-leaf springs in the rear suspension gently goes through all the bumps, annoying with jumps only after the appearance of especially deep pits and speed bumps. The Amarok's handling can be called ideal for a pickup truck, because unlike other light trucks, it instantly responds to the steering wheel and does not stray from the driver's chosen course. When fully loaded, the Volkswagen Amarok has a tendency to wobble - one feels that the car was created more as a fashion car than to carry heavy loads. If you order a Heavy Duty modification with two additional leaves in the springs, you can experience the same jumps as the Ford Ranger, although the handling will still be much better.

The powerful Volkswagen biturbodiesel makes the driver of a pickup truck think that he is sitting in a large Touareg SUV - the dynamics of the car are so good. Its only drawback is too fast response to pressing the pedal, which makes you drive in a “torn” rhythm with frequent gear changes and jerks. Although this Volkswagen quality Amarok helps to confidently stay in the city stream with its frequent lane changes and sharp overtaking. automatic box gears initially - only six of its steps are used in the city, the seventh is designed to achieve maximum speed, and the eighth is for uniform movement at speeds above 120 km / h. In general, the Volkswagen Amarok can be called one of the few pickups with the habits of a passenger car - if only we are talking about the Comfort modification with a standard suspension.

Comfort

If we compare the Volkswagen Amarok or the Ford Ranger with each other, then we cannot help but pay attention to the interior space available to the driver and passengers. Despite the fact that the Ford Ranger has remained true to the "cargo" traditions, inside it looks simply excellent - the center console attracts attention with a large LCD display located in a deep rectangular well, as well as a scattering of buttons and complex-shaped deflectors. The workplace of the driver of a Ford pickup truck is quite comfortable due to large-scale digitized instruments and a large four-spoke steering wheel. The car can be equipped not only with air conditioning, but also with dual-zone climate control, which significantly increases the value of the Ranger in the eyes of the domestic consumer. In addition, the Ford Ranger offers plenty of storage space for small items:

• Capacity behind the back of the rear sofa;
• Two drawers located under the rear seat cushions;
• Cooled box inside the armrest.

The front seats of an American pickup truck do not impress with particular comfort - it is felt that they were created rather based on quick boarding and disembarking, which is extremely important for commercial vehicles. On a long journey, the driver of the Ford Ranger starts to hurt his shoulders and lower back, which is explained by a far from optimal back profile and a high pillow. But there can be no complaints about the back row of Ford pickup seats, since even three construction workers in full gear will fit here. If desired, backpacks can also be placed here, taking advantage of the space in the legs of passengers - it is not necessary to load them into the Ranger body, which is open to all rains and winds.

As already mentioned, the Volkswagen Amarok is similar to the SUVs and crossovers of this manufacturer, and the similarity concerns not only the behavior on the go, but also the interior design. Its interior is not like interior decoration truck interior - here you can find such interesting elements as a two-tone upholstery of the front panel or multimedia system with large touch screen. Devices are similar to those that are equipped with others Volkswagen models- between the two round dials is a small trip computer display. However, there is nothing to catch the eye - unlike the Ford Ranger, there are no specific design solutions in the Amarok.

The Volkswagen pickup seats are very good, despite the lack of automatic adjustments. An optimal profile supports the driver's back, allowing them to carry a long road without the slightest fatigue, and a low-lying cushion makes landing in the Amarok closer to a passenger one. The rear is a little tighter than in the Ford Ranger - and this applies not only to the distance between the two rows of seats, but also to the width of the cabin. In addition, there is not that abundance of storage space for small items - in addition to the glove box, the driver is offered only a small box inside the armrest. The seats also recline forward, but there is almost no space behind them - Volkswagen owner Amarok can only put a work jacket and boots here, as the distance from the backrests to the rear wall of the double cab is very small.

Truck or car?

If you know what you want from such a specific car as a pickup truck, then you can easily make a choice between the Volkswagen Amarok and the Ford Ranger. For entrepreneurs, farmers, and others looking for a work vehicle, the Ranger is the right choice because it has a large payload and excellent traction control. However, you should not expect comfort from a Ford pickup truck, because it chassis focused on transportation oversized cargo. For a comfortable ride around the city and country roads, it is better to purchase a Volkswagen Amarok. It can play a role equipped with a powerful turbodiesel engine, modern all-wheel drive transmission and comfortable lounge with a presentable finish.