Well I drive the 132Kw 8spd Auto and all i can say is wow!!!
Tows my supercat 520 like a dream has loads of power and its fuel consumption is good only down side i find is the ground clearance should be better!! drove Hilux for over 15 years and you cant compare but can't run the hilux down as i still have it great bundu basher.
Just my 2c worth
I do have some friends that own Amarok's and love it - I think it boils down to personal preference.
I have driven only VW's for the past 17 years. When I sold my GOLF 6 last year to purchase a SUV/4X4 i test drove the Amarok but personally didn't like it.
I also drove a Jeep, Hilux and Fortuner and didn't like it. I test drove the FJ Cruiser and loved it so I bought one