New Volkswagen Amarok (3.0-litre V6 TDI)
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok sees a number of changes to its interior and exterior, but it’s really under the bonnet that it impresses the most. We spent a week getting familiar with its updated features, and of course, its powerful V6 3-litre engine!
More power, more performance
South Africa has seen a number of new and updated bakkies introduced to the market this year, and while more power and performance is the name of the game , the new Amarok sure stands out. In fact, its 3-litre V6 TDI engine offers more power than most of its competitors, offering a whopping 165 kw, a top speed of 193 km/h and an acclaimed sprinting time of 0-100 km/h in just 8 seconds! For a bakkie this size, it’s almost hard to believe, right? But the power experienced when you’re behind the wheel and out of the city is so far, unforgettable.
Other than its V6 badge, the Amarok sees some mild updates to its front face and rear end. A redesigned front bumper and radiator grille incorporating front fog lights, new alloy wheels and a third brake light with LED technology is what sets it apart from its predecessor. At the back, a wide tray, alloy sports bars on the top-of-the-range model, and four tie-down points give the new Amarok an attractive and more useful positioning in the market. I loved that the tailgate itself comes with a spring-assist which makes it so much easier to close (no more twisted wrists!)
All-new interior
The new Amarok has one of the most comfortable interiors I’ve seen this year. Its cabin is just as comfortable as an SUV’s with various features to make things practical and aesthetically pleasing. An all-new dashboard design incorporates Volkswagen’s modular infotainment system with touchscreen radio, App-Connect, Bluetooth and USB interface. I love the simplicity of the layout upfront. It incorporates everything you need while saving more than enough space for things like cellphones, keys and water bottles.
In-car infotainment
At the very top of the centre console, and directly in the driver’s field of vision is the infotainment system. 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 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. In addition to this, the 165kW engine has disc brakes: 17-inch discs on the front axle and 16-inch discs on the rear axle, while the derivatives with 103kW and 132kW engines have 16-inch discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear.
It also comes with an Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, Electronic Trailer Stabilisation, Hill Descent Assist and off road ABS.
Pricing
The recommended retail price for the Volkswagen Amarok 3-litre V6 TDI Highline Plus is priced at R745 500 (October 2017) and comes standard with a 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.
The new Amarok might be pricey, but if you’re in the market for a bakkie with this much power, presence and performance, the Amarok is definitely one to consider!
Via: Volkswagen South Africa