A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Volkswagen Amarok vs Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI: the short answer
Amarok holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Golf 1.4 TSI.
Golf 1.4 TSI starts ZAR 15,900 cheaperAmarok from ZAR 596,800 · Golf 1.4 TSI from ZAR 580,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Maximum Power
Amarok184 kW
Golf 1.4 TSI110 kW
Maximum Torque
Amarok600 Nm
Golf 1.4 TSI250 Nm
Engine Size
Amarok2993 cc
Golf 1.4 TSI1400 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Amarok14.5 km/l
Golf 1.4 TSI17.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
Amarok237 mm
Golf 1.4 TSI134 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Volkswagen Amarok
DC Aventura 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion 10AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Amarok
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Golf 1.4 TSI
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Amarok
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Golf 1.4 TSI
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Model Introduced Year
2010
2020
Generation
Latest Amarok generation brings improved performance and modern safety features
Generation 8 Golf on MQB EVO platform
Facelift History
Major redesign in 2023 introducing new platform, updated engines, and advanced tech
Eighth generation introduced with digital interior
Facelift Launched Since
2023
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Pickup
Hatchback
Body Type Cab
Pickup
-
Color Note
White, Silver, Black, Grey, Blue, Red
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note
4x4 configuration for the local line-up
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Model Year
Current
Current
Production Status
published
published
Segment
Pickup
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
2023 kg
1368 kg
Vehicle Type
Pickup
Hatchback
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Length
5350 mm
4282 mm
Width
1910 mm
1789 mm
Height
1884 mm
1483 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
2636 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
237 mm
134 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
50 l
Kerb Weight
2023 kg
1368 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3190 kg
-
Payload Capacity
1167 kg
-
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
-
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
12.93 m
-
Boot/Cargo Space
-
380 l
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Load Bed Length
1624 mm
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
1227 mm
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Not Available
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
12V Accessory Socket
Standard
-
Speed Limiter
Standard
-
AC Type
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
Not Available
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Power Outlet
Standard
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
6.9
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Adjustable speed limiter
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Centre Console
Standard
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
1624 mm
Not Applicable
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
1227 mm
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Power Socket 12v
Standard
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Step Bumper
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
amarok
golf-1-4
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Tie Down Hooks
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
-
Tow Bar Type
Bakkie towing support
Not Available
Towbar
Bakkie towing support
-
Trailer Hitch
Bakkie towing support
-
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trim Level
flagship
top
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Core range derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
-
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
-
Not Available
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
-
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
-
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
-
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
-
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Sports Bar
-
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2993 cc
1400 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
184 kW
110 kW
Maximum Torque
600 Nm
250 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
91 kW/tonne
80.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
296.6 Nm/tonne
182.7 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Gearbox
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
4x4
4x2
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
10
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain
4x4
4x2
4WD Engagement
Available
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Available
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
10
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Claimed Mileage
14.5 km/l
17.2 km/l
City Mileage
11.8 km/l
13.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
17.0 km/l
20.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
14.5 km/l
17.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
50 l
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Not Available
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Seat Material
Cloth
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Armrest
Standard
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
Black
6
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fabric Seats
Cloth
Cloth
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Armrest Front
Standard
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Premium interior layout, large infotainment screen, digital cockpit, advanced driver assistance systems
10-inch touchscreen, digital cockpit, advanced driver assistance, premium audio
Interior Trim Colour
Black
-
Interior Colours
Black
6
Seat Trim
Cloth
Cloth
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Infotainment System
SYNC
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Not Available
Android Auto
Not Available
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Not Available
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
SYNC
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
SYNC
Connected Services
SYNC
SYNC
Touchscreen
SYNC
SYNC
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
6
6
Body Type
Pickup
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
6
6
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Pickup utility fitment/compatibility
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
237 mm
134 mm
Ground Clearance Min
237 mm
134 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
CO2 Emissions
182 g/km
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Idle CO2 Output
182
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
182
-
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Basic Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty
3 years / 120 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Service Plan
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Amarok
Golf 1.4 TSI
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
South Africa market model
Price Zar
1259700 ZAR
660000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Active local lineup
Active local lineup
Starting Price
1259700
660000
Starting Price Zar
1259700
660000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Amarok and Golf 1.4 TSI comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Amarok 91 vs Golf 1.4 TSI 46.
Efficiency index: Amarok 57 vs Golf 1.4 TSI 67.
Safety-equipment index: Amarok 82 vs Golf 1.4 TSI 81.
Practicality index: Amarok 87 vs Golf 1.4 TSI 59.
Ownership-cover index: Amarok not separately scored vs Golf 1.4 TSI not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Amarok and Golf 1.4 TSI image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Amarok leads by 18 points
Amarok holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over Golf 1.4 TSI.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Amarok
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
57/100
Safety
82/100
Practicality
87/100
Golf 1.4 TSI
Performance
46/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
59/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexVolkswagen Amarok
leads the specification evidence index with 81 pts
vs 63 pts for Golf 1.4 TSI
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Amarok leads. However, Golf 1.4 TSI may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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