Volkswagen tweaks Amarok for 2015

VOLKSWAGEN has ditched all petrol-powered versions of its hard-working Amarok utility range as a part of an overall model year 2015 update that also includes upgrades to specification and a pair of new diesel variants.

The German car-maker has introduced a new TDI420 Dual Cab 4x2 and a TDI420 Single Cab 4Motion all-wheel drive, both paired with VW's eight-speed automatic transmission and powered by the 2.0-litre 132kW/420Nm turbocharged diesel unit.

The two-wheel drive dual cab is priced at $37,990, plus on-road costs, while the two-door 4x4 is available from $39,990. Both feature standard Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel and body-coloured bumpers.

While it has added two new variants, Volkswagen has slimmed down the range by ditching the TSI300 petrol variants that were available in 4x2 Single Cab Ute, Single Cab Chassis and Dual Cab Ute body-styles.

The Amarok is now one of a number of exclusively diesel-only light-commercial ute ranges in Australia alongside the Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara and the Mazda BT-50.

VW has changed the name of the base Amarok Dual Cab variant to the Core Edition, and they gain body-coloured bumpers, 16-inch 'Korama' alloy wheels and Pirelli Scorpion tyres as standard.

The Core Edition is available with a choice of the TDI400 (132kW/400Nm) and TDI420 (132kW/420Nm) powertrains and starts from $42,990.

The Trendline specification, which is available on 4Motion Dual Cab variants, now offers front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, while new options include sat-nav, a reversing camera and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.

Trendline variants start at $45,490 for the TDI400 Dual Cab Chassis with a six-speed manual, creeping up to $49,990 for the TDI420 with the eight-speed auto and Comfort Springs.

Further up the range is the Highline that kicks in from $52,490 in manual Dual Cab Ute guise, which comes with a reversing camera, the light and sound package that includes rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights and lumbar support for both driver and front passenger, now as standard.

Bi-Xenon headlights are available as an option on the Highline but are standard on the range-topping Ultimate. LED daytime running lights are also standard on the Ultimate, which continues to offer leather trim and 19-inch alloys.

Volkswagen Amarok pricing*

TDI340 2WD	$32,990
TDI420 2WD (a)	$37,990
TDI400 4WD	$36,990
TDI420 4WD (a)	$39,990
TDI400 4MOTION	$42,990
TDI420 4MOTION (a)	$45,990
TDI400 Trendline 4MOTION	$46,990
TDI420 Trendline 4MOTION(a)	$49,990
TDI400 Highline 4MOTION	$52,490
TDI420 Highline 4MOTION (a)	$55,490
TDI400 Ultimate 4MOTION	$62,290
TDI420 Ultimate 4MOTION (a)	$65,290

*Excludes on-road costs.