Introducing the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok bakkie
The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s double cab pick-up was revealed worldwide in June 2016, marking a step change in the model’s history. With a refreshed external look, the new Amarok is now available with the much-anticipated new 3.0-litre V6 165kW TDI engine.
The 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine is the only six-cylinder diesel engine in the segment. The top-of-the-range engine delivers 165kW of power that is available at 550 Nm of torque channelled through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. The V6 engine pushes the Amarok to a top speed of 193km/h and sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds.
From the outside, the new Amarok distinguishes itself from the previous model through a redesigned front bumper and radiator grille incorporating front fog lights, new alloy wheels and a third brake light with LED technology.
Inside the cab, the changes are more prominent with an all-new dashboard design which incorporates Volkswagen’s modular infotainment system with touchscreen radio, App-Connect, Bluetooth and USB interface (iPod/iPhone compatible).
Also read: The ultimate Amarok is here!
The new Amarok is expected to appeal to a similar profile of buyers, retaining its position as a technically advanced pick-up which is as comfortable to drive as it is rugged and capable over rough terrain.
Since its launch in 2010, over 29 000 Amarok units (single and double cabs) have been sold in South Africa.
Engines, transmissions and drivetrain
The Amarok’s new 3.0-litre V6 engine with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees, was first used in the Audi A6 and A7 in 2014, and the latest ‘Generation II Evo’ as it is known, is especially robust. It has 24 valves and overhead camshafts.
The 3.0-litre V6 generates 165kW from 3 000 to 4 500 rpm and 550Nm of torque from 1 400 to 1 750 rpm. With an overboost, the power output is increased to 180kW and torque to 580Nm for about 10 seconds. The Amarok with V6 engine completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 193km/h. It has an average fuel consumption of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
The new Amarok has a fuel tank capacity of 80 litres.
Depending on the engine power output, two different drive system variants are available: 4MOTION with rear-wheel drive and optionally engaged front axle combined with a six-speed manual transmission (103kW and 132kW); or 4MOTION with permanent all-wheel drive and Torsen differential with eight-speed automatic transmission (132kW and 165kW).
All three engine derivatives have an electronic differential lock (EDL) by automatic application of the brake, which prevents the wheels spinning on one side. Thanks to the EDL, the power from the drive system is always delivered to the wheel with the best traction.
Also read: Amarok is helping young girls to stay in school
Depending on engine power, there is a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or the eight-speed automatic transmission, both optimised for the Amarok’s high torque values.
Interior
The height-adjustable front seats feature sporty contoured side bolsters that have been optimised to provide maximum comfort and top ergonomic characteristics.
Doing away with round contours and concentrating on horizontal and vertical lines makes not only the front, but also the interior appear more striking and pronounced.
Infotainment systems
Comfortline and Highline derivatives come standard with 6.33-inch ‘Composition Media’ radio system with touchscreen and capacitive colour display. Furthermore, the system has proximity sensor with the display that supports swipe gestures. The sound is channelled through six 20 watt loudspeakers in the front (4) and rear (2). Composition Media also has an SD card slot, USB port and AUX IN interface. On top of this, the App-Connect function makes it possible to forward selected smartphone apps and controls to the touchscreen display in the vehicle.
Highline Plus and Extreme derivatives are offered with 6.33-inch touchscreen ‘Discover Media’ satellite navigation system as standard.
Safety features
On top of its inherently safe structure, every new Amarok has a high level of safety equipment, starting with twin front and side airbags. Special sensors in the front of the vehicle and side of the body reliably trigger the protective devices in any scenario, including staggered impact. The telescopic steering column is designed to absorb energy, thus reducing the risk of injury to the driver in the event of an accident. Three-point safety belts, seatbelt pre-tensioner and height-adjustable head restraints are, of course, included as standard.
Other safety features include:
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking system
- Electronic Trailer Stabilisation
- Hill Descent Assist
- Off-road ABS
Trim levels
The new Amarok is available in four equipment trim levels namely Comfortline, Highline, Highline Plus and Extreme.
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
Service and Warranty
The Amarok model range comes standard with 3 year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, 5 year/90 000 km Automotion Service Plan and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is at 15 000 km.
Source: QuickPic