NEW MODEL AMAROK PETROL
A year after the Volkswagen Amarok’s introduction to the local market, VW has added a petrol double cab to the range.
Since its introduction the Amarok turbodiesel double cabs – the 2.0TDI and 2.0BiTDI derivatives – have sold in big numbers, with more than 4500 units sold and the bakkie claiming a double cab market share of 15,5%, securing the runner-up sales position behind the Toyota Hilux.
Now, following the recent launch of the all-new Ford Ranger (which has the potential to outsell both the Amarok and Hilux but lacks the populist appeal of the other two bakkies), VW has upped the ante with the introduction of a two-litre, turbocharged petrol engine.
This is no ordinary old two-litre petrol engine though. The 2.0TSI mill features a host of latest generation engine combustion technologies including variable valve timing and a constantly variable vane turbocharger. The direct injection fuel system has an operating pressure of 190 bar for optimised fuel atomisation and complete combustion for high efficiency and low emissions.
The result is 118 kW of power that is available at 3800r/min – and power remains at 118 kW until you hit 5500r/min. Torque is equally impressive, with the 300 Nm peaking at a low 1600r/min. However, it remains at 300 Nm all the way to 3750r/min – these are quite remarkable numbers for a petrol engine.
The power is transferred via a six-speed manual gearbox, and for now the 2.0TSI engine will only be available for the rear-wheel drive double cab. Performance is brisk, to say the least. This Amarok will sprint from 0-100km/h in less than 10 seconds, and max out at 180kmh.
This Amarok could be the answer for all the would-be Amarok owners who have been sitting on the fence, worried about the two-litre turbodiesel engines that have been on offer until now. More good news is that a six-speed automatic transmission will be introduced to the Amarok range in the third quarter of 2012.
But the best news about the new Amarok 2.0TSI double cab has everything to do with its price. Selling for R301 400, and armed with all the luxuries and safety features that have set the Amarok apart from the rest of the double cab gang, the 2.0TSI model should fly off the VW showroom floor.
The range:
Trendline
Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TSI 118kW 4×2 R301 400
Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI 90kW 4×2 R328 400
Amarok Double Cab 2.0 TDI 90kW 4Motion R377 300
Highline
Amarok Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI 120kW 4×2 R354 800
Amarok Double Cab 2.0 BiTDI 120kW 4Motion R403 700
Prices include s standard three-year/100 000km warranty and a five-year/90 000km service plan.
Service intervals are pegged at 15000km for all models.