Volkswagen introduces entry V6 Amarok
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 28th Jul 2017
Joining the Highline priced from $59,990 and top-spec Ultimate from $67,990, the Sportline will offer customers the cheapest way into the most powerful one-tonne ute on the market.
The Amarok is currently also the only V6 diesel-powered one-tonne ute available Down Under, with a 3.0-litre unit that pumps out 165kW of power – up to 180kW with an overboost function – and 550Nm of torque.
Power is sent to the Amarok’s permanent four-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission, which allows for a zero to 100km/h time of 7.9 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 9.0 litres per 100km.
Due to global demand, Volkswagen has decided to stop fitting the AdBlue NOx treatment system onto Aussie Amaroks, meaning the V6 is now Euro 5 compliant.
Next year the Sportline will be joined by a six-speed manual variant with part-time four-wheel drive and a low-range transfer case for off-roading enthusiasts.
The Sportline comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, a 6.33-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay compatibility, tinted rear windows, four 12V sockets including one in the tray, and a mechanical differential lock.
The Amarok has the distinction of being fitted with disc brakes front and rear, when most rivals opt for drum brakes at the back.
According to Volkswagen it is also the only one-tonne dual-cab pick-up to be able to fit a full-size pallet in the back, between the wheel arches.
However, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class pick-up, due next year, also has disc brakes all round and can take a full pallet in the back. The V6 version of the Nissan Navara-based Spanish-built pick-up will also be more powerful than the Amarok, with 190kW/550Nm on offer.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Carlos Santos took aim at Mercedes-Benz and its X-Class, lauding the fact that the Amarok was developed entirely in-house.
“Amarok V6’s technology derives wholly from within the Volkswagen Group. We have not had to look to Japan for a donor vehicle,” he said.
“Amarok remains the only V6 turbo-diesel ute on the market, a space it alone will occupy for some time to come.”In the first half of 2017 Volkswagen has sold 4361 examples of its 4x4 Amarok, down 3.8 per cent over the 4531 it sold to the same point last year.
It is still well of the pace of segment-leading all-paw utes such as the Ford Ranger (18,563 sales), the Toyota HiLux (17,140) and Mitsubishi Triton (10,318).
