Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Amarok has a slight advantage, but NP300 Hardbody remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Amarok
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Amarok
+6 pts
Practicality
NP300 Hardbody
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Amarok
Performance
13/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
7/20
Ownership
12/20
NP300 Hardbody
Performance
10/20
Efficiency
7/20
Safety
12/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
Amarok
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Cons
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway Driving
NP300 Hardbody
Pros
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Family Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Amarok
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
NP300 Hardbody
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Ground Clearance
192
215
Wheelbase
3097
2500
Length
5254
4875
Width
1944
1760
Height
1834
1655
Kerb Weight
2095
1395
Gross Vehicle Weight
3150
2400
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
Not Applicable
Towing Capacity
3500
2500
Front Track Width
-
1495
Rear Track Width
-
1490
Turning Radius
-
5.8
Load Bed Length
-
1907
Load Bed Width
-
1454
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Engine
2.0L TDI Turbo Diesel
2.5L Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Displacement
1968
2488
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
125
98
Torque
400
304
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Twin Turbo
Single Turbo
Top Speed
180
168
0-100 km/h
10.5
12.5
Power @ RPM
-
3600 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
1750-2500 rpm
Compression Ratio
-
17.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Longitudinal
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
7-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4Motion AWD
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Selectable 4WD
Part-Time 4WD
LSD Available
Electronic Rear Differential Lock
Not Available
Transfer Case
High and Low Range
Standard
Paddle Shifters
-
Not Available
Differential Lock
-
Rear Lock
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Airbags
6
4
ABS
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Claimed Mileage
12.8
11.4
City Mileage
9
9
Highway Mileage
13
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
75
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
CO2 Emissions
225
228
Start Stop System
Yes
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Noise Level
-
74
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
-
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Seat Material
Fabric
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Manual
Heated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Hydraulic Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Not Available
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Climate Control
Automatic
Manual AC
Power Windows
Front and Rear
Front
Keyless Entry
Remote Key
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
Automatic Headlamps
-
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
7-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Standard
Android Auto
Standard
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
USB Ports
Front and Rear
1
Number of Speakers
6
4
Navigation System
Optional
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
LED Headlamps
Halogen Projector
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Front
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
17-inch Alloy
Steel Wheels
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Approach Angle
29
29
Departure Angle
24
23
Wading Depth
500
600
Terrain Modes
Offroad Mode
Not Available
Locking Differential
Electronic Rear Lock
Rear
Underbody Protection
-
Partial
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Tyre Size
255/65 R17
235/75 R15
Wheel Type
Alloy
Steel
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
-
Full Size Steel Under-bed
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Ladder Frame
Power Steering
-
Hydraulic
Steering Column
-
Tilt Adjustable
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10,000 km or 6 Months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R3,500
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Not Available
Specification
Amarok
NP300 Hardbody
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
120000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Final Verdict
🏆Volkswagen Amarok
wins with 57 pts
vs 49 pts for NP300 Hardbody
In structured scoring, Amarok emerges as the stronger overall package. However, NP300 Hardbody may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
While resale depends on market demand, ownership and brand positioning suggest Amarok may hold stronger long-term value.
Off-road suitability depends on drivetrain and ground clearance. Refer to the full specification comparison for detailed technical differences.
Efficiency and ownership categories influence running costs. Amarok performs slightly stronger overall in structured scoring.
Value depends on feature set, performance and ownership coverage. Structured comparison gives Amarok the overall advantage.
Detailed Comparison Analysis
The comparison between Amarok and NP300 Hardbody in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Amarok scores 13 vs 10.
Efficiency: Amarok scores 7 vs 7.
Safety: Amarok scores 18 vs 12.
Practicality: Amarok scores 7 vs 8.
Ownership: Amarok scores 12 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Amarok
the advantage in this comparison.