The updated-look Amarok has finally arrived in South Africa almost a year after the a global launch in June 2016.
The refreshed Amarok comes in various trims and with a range of engines including the new 3.0-litre V6 TDI mill.
The 3.0-litre V6 derivatives sit at the pinnacle of the local line-up and this engine, first used in the Audi A6 and A7 in 2014, is described by Volkswagen SA as being ‘especially robust’.
All three models fitted with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, produce 165 kW and 550 Nm via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This power can be pushed up using the overboost function that gives peak power of 180kW and 580Nm of torque for 10 seconds in third and fourth gear from 50km/h at 70% throttle. The function then becomes accessible again after a five-second break.
The top-of-the-range Extreme-badged variant costs R748 600 (making it the most expensive bakkie in South Africa), followed by the other two V6 Amaroks that cost R716 600 and R665 700, respectively.
The base derivative is the 2.0-litre TDI with 103kW with six-speed manual transmission and an option of permanent four-wheel drive. Also carried over from the previous model is the 2.0 BiTDi delivering 132kW. This engine is offered with six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.
The entry-level Comfortline trims offers fabric seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, electric windows, central locking, height-adjustable seats, rear window heating, ‘Composition Media’ radio, leather steering wheel and air conditioning .
The Highline specification comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, some chrome-plated exterior trim and also chrome trim on the interior and smoked rear lights and LED number plate lighting. The Highline also comes standard with four 12 V power sockets and automatic Climatronic air conditioning.
Highline derivatives can be customised with these optional features: ‘Vienna’ leather seats, park distance control with rear view camera, Light and Sight package with auto light and rain sensor, Bi-Xenon Headlights with LED daytime running lights as well as 17 or 19-inch alloy wheels. Over and above these features, the Highline Plus gets 19-inch wheels and sat nav.
The top derivative in the range, Extreme is available exclusively in Ravenna Blue and comes with 20-inch wheels, sat nav, park distance control, a rear view camera and ‘Nappa leather seat trim covers’.
Prices
Amarok 2.0 TDI 103kW 4×2 Manual Comfortline R487 700
Amarok 2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION Manual Comfortline R544 900
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4×2 Manual Highline R521 900
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Manual Highline R573 000
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4×2 Auto Highline R539 400
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4×2 Auto Highline Plus R591 900
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Auto Highline R590 600
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Auto Highline Plus R643 100
Amarok 2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Auto Extreme R673 600
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 165kW 4MOTION Auto Highline R665 700
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 165kW 4MOTION Auto Highline Plus R716 600
Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 165kW 4MOTION Auto Extreme R748 600
Customers have an option of the selectable 4MOTION on the derivatives with manual transmission and permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive system on derivatives with automatic transmission.