Volkswagen will launchan eagerly-awaited 3.0 V6 turbodiesel derivative as part of an updated Amarok range in South Africa this week (late April 2017). Take a look at the specs and pricing for the facelifted bakkie line-up…

The Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI is set to be the only V6 turbodiesel-engined bakkie in the new vehicle market. Since its introduction in 2010, more than 29000 single- and double-cab Amaroks have been sold in South Africa and the updated version will build on this success with revised styling, an updatedinterior and infotainment system as well as additional safety and technology features. This is what the facelifted Amarok has to offer…

The range

A new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel will now top the Amarok range with 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque.

The Amarok retains its previous dimensions and is 5.25 metres long, 2.23 metres wide and 1.83 metres high. There are 4 trim levels on offer: Comfortline, Highline, Highline Plus and Extreme.

The range starts with the familiar entry-level 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (103 kW and 340 Nm of torque), mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Amarok 2.0 TDI derivative is now available in Comfortline trim, replacing the previous Trendline specification. Buyers have the choice between a 4×2 or 4Motion all-wheel drive derivative.

The second engine is the 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel (132 kW and 400 Nm) coupled with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission (trim dependent) and available in Highline, Highline Plus or Extreme specifications. Two- or all-wheel drive (4Motion) derivatives are available.

The biggest news, however, is that the range is headlined by the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, offering 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque. An overboost function will increase outputs to 180 kW and 580 Nm for about 10 seconds, improving performance even further.

Volkswagen claims a fuel consumption figure of 9.0 L/100 km. The 3.0 V6 is offered with Highline, Highline Plus or Extreme trim and an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive is standard. All 3 engine derivatives are equipped with an electronic differential lock (EDL).

Trim and features

The biggest changes can be seen and felt on the inside with a newly designed interior offering higher levels of comfort and convenience features.

In Comfortline trim, standard features include fabric seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, electric windows, central locking, height-adjustable seats, rear window heating, body-coloured door handles and side mirror housings, fog lights, manual air conditioning, leather steering wheel and cruise control. A 6.33-inch "Composition Media" touchscreen radio system with App Connect is also standard.

Optional features include a multifunction steering wheel, electricfolding and heated side mirrors, plusfront and rear park distance control.

Standard features offered on the Highline trim (over and above the Comfortline) include 18-inch alloy wheels, partially chrome-plated side mirror housings, chrome fog light trim and a partially chrome-plated rear bumper. The rear lights are smoked the number plate features LED lighting.

The 3.0 V6 turbodiesel derivative will be offered exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

There are metallic accents around the gear lever, air vents and on sections of the multifunction steering wheel and no fewer than four 12V sockets are provided. Optional features include leather seats, front and rear park distance control with reverse-view camera, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers (Light and Sight Package), bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and 17- or 19-inch alloy wheel options.

The Highline Plus trim level builds on the Highline specby adding "Vienna" leather trim, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Light and Sight Package and a 6.33-inch Discover Medianavigation system. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Although the Amarok's packaging suggests it's a sophisticated urbanite, the bakkie's surprisingly capable off the beaten track.

The range-topping Extreme (replaces the previous Ultimate) trimcomes with 20-inch alloysand arch extensions, a "Discover Media" touchscreen satellite navigation system, bi-xenon headlights with daytime running lights and chrome sill bars with LED lighting. Front and rear park distance control with a rearview camera is standard. The "ergoComfort" front seats are covered in Nappa leather and are 14-way adjustable. Furthermore, Extreme is available in exclusive Ravenna Blue metallic paint finish. Optional features include a sports bar in body colour and 19-inch wheels.

Furthermore, Extreme is available in an exclusive Ravenna Blue metallic paint finish. Asports bar in body colour and 19-inch wheels are optional.

The comprehensive standard safety specification of the Amarok range positions the Volkswagen product well for family car buyers.

Other Amarok facts

The maximum payload for the Amarok 2.0 TDI Comfortline is 936 kg and, depending on the derivative, the Amarok can tow loads up to 3.3 tonnes (braked trailers). The fuel tank has a capacity of 80 litres.

Safety features include ABS with EBD (with off-road ABS), 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Post-Collison Braking System, Hill Descent Assist, Electronic Trailer Stabilisation and Hill Hold Assist.

We will be attending the launch of the new Volkswagen Amarok this week, so look out for our local first drive report coming your way soon. For now,take a look at pricing for the new Amarok below.

New Volkswagen Amarok – Price in South Africa

2.0 TDI 103kW 4×2 Manual ComfortlineR487 700

2.0 TDI 103kW 4MOTION Manual ComfortlineR544 900

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4×2 Manual HighlineR521 900

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Manual HighlineR573 000

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4×2 Auto HighlineR539 400

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4×2 Auto Highline PlusR591 900

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Auto HighlineR590 600

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Auto Highline PlusR643 100

2.0 BiTDI 132kW 4MOTION Auto ExtremeR673 600

3.0 TDI V6 165kW 4MOTION Auto HighlineR665 700

3.0 TDI V6 165kW 4MOTION Auto Highline PlusR716 600

3.0 TDI V6 165kW 4MOTION Auto ExtremeR748600

The Amarok is sold with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000 km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are set at 15000 km.

Related content:

Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion (2017) First Drive

Toyota Hilux vs Ford Ranger vs Isuzu KB vs Volkswagen Amarok (2016) Comparative Review

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