Somewhat stripped and undressed, but not in a way that would arouse anyone, this is the VW Amarok in its purest and most humble form.
Forget that refined and luxurious double cab that ruffled so many feathers in the leisure bakkie market last year, and even the 120kW Comfortline single cab that we tested recently, this is the real workhorse of the range.
It's vehicles like this that you'll see doing the work bakkies were designed for, whether it's hauling loads in the city or trundling around a construction site - although the 4Motion 4x4 version we had on test is more likely to be found creeping up a steep muddy track oppieplaas.
The 'Basic' Amarok, as VW calls it, has even lost its pretences on the design front, the front bumper remaining unpainted and those classy alloys we've seen on other Amaroks having made way for simple steel rims.
Step inside though, and besides the rubbery surface that replaces the carpets, the interior is still a very classy piece of work - the look and feel is really more akin to an expensive SUV.
Yet unless you enjoy sweating and like the sound of your own singing, you will inevitably end up paying extra for things like air conditioning (R9620) and an audio system (R2000). Even the prospect of saving your better half's life could have you forking out R2730 for a passenger airbag. These options (and metallic paint) moved the price of our 4x4 test unit from R257 000 to R271 350, although the 4x2 is significantly cheaper at R205 500.
The Amarok's car-like attributes continue for the most part as you take to the road. Although it still rides like a bakkie, it does smooth out the bumps a bit better than its main rivals and the steering feels positive and nicely weighted. It's not all roses though, with its vocal diesel clatter a constant reminder that you're driving a commercial vehicle and that heavy and clunky clutch makes it uncomfortable to slog through traffic.
All the worse then, that you'll be using that clutch and gearbox a lot thanks to the engine's narrow power band and shortage of low-down torque.
Make the effort, though, and the performance itself is surprisingly brisk considering the engine provides just 90kW and 340Nm to pull this heavy steed. Unladen, it more than holds its own in town traffic and on the highway it maintains the legal limit with little sweat, ticking over efficiently at low revs in sixth gear.
When it comes to hauling loads the Amarok single cab has the best credentials in its class, its loadbox area of 3.57 square metres bettering its nearest rival by 10 percent. Its payload of 1160kg is also on the generous side, as is its braked towing capacity of 2800kg. The 4Motion featured here also has the goods off the beaten track, using a conventional transfer case with high and low ratios and a rear diff lock.
Despite its few niggles, the 2.0 TDI single cab is a leading choice in its segment, its price looking quite reasonable in relation to most rivals even when factoring in the options you'll need to tick. It is certainly the most modern and refined vehicle in its class, but that could change shortly with the release of the all-new Ford Ranger.
PRICE:
R257 000
ALTERNATIVES:
Ford Ranger 2.5 TD 4x4 (80kW) - R254 180
GWM Steed 2.5 TCi 4x4 Lux (80kW) - R189 990
Isuzu KB 250D-Teq 4x4 (85kW) - R275 000
Nissan NP300 2.5 TDI 4x4 (98kW) - R251 000
Toyota Hilux 2.5 D-4D 4x4 SRX (75kW) - R289 000