Volkswagen’s new Amarok getting 224PS 3.0 TDI V6

VOLKSWAGEN Commercial Vehicles is raising the bar, with its premium pick-up the Amarok set to gain a bigger ‘heart’ and enhance its performance potential, thanks to the latest generation of Volkswagen V6 engines with the flagship Amarok getting 224PS 3.0 TDI V6.

Drivers of the new Amarok, successor to Business Vans 2016 Pick-up of the Year, can look forward in future to an additional litre of displacement offered by the 3.0-litre engine, while the pick-up will continue to boast impressive on- as well as off-road capability. Its new engine will deliver 550Nm of torque with 224PS.

The agile new V6 diesel engine for the Amarok meets the customer requirement for high torque at low engine speeds. The powerful top-of-the-line six-cylinder engine produces its maximum torque at only 1,500 rpm. At 550Nm, this maximum torque is also 130 Nm higher than in the previous model. The Amarok is thus able to deliver sufficient propulsive power and torque performance in any situation.

The highest gear’s long gear ratio in the manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox reduces revs and fuel consumption during consistently fast driving, and thus helps ensure low noise levels and CO₂ emissions.

The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the new Amarok with 224 PS and 8-speed automatic gearbox is expected to be around 37 mpg, corresponding to a new top level of 199 g/km CO2 depending on specification.

The model’s engine is designed to be robust and long-lasting. The 3.0-litre TDI engine (2,967 cc) in the new Amarok will be available in three output levels: 163PS, 204PS or a top-performing 224PS. All engines comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard.

Badge distinguishes new Amarok getting 224PS 3.0 TDI V6

The most powerful engine variant will be offered first and expected to go on sale in the UK before the end of 2016.

Three different drive-system versions will be offered in line with the respective engine variants: a traditional rear-wheel drive, and a 4MOTION version with either rear-wheel drive and an engageable front axle in combination with a manual gearbox, or with a permanent all-wheel drive system and a Torsen differential with the 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Servotronic steering system is new in the Amarok and will be available as standard equipment in Europe. This system is one of the reasons why the Amarok can be driven very precisely.

New 17-inch brake discs on the front axle of the 224PS Amarok and 16-inch discs at the rear ensure that the powerful pick-up always comes to a stop quickly and safely. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which has won multiple awards, is also included as standard.

The powerful impression the Amarok makes is underscored by a more athletic-looking front end and an all-new dashboard. Together with new ergonomic seats, these features lend the vehicle a more sophisticated and valuable appearance. In addition, the model’s design clearly bears Volkswagen’s DNA. With a length of 5.25 metres and a width of 2.23 metres (mirrors included), the Amarok delivers everything one would expect from a classic pick-up.

The new body-coloured sports bar in the launch model – to be marketed in Europe as the Amarok Aventura – visually shifts the double cab rearwards and also extends over a small part of the 2.52 m² load platform inside the cargo compartment. Various additional styling bars, covers, cargo area coatings and hardtops are also available for the Amarok cargo compartment.

Four-door Amarok getting 224PS 3.0 TDI V6 can carry a tonne

In addition, the load platform in the four-door Amarok can accommodate a Euro-pallet loaded sideways. A payload capacity of more than one tonne is possible, depending on the equipment features selected. In future, some variants of the new Amarok will also boast a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.

The wheels in the various equipment levels offered with the Amarok are now larger, which makes for an even more powerful and sporty appearance. The Amarok Aventura features 20-inch alloy wheels and the Park Distance Control parking assistant, which utilises a rear-view camera.

The overall impression of the Aventura is completed by bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED licence plate lighting and LED-illuminated side sills under the doors. (UK market availability is yet to be confirmed.)

The new Amarok getting 224PS 3.0 TDI V6 engine can carry more than a tonne and tow up to 3.5 tonnes