Sure, top-spec utes are great, but what if you don't have a pile of money so high you'd need a 4WD dual-cab to climb over it? Volkswagen reckons its Core and Life models are the answer, offering the cheapest way into the Amarok range, and plenty of bang for your bucks. But which is best? We put the Amarok Core and Amarok Life to the test to find out.

As far as niches go, offering an Australian designed and engineered German-branded dual-cab ute made in South Africa with an American muscle-car heart and glamorous luxury features is quite a unique one.