VW Amarok picks up single cab and auto box
New single cab models and addition of an eight-speed auto expected to boost sales of burgeoning German ute lineVolkswagen has expanded its workhorse Amarok ute range adding an eight-speed automatic and new TDI420 diesel, plus a single-cab body style for the first time.
The Amarok is the first ute in Australia to offer an eight-speed auto, albeit only on dual cabs equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and the new powerplant.
Adding an auto option to the dual-cab Amarok range, along with the availability of a single-cab body style, should dramatically enhance the German brand’s appeal in the mid-size ute sector.
According to VW the new transmission’s eighth gear is configured for overdrive, reducing engine speed and saving fuel, while the low first gear is designed for offroad use and towing.
There are a total of six Amarok eight-speed autos in the 18-model dual cab range, starting with the TDI420 4MOTION cab chassis at $44,490, and rising to the $61,490 TDI420 Ultimate 4MOTION.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is the same permanent all-wheel drive setup previously found under the Amarok Ultimate and features a Torsen differential, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and mechanical rear differential lock.
Coded TDI420 based on its peak torque figure, the new direct-injection 2.0-litre four cylinder biturbo punches out 132kW and 420Nm from 1500rpm, with claimed fuel economy of 8.3 L/100km.
The single cab, meanwhile, is available only in base ‘Amarok’ spec, in two body styles, cab chassis or ute, and with a choice of three engines.
Pricing starts at $24,490 for the TSI300 2WD cab chassis, rising through six models to the $36,990 TDI400 4WD. Built on the same wheelbase and with the same overall length as the dual cab, the single cab boasts a tray expanded by 650mm to 2205mm, for a total load area of 3.57m2.
The six-speed manual-only single cab gets the same 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines as the existing dual cab manual range – TSI300, TDI340 and TDI400 – with the choice of rear-wheel drive or selectable 4MOTION 4-wheel drive. VW claims a low 7.3L/100km fuel consumption figure for the rear-wheel drive single cab with the TDI340 engine.
The Amarok dual cab was the first ute in its class to be awarded a five-star rating by ANCAP (The Australasian New Car Assessment Program).
Safety features standard across the single and dual range include driver and front passenger airbags, front head/thorax side airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and antilock brakes (ABS).
VW has taken the opportunity to update the Amarok’s equipment list, adding Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, cruise control and a multi-function leather steering wheel as standard across the 4MOTION range.
There’s also a new stainless steel sports bar and side steps standard on the Highline model, and both the base Amarok and Trendline models can now be ordered in cab chassis body style.
As before, the Amarok range comes in four equipment grades, ranging from the entry level ‘Amarok’, to Trendline, Highline and Ultimate.
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