The Volkswagen Amarok V6 range in South Africa is set to expand in 2018 with the introduction of a more affordable model, equipped with a manual transmission. Here's what we know so far…

The Volkswagen Amarok V6 double-cab bakkie is the brand's top offering and a 2017/18 #CarsAwards, powered by WesBank. With the imminent arrival of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and predictable tweaks to the Ranger and Hilux models, the Volkswagen Amarok portfolio is due to expand.

As it stands, there is a trio of Amarok V6 derivatives equipped with 8-speed transmissions, but no manual version, in the South African line-up.

With pricing starting from R692 600, the Amarok V6 goes all the way up to R778 900 for the Extreme flagship. This new derivative changes things up as it'll come to market at a lower price point, but equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. We suspect that some features will be removed to make it a value-for-money offering.

We were alerted to this development when the vehicle was first confirmed for the UK market and it's claimed that it'll beavailable in Trendline trim and feature a selectable all-wheel drive system. Unlike its other V6 counterparts, which feature permanent 4Motion, this model is rear-wheel driven until the driver activates four-wheel drive mode. It's also claimed that the manual transmission model has allowed Volkswagen to make a low-range option available, which addresses some concerns from the hardcore 4×4 enthusiasts.

Power outputs have not been confirmed, but the UK version has outputs of 150 kW and500 Nm, as opposed to the 165 kW and 550 Nm of local units. Performance is expected to be brisk for a bakkie, with a 0-100 kph time of at least8.4 seconds. When contacted for comment, Volkswagen SA confirmed that the manual Amarok V6 would be released in South Africa, with an estimated time of arrival: around the second quarter of 2018.

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