Story: COLIN DAWSON

Volkswagen Amarok gets more muscle and eco-friendly Blue Motion

Amorak is now more powerful and more fuel efficient

VOLKSWAGEN’s Amarok pick-up has been given a power boost and improved economy, in addition to a range of new features.

The original 163hp BiTec engine has been upgraded to produce 180hp, and efficiency has been enhanced with the introduction of VW’s BlueMotion Technology.

The towing weight for manual models has also been increased from 2,800kg to 3,000kg, and the introduction of a new eight-speed automatic transmission has given an even greater towing limit of 3,200kg.

The adoption of BlueMotion Technology has improved fuel economy and lowered emissions with the use of low rolling resistance tyres, Stop/Start and regenerative braking. As a result, the 180hp BlueMotion Technology is better than 10 per cent more powerful than the previous 163hp model, yet is 3.9% more economical, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 37.2 mpg compared with 35.8 mpg previously. In addition, emissions drop by 10 g/km to 199 g/km.

Importantly for a workhorse of this type, torque has been increased from 400Nm to 420Nm at 1,750 rpm for the eight-speed automatic transmission variant. There is a ‘sport’ as well as a ‘drive’ setting, and sequential shifting can also be selected. This is available exclusively as a Highline model with BlueMotion Technology and permanent 4MOTION for a retail price of £25,105 (ex-VAT).

It achieves combined fuel economy of 35.3mpg with emissions of 211g/km – the same as the standard manual model.

The new 180 PS BiTDI engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission in Startline, Trendline and Highline trim levels and with selectable 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Retail prices start from £19,795 (ex-VAT). The 2.0-litre TDI 122hp engine is still available in the Startline range from £18,795 (ex-VAT).

Volkswagen Amarok gets more muscle and eco-friendly Blue Motion

The eight-speed automatic transmission has a ‘sport’ as well as a ‘drive’ setting, and sequential shifting can also be selected

Among other new features introduced are Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, heated washer jets, tachograph preparation, cornering fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Amarok models for the UK and the rest of Europe are now being produced in the same factory as the Transporter in Hannover, to improve supply.

Alex Smith, director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, told Business Vans: “The new 180hp engine and automatic transmission make the Amarok even more refined, plus with BlueMotion Technology also now available, it can offer more efficiency, too. The Amaroks from Germany are now arriving in Van Centre showrooms, with demonstrators available for test drives to business van buyers.”

Keep up to date with developments in our Business Van News section.

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