Volkswagen reveals classier Amarok cabin

Volkswagen has revealed the upgraded interior of its revised Amarok one-tonne ute, which was revealed earlier this month, complete with the only V6 engine in its class, and goes on sale in Australia at the end of this year.

VW previously released images of its facelifted ute's exterior, as well as full details of its powerful new 165kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, but until now had neglected to show us the upgraded utility’s more upmarket new cabin

As you can see from these first intrior shots, accompanied by the first on-road action pics, the 2017 Amarok's fresh interior appears more like that of an SUV’s and is said to be made of higher quality materials.

VW also says the first major upgrade for its original Amarok in five years will bring the very latest HD infotainment system.

As well as better plastics, the German car-maker says at least some versions of the new ute will benefit from VW's award-winning 14-way power-adjustable, heated and Nappa leather-trimmed ergoComfort seats. Said to offer more comfort and back support than the previous pick-up's chairs, the new seats should further the large Amarok’s appeal among those buying the ute for leisure use.

Also new within the new square-look dashboard is the instrument panel, which in the 'Aventura' launch model (that's unconfirmed for Australia at this stage) features colour 3D display between its dials.

Aventura models will also come with black trim and stainless steel pedals, but all 2017 Amaroks will at least be available with a reversing camera, 'Park Pilot’ parking assistance system, Bluetooth connectivity and up to four 12-volt power supply sockets.

In addition, shift paddles will also be available in the V6, which could come in handy since the Amarok V6 will also bring a 3.5-tonne towing capacity. It's also claimed to be able to hit 100km/h in 7.9 seconds on its way to a 193km/h top speed.

As well as the range-topping 165kW V6, lower-output versions of the six-clylinder diesel will also be offered -- at least in Europe -- delivering 120kW and 150kW.

Despite its power the 165kW V6 will be about as efficient as the existing entry-level Amarok TSI340, with NEDC fuel consumption of just 7.6L/100km, corresponding to 199g/km of CO2.

Once again the Amarok will be available with three different drive configurations: traditional rear-wheel drive or selectable 4MOTION 4×4 with a six-speed manual transmission, or permanent 4×4 via a Torsen differential with an eight-speed auto.

Top-spec 165kW Amaroks will score bigger 17-inch front and 16-inch rear brakes but all models receive VW’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

On sale from the start of its European release in late September, the facelifted Amarok range is expected to arrive here in late 2016. Local pricing and specifications are yet to be announced.

Last year the Volkswagen ute found more than 8500 customers, impressive in a market dominated by the Toyota’s HiLux.