Volkswagen sets Amarok TDI550 Core launch date
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 26th Sep 2018
VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles Australia has confirmed that the TDI550 Core, the new entry-level variant in the V6 Amarok dual-cab pick-up range, will enter showrooms late next month with driveaway pricing just above $50,000.
While its official cost will not be confirmed until closer to its launch date, the TDI550 Core will significantly lower the entry price to the V6 Amarok, which currently starts at $55,990 before on-road costs for the TDI550 Sportline and rises to $71,990 BOCs for the TDI580 Ultimate.
Speaking to GoAuto this week at the Amarok TDI580 Ultimate national media launch in the Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia director Carlos Santos reiterated that the price-leader will cost “a little bit more than $50,000, but not much more … on the road with auto”.
“I don’t want to muck around,” he said. “I’d rather just go for it on what we can actually deliver and just be transparent rather than hide it.”
Just like other V6 Amaroks, the TDI550 Core will be equipped with an eight-speed ZF torque-convertor automatic transmission as standard, but in future will get the option of a six-speed manual gearbox with a differential lock that will lower the range-opener’s price even further, according to Mr Santos.
“There are plans,” he said. “We don’t know when it’ll come, but if it comes, it’ll be sort of second quarter next year. It’ll be sub-$50,000.”
As such, Mr Santos hopes the lower pricetag will lure more buyers to the V6 Amarok over its less powerful rivals.
“I think it puts it right in the pocket against all the four-cylinder competitors and makes it really accessible to get the big engine,” he said. “We see a good volume opportunity for this car.”
Mr Santos projects that the TDI550 Core will account for “maybe 30 per cent” of V6 Amarok sales, but “it’s hard to predict at the moment” if it will become the outright leader.
“I think this one, because it’ll be permanently available with a really aggressive price point, I think it could take over a fair bit of the volume,” he said.
Matching the other TDI550 variants, the Core is motivated by a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine that produces 165kW of power from 2500 to 4500rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1500 to 2500rpm. However, maximum power increases to 180kW via an overboost function.
Sprinting from standstill to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds, the Euro5-compliant TDI550 Core’s claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle test is 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, while its carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 236 grams per kilometre.
The TDI550 Core’s braked towing capacity and gross combination mass (GCM) are rated at 3500kg and 6000kg respectively, while the German brand’s full-time 4Motion all-wheel-drive system provides it with traction.
Intended for off-road drivers, the TDI550 Core strips out most of the luxury features found in higher-specification V6 Amaroks in favour of rubber floor coverings and mats, and hard-wearing Austin cloth upholstery.
Standard equipment also includes 17-inch Posadas alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, halogen headlights, daytime running lights and front foglights; a chrome-trimmed front grille, a black finish for the side mirrors, door handles and rear bumper with integrated step; rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and cruise control.
Inside, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel, manual-adjustable front seats and single-zone climate control also feature.
Six paintwork options are available on the TDI550 Core, including no-cost Candy White and extra-cost Mojave Beige, Indium Grey, Starlight Blue, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.