Safety shortfall for new Volkswagen Amarok

The updated Volkswagen Amarok arriving in late-2016 will be safer than before, with additional items like rear disc brakes, post-collision automatic breaking, tyre pressure monitoring and rear camera and parking sensors on top-spec models.

However, despite boasting six front airbags and previously being awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, the dual-cab Amarok continues to miss out on airbag protection for rear passengers, unlike its main rivals.

Speaking at the international launch of the 2017 V6 Amarok in Germany, Volkswagen Group Head of Product Marketing – Amarok, Dennis Houstein, admitted the lack of protective side curtains for the second row seats remained "a real important (issue) in Australia..."

Houstein said Volkswagen was hopeful that it could resolve the issue before the next generation Amarok arrives around 2020. "It's possible [to fit rear airbags] with the current package; we're doing research on that," he said.

The 2017 Amarok has managed to trump its four-cylinder ute rivals in the performance stakes with the addition of a new 165kW/550Nm 3.0-litre V6 engine, which will be fitted to the up-spec Highline as well as special-edition flagship Aventura model from late-2016.

Among other notable changes in the mid-life facelift of the Amarok are fresh front-end styling, updated interior, new Servotronic speed-sensitive hydraulic power steering and bigger alloy wheels for most models.

The enhanced interior features nicer plastics, a new horizontal-design dash with either 12.5cm monochrome or 16cm colour touch screen and HD infotainment display with a range of features depending on grade, including satellite navigation, climate control, rear camera with parking sensors, digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, App Connect, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and digital voice enhancement.

The updated Amarok also includes up to four 12V sockets and USB sockets, a new frameless rear view mirror, Golf GTI-like 'needle sweep' at ignition, and multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters on the flagship Aventura.

There's a choice of upholstery options including faux or real leather and Alcantara, and new 14-way electrically-adjustable ergonomic front seats available as an option (standard on the V6 Aventura).

As before, the 2017 Amarok is available with part-time, dual-range 4x4 system with the six-speed manual transmission, and full-time, single range 4x4 system with the eight-speed auto transmission. There's also a choice of heavy-duty or Comfort leaf-sprung suspension.

Whereas its rivals offer disc/drum brake set-ups, the 2017 Amarok will have 17in front and 18in rear disc brakes for the first time, fitted to V6 models.

The Amarok found more than 8500 buyers last year in Australia's lucrative pick-up/cab-chassis market, which is dominated by Toyota's HiLux. With almost four in five Amarok sales coming from metropolitan regions, and 40 per cent of those choosing the up-spec Highline variant, Volkswagen continues to focus on the top end of the market, which includes making available the only V6 turbo-diesel in the segment.

Look out for our review of the new 550Nm V6-powered Amarok Aventura in the next few days.