After an extensive build-up, Volkswagen Group Australia has finally launched its all-new Amarok ute – but at this stage only with a six-speed manual transmission (no automatic) and in four-door configuration.
Further two-door variants will come later.
Priced from $33,990 (2WD) to $58,990 (AWD), the six-model lineup is powered by a new twin-turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 120kW of power and peak torque of 400Nm from as low as 1500rpm.
While not likely to challenge established names like HiLux, Navara, Triton, Ranger and BT50 for sales dominance in Australia’s mature ute market, the Amarok brings European style plus modern looks and is significant because it’s Volkswagen’s first volume-production ute model.
Photos disguise the real size of the Volkswagen Amarok – it’s no compact pretender and out back delivers 2.52 cubic meters of cargo space and a payload capacity up to 1.15 tonnes. The cargo area is 1,555mm long and 1,620mm wide.
Similarly, the towing capacity is impressive at 2,800kgs with 280kgs of downball weight.
Volkswagen is providing four model grades – Amarok, Amarok Trendline, Amarok Highline and Amarok Ulitmate (the latter with leather seats and body-colour wheel arch flares with 19-inch alloy wheels). The entry-level two-wheel-drive model is only available in the standard Amarok specification.
Other models run Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. Depending on the model you can choose either permanent all-wheel-drive or selectable all-wheel-drive.
Inside, Amarok features another chapter in Volkswagen’s hallmark high-standard interiors with standard air-conditioning and model-specific storage options. The spacious rear seat fold flat form extra cargo room.
The full range is:
Amarok 2WD $33,990
Amarok 4MOTION $43,990
Amarok Trendline 4MOTION $47,990
Amarok Highline 4MOTION $52,990
Amarok Ultimate 4MOTION $58,490
