The Volkswagen’s Amarok Double Cab gets a power boost
Exciting news for Amarok fans, as VW introduces the Amarok Double Cab with 190kW of power, later this year. Since the Amarok range was released back in 2010, in South Africa, it has grown to become very popular amongst locals. The Amarok Double Cab was in fact the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle’s bestselling derivative last year, with 2596 sold.
The biggest changes to the new Amarok range are of course the engine. There will be three engine choices available in the Amarok range, these will consist of; the 2.0 TDI producing 103kW, the 2.0 BiTDI producing 132kW, and the 3.0 TDI V6 which produces a splendid 190kW.
The news here is of course the Amarok 3.0-litre V6 that generates 190kW from 3000 to 4500 rpm and 580 Nm of torque sending the Amarok rocketing in just 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 207 km/h. The Amarok comes standard with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With the over boost function the Amarok can power up to a maximum output of 200kW for 10 seconds, it is certainly one of the most powerful bakkies on the market.
The Amarok 3.0-litre V6 190kW TDI 4MOTION® will be available in Highline and Extreme models. It is also available in different exterior paint finishes, these being Candy White, Mojave Beige, Indium Grey metallic, and Deep Black Pearl Effect.
The Highline variant does host a fair number of features as it comes standard with Vienna leather seats, winter package (seat heating), increased GVM from 2.8t to 3.0t (including heavy-duty leaf springs), front, and rear Park Distance Control with a rear-view camera, climatronic air-conditioning, as well as the 18-inch Manaus alloy wheels.
Over and above, the Extreme model offers the same features but with further customization, this luxury or top-of-the-range model comes with Special Edition Nappa leather seats, a Discover Pro Media system which includes satellite navigation and 20-inch Talca alloy wheels which also come standard.
The new Amarok range is set to come out around November 2020 and will be available in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
Pricing
Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Highline R908 300
Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Extreme R974 600
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km manufacturer warranty, a 5-year/90 000 km Genuine Easy Drive Service Plan, and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Please note the service interval is 15 000km.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 190kW TDI 4MOTION starts from around R899,900 for the Highline variant and goes up to approximately R979,900 for the Extreme model, making it one of the pricier bakkies on the market but you're paying for serious performance.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab worth buying?
If you need a bakkie that can tow like a truck but drive like a sports car, then absolutely yes, the Amarok's 190kW V6 engine and 580 Nm of torque make it worth every rand for serious users who demand performance.
Q: How much can the Amarok 3.0 V6 tow?
The Amarok 3.0 V6 can tow up to 3.5 tonnes and has a payload capacity of 1 tonne, plus the Highline gets an increased GVM from 2.8 tonnes to 3.0 tonnes with heavy-duty leaf springs for serious work duties.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Amarok Double Cab?
The Amarok's main rivals include the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota Hilux GR-S, and Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, but none match the Amarok's combination of 190kW power and premium interior finishes.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you've got the budget for it. The best premium bakkie under R1,000,000 in South Africa is definitely the Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 V6 190kW TDI 4MOTION. With 190kW of power, 580 Nm of torque, and that overboost function pushing it to 200kW for 10 seconds, this bakkie will leave most cars in the dust while still hauling your boat or trailer. The R899,900 starting price isn't cheap, but you're getting Vienna leather, climatronic air conditioning, and build quality that'll outlast the competition. If you're serious about performance and don't mind paying premium prices, the Amarok V6 is the bakkie to beat.
