Volkswagen Amarok V6 pricing announced

Volkswagen Australia has released price and specification details for its new V6 diesel-powered Amarok , which goes on sale this week.

Available in two grades, Highline and Ultimate, the new powertrain commands a $3000-$4000 premium on the four-cylinder diesel model on which it is based, taking in new technology and a light facelift that concentrates on front-end design and dashboard display.

Both variants are fitted with the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the same as that found on the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7. In Amarok guise the oil-burner is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with outputs rated to 165kW and 550Nm.

Peak power spikes to 180kW courtesy of an overboost function that is available for up to 10 seconds at a time.

Starting at $59,990 plus on-road costs, the Highline variant forms the entry point to the range. Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel side steps, bi-xenon headlights with integrated daytime running lights, fog lights, tyre pressure monitor, climate-control, 6.3-inch colour touch-screen with sat-nav, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and four 12-volt power outlets.

Apple CarPlay is fitted courtesy of Volkswagen’s AppConnect suite, and a digital radio is also standard.

The Ultimate raises the stakes to $67,990 plus on-road costs, making it the dearest dual-cab utility currently on sale in Australia – presumably at least until the Mercedes-Benz X-Class arrives in 2018.

The Ultimate takes in the Highline’s standard features and then adds: 19-inch wheels, an extended sports bar over the tray, LED puddle lights, a Durabed ‘spray-on’ tub liner, 14-way electric seats furnished in Nappa leather, heated front seats, leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, automated parking and stainless steel pedals.

On the safety front, both vehicles inherit Volkswagen’s Multi-Collision Braking function, which automatically brakes the vehicle after a collision to prevent a further incident.

The Amarok receives a five-star safety rating despite the absence of rear curtain airbags, and it also misses out on modern functions including autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control and lane keep assist.

Volkswagen will offer lower-grade variants of the Amarok V6 in the future, along with manual variants fitted with a split transfer case.

That means the suggested starting price for Australia’s most powerful tradie offering could soon dip below $50,000 (plus on-road costs).

In the meantime, head over to our Reviews section to read our first Australian drive of the Amarok V6.

2017 Volkswagen Amarok V6 pricing (plus ORCs):
Highline — $59,990
Ultimate — $67,990