Description
When Volkswagen introduced the Amarok in 2010, it didn't know too much about this segment, but most of the model's problems were solved in 2016 when the carmaker introduced a facelift for this pickup.
Thus, the idea of a lifestyle pickup started to emerge on the market. Apart from a few Japanese brands, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle developed the Amarok, which was exactly that: a pickup that was better at transporting light loads and five people than heavy loads and just two.
Volkswagen refreshed the Amarok in 2016 and made it look more like an SUV than a utility vehicle. Thus, the front fascia received a new pair of headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. The grille was also revised and now resembled the ones fitted on the likes of Tiguan and Touareg. Its profile still kept the same flared, angular wheel arches. As an option, the automaker offered side steps and a roll-bar in the bed area.
Inside, there was more of an SUV feel than a utility vehicle. The dashboard was covered with softer materials and sported a new infotainment system atop the center stack. Moreover, the instrument cluster featured large dials and a TFT display between the tachometer and speedometer that showed various data from the onboard computer. Depending on the options, the Amarok could have been fitted with fabric or leather upholstery.
But the most significant change was under the hood, where Volkswagen installed a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, which was available with a few power options. Another unusual decision was for the transmission. While the manual versions were fitted with a high and low transfer case, the eight-speed automatic was an all-wheel drive affair with no reduction gear.
Press Release
The Volkswagen Amarok premium B segment pick-up is powered in future by a latest generation V6 engine. In the interior the off-roader also offers customers lots of new features. These include an attractive cockpit, including a colour multi-function display for the Aventura launch model and state-of-the-art radio/navigation systems. For the driver and front-seat passenger, the Amarok also provides 14-way adjustable ergoComfort seats, which have already won awards for their back-friendliness.
Superior and robust: with its charisma and precision, the new VW Amarok will also thrill traditional SUV customers. At home both on and off the road, this pick-up achieves 550 Newton metres of torque and 165 kW / 224 PS at his highest power output level. It can reach a top speed of 193 kilometres per hour and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The pick-up is an attractive alternative thanks to its high seat position, good all-round visibility and high-quality interior. This is how elegant and comfortable driving both on and off made-up roads can be. And, despite its impressive size, getting into the Volkswagen Amarok is easy. Doors that swing open wide and - depending on the design variant - grab handles on the A and B-pillars help you climb into the cab.
One of the highlights of the new Amarok's interior are the new electrically adjustable ergoComfort seats for the driver and front-seat passenger, which provide plenty of head and legroom. This is, above all, thanks to the height-adjustable front seats, which can also be moved a long way back. They feature sporty contoured side bolsters that have been optimised to provide maximum comfort and top ergonomic characteristics. The optional electric 14-way driver and front passenger seats can be individually adjusted to suit personal body size. The seat height and longitudinal position can be adjusted at the push of a button, the degree and width of lumbar support can be changed and the backrest and seat cushion angle set. The seat depth can also be adjusted manually. The ergoComfort seats for the driver and front-seat passenger in the Volkswagen Amarok have been awarded the 'AGR' seal of approval by the Healthy Back Campaign (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.). With nappa leather seat covers, contrasting Ceramique stitching and additional seat heating, the Amarok caters for discerning customers.
The redesigned instrument panel also immediately catches the eye: striking features of the design of the new instrument panel architecture include the emphasis on horizontal lines, the clear division of the surfaces and the precision of the folds and edges. Doing away with round contours and concentrating on horizontal and vertical lines makes the interior appear more striking and pronounced. Numerous storage compartments make life easier for the passengers.
The multifunction steering wheel also makes it easier for the driver to operate the radio, telephone or multifunction display. The Aventura launch model comes with a colour 3D display between the classic round instruments. The driver can use the new, optional paddle switches on the steering wheel (standard in the Aventura) to control the 8-speed automatic transmission, while the frameless rear-view mirror, in combination with the optional Light and Sight package, heightens the upmarket look and sporting character of the new Amarok's interior.
At the very top of the centre console, and thus directly in the driver's field of vision, is the infotainment system, allowing well thought-out, ergonomic operation. Equipped with features such as App Connect, Guide & Inform or Car-Net, it is possible, for example, to integrate smartphone apps via a USB interface in order to be able to access them via the infotainment system's touchscreen. Guide & Inform extends the navigation system by adding online-based, up-to-the-minute information services such as online traffic information. The 'Discover Media' navigation system also comes with DAB+ digital radio as standard.
Both the 'Composition Media' and 'Discover Media' infotainment systems come with digital voice enhancement. This electric voice amplification makes communicating during the journey easier. The hands-free microphone amplifies the voice signals so that the driver no longer, for instance, has to turn to face the back-seat passengers or raise their voice. Passengers on the back seat hear the person's voice amplified by the rear loudspeakers.
The 'Park Pilot' parking assistance system, assisted by the 'Rear View' reversing camera, also makes life easier. Stainless steel pedals (exclusive to the Aventura) and black trim, divided from door to door by a bar in contrasting colour, round of the appearance of the Volkswagen Amarok's interior. Air-conditioning system, Bluetooth connection and up to four 12-volt power supply sockets are also included.
Prices for the new Amarok in Germany start at €25,720 net for the rear-wheel drive Trendline version with double cab, the V6 TDI and 120 kW (EU6, available from the second quarter of 2017), making them just €940 more expensive than the previous entry-level model with a with double cab and 103 kW TDI four-cylinder engine. The top-of-the-range Volkswagen Amarok Aventura with the V6 TDI and 165 kW engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission comes to €46,525 net and will be launched at the end of September 2016.
