Sub-$50K Volkswagen Amarok V6 Core due in October

Volkswagen will introduce a sub-$50,000 version of its V6-powered Amarok in October, complete with vinyl floors and 180kW engine tune.

To be called the Amarok V6 Core, Volkswagen Australia says the new model will “absolutely” be priced under $50,000 drive-away, bringing a circa-$3000 saving over the Amarok V6 Sportline model that currently underlines the range ($52,990 drive-away).

The newcomer will be fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, parking sensors and a 6.5-inch touch-screen. Vinyl floors will also be standard, as will an eight-speed automatic.

Speaking at a media briefing in Sydney today, stakeholders also pointed to a new manual V6 version of the dual-cab ute, opening the door to a circa-$45,000 drive-away price tag.

The manual V6 Amarok Core will target off-road enthusiasts by offering low-range 4WD and a differential lock.

In addition, Volkswagen has revealed performance details for the 200kW V6 Amarok first revealed by motoring.com.au in April.

Set to out-muscle all other rivals including the new V6-powered Mercedes-Benz X-Class, the Amarok Ultimate’s upgraded 3.0-litre V6 diesel will feature revised outputs of 190kW of power (200kW on overboost) and 580Nm of torque – a 15kW and 30Nm boost over the current version.

The increases coincide with a hastened 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds (versus 7.9 seconds) and faster 80km/h to 120km/h transition of 5.5 seconds (against six seconds) – the latter post used as an industry standard for a vehicle’s in-gear acceleration response.

“The overboost function works the same as the current V6 Amarok, a 10-second overboost function that works from third gear onwards with more than 70 per cent throttle,” a spokesman said.

“Torque is the bigger advantage here and this engine reaches 550Nm from just 1250rpm.”

The changes are set to lift the mix of V6 Amarok sales to about 80 per cent overall -- up from the current ratio of 70 per cent. Volkswagen says the additions will be made without any changes to the current four-cylinder Amarok line-up.

Volkswagen says the revised 200kW Ultimate model will bring a small price increase on the current version, which retails for $68,490 plus on-road costs. It will be available in a new Peacock green colour scheme and complete with cosmetic upgrades comprising a new bumper and black interior headliner.