A V6 powerplant was the headline act when Volkswagen launched its updated Amarok earlier this year and with good reason.

It’s a crackerjack powerplant that also sits under the bonnet of other VW Group offerings including the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, but the update didn’t dismiss the twin-turbo four-cylinder variants that populate the bulk of the Argentinian-built load-lugger’s range.

Priced in the mid-$40,000 bracket, the Core dual-cab remains one of the most refined and capable utes in the market.

Competitive pricing, a good-sized tray and the suspension muscle to take its payload, it’s only the rear legroom and the absence of any rear airbag coverage that will detract from its appeal.