If there's one model Volkswagen should consider bringing to our side of the Atlantic, it's the Amarok. The German automaker's commercial vehicles division has rolled out updates to its four-door pickup that only make that belief stronger. Chief among them: its new, more powerful engine.
A mild cosmetic update brings the Amarok's styling more in line with the company's latest models. The facelift features new lights, bumpers, air vents, wheels, and assorted other components. It's not quite as tough-looking as its predecessor, but it does have a clean design, encompassing new bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and a revised interior complete with a new dashboard and more-ergonomic seats.
What really piques interest, though, is the new six-cylinder diesel engine. Slotting in where the Amarok previously only offered inline-fours, the new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel makes 221 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, driving either the rear wheels or all four through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Torsen differential.
That represents a significant bump over the 178 hp and 310 lb-ft churned out by the 2.0-liter TDI four in the top-of-the-line Amarok Canyon we drove a coupe of years ago, making the new Amarok an even more compelling choice. That is, if we had that choice to make, and if we could get past the diesel emissions scandal from which VW is still reeling.
Related Video:
A mild cosmetic update brings the Amarok's styling more in line with the company's latest models. The facelift features new lights, bumpers, air vents, wheels, and assorted other components. It's not quite as tough-looking as its predecessor, but it does have a clean design, encompassing new bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, and a revised interior complete with a new dashboard and more-ergonomic seats.
What really piques interest, though, is the new six-cylinder diesel engine. Slotting in where the Amarok previously only offered inline-fours, the new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel makes 221 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, driving either the rear wheels or all four through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Torsen differential.
That represents a significant bump over the 178 hp and 310 lb-ft churned out by the 2.0-liter TDI four in the top-of-the-line Amarok Canyon we drove a coupe of years ago, making the new Amarok an even more compelling choice. That is, if we had that choice to make, and if we could get past the diesel emissions scandal from which VW is still reeling.
Related Video:
02/05/2016
Volkswagen Amarok now with a powerful six-cylinder engine
- Premium pickup will be the only model in its segment with a high-performance V6 turbodiesel
- Latest generation of six-cylinder engines with up to 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque
- Amarok Aventura launch model to be equipped with a sports bar, 20-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights
Hannover, 2 May 2016 – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is taking things up a notch: the Amarok – the premium pickup in the B segment – is getting a bigger 'heart' and highlighting its performance potential, thanks to the latest generation of Volkswagen V6 engines. Drivers of the Amarok can look forward in future to the one litre of additional displacement offered by the 3.0-litre engine. The pickup boasts good on- and off-road capabilities. Its top-of-the-line engine delivers 550 Nm of torque and has an output of 165 kW / 224 PS.
Robust and reliable: the new agile 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 550 Nm, 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 gears' long gear ratio in the manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox reduces revs and fuel consumption during consistently fast driving, and in this manner helps ensure low noise levels and low CO2 emissions. The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the new Amarok with 165 kW output and a 8-speed automatic gearbox will likely reach a combined diesel consumption of 7.6 litres/100 km *. This corresponds to a new top level of 199 grams CO2/km *.
The model's engine is designed to be robust and long-lasting. The 3.0 l TDI engine (with exactly 2967 cubic centimetres displacement) in the new Amarok will be available in three output levels: 120 kW / 163 PS, 150 kW / 204 PS or a top-performing 165 kW / 224 PS. All engines comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. The most powerful engine variant will be offered first. As early as the end of September 2016, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customers will thus be able to begin exploring the world of six-cylinder engines with an attractive model.
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 165-kW Amarok and 16-inch discs at the rear ensure that the powerful pickup 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, they lend the vehicle a more sophisticated and valuable appearance. In addition, the model's design has the current Volkswagen DNA written all over it. 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 pickup.
The new body-coloured sports bar in the launch model (which will 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.
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 made perfect by bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED licence plate lighting and LED-illuminated side sills under the doors.
Volkswagen Amarok now with a powerful six-cylinder engine
- Premium pickup will be the only model in its segment with a high-performance V6 turbodiesel
- Latest generation of six-cylinder engines with up to 165 kW and 550 Nm of torque
- Amarok Aventura launch model to be equipped with a sports bar, 20-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights
Hannover, 2 May 2016 – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is taking things up a notch: the Amarok – the premium pickup in the B segment – is getting a bigger 'heart' and highlighting its performance potential, thanks to the latest generation of Volkswagen V6 engines. Drivers of the Amarok can look forward in future to the one litre of additional displacement offered by the 3.0-litre engine. The pickup boasts good on- and off-road capabilities. Its top-of-the-line engine delivers 550 Nm of torque and has an output of 165 kW / 224 PS.
Robust and reliable: the new agile 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 550 Nm, 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 gears' long gear ratio in the manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox reduces revs and fuel consumption during consistently fast driving, and in this manner helps ensure low noise levels and low CO2 emissions. The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the new Amarok with 165 kW output and a 8-speed automatic gearbox will likely reach a combined diesel consumption of 7.6 litres/100 km *. This corresponds to a new top level of 199 grams CO2/km *.
The model's engine is designed to be robust and long-lasting. The 3.0 l TDI engine (with exactly 2967 cubic centimetres displacement) in the new Amarok will be available in three output levels: 120 kW / 163 PS, 150 kW / 204 PS or a top-performing 165 kW / 224 PS. All engines comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. The most powerful engine variant will be offered first. As early as the end of September 2016, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customers will thus be able to begin exploring the world of six-cylinder engines with an attractive model.
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 165-kW Amarok and 16-inch discs at the rear ensure that the powerful pickup 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, they lend the vehicle a more sophisticated and valuable appearance. In addition, the model's design has the current Volkswagen DNA written all over it. 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 pickup.
The new body-coloured sports bar in the launch model (which will 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.
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 made perfect by bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED licence plate lighting and LED-illuminated side sills under the doors.
Featured Gallery 2017 Volkswagen Amarok Aventura V6 TDI
Sign in to post
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Continue