NZ’s most powerful one-tonne ute
In the status-conscious world of one-tonne trucks, Volkswagen’s new 200kW Amarok is now the one to beat. drives it.
The time has come: for so long we’ve talked about which will be king of the one-tonne pickup trucks, and surely the just-launched Volkswagen Amarok V6 Aventura can now make a greater claim than any.
With a new 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine that makes a maximum 200kW, no Kiwi-market ute is more powerful. Or indeed faster to 100kmh.
How many buttons did they push on the laptop to get the extra grunt?
That’s the natural assumption, but, in fact, VW argues the Aventura V6 qualifies as a new engine.
It’s the same 3.0-litre capacity as the puny 165kW unit fitted to the V6 and V6 Highline models ($69,990-$78,990), but it has internal changes including new pistons to go with the upgraded software. The power is the headline figure, but torque is also increased from 550Nm to 580Nm compared with the older V6.
Now, about that power. VW claims a 200kW figure, but the official figure is 190kW. The extra 10kW only comes between 3500-4000rpm when the engine is in ‘‘overboost’’. So, as a maximum figure, that 200kW is technically correct, although it’s more usual for car makers to quote the lower figure as the official peak power output.
Why the smoke and mirrors? Because Mercedes-Benz’s forthcoming X-class V6 also makes 190kW and VW wants/needs to be better. Simple as that.
Anyway, the 200kW engine also gets clean-and-green honours, because it’s the only Amarok engine to meet Euro6 emissions regulations. It does so with the assistance of AdBlue, an exhaust additive that breaks down nitrogen oxide.
Fuel economy is slightly better than the 165kW V6 and around the same as the four-cylinder Amarok.
It’s a nice round number, but does the 200kW model really feel that different?
In the same way that an ocean liner feels slow but is actually travelling very fast, the Amarok V6 is deceptively rapid.
The extra torque of this new engine is produced in the same 1400-2750rpm band as the lesser V6, so there really is extra shove and the gearbox is good at keeping the engine in optimum working conditions.
The Amarok is already arguably the most car-like onetonne ute you can buy in terms of handling and ride – despite still riding on leaf springs at the back – but the Aventura goes one better in adding Servotronic power steering.
This varies the assistance according to speed, so in city driving it’s fingertip-light, but on the open road it provides much more resistance. The feel is not entirely natural, but then this is not a sports car. The power steering of the standard Amarok V6 is right in the middle of the Aventura’s two extremes, so you really are getting a much broader range of steering assistance that fits with this model’s upmarket role.
The big 20-inch wheels aren’t disastrous for the Amarok’s ride and they add more stability for fast cornering. But push too hard and it all comes undone together: the vehicle still feels stable, but the front tyres run wide and the steering rack judders in your hands. This is a two-tonne commercial vehicle, after all.
The Amarok still gets a big thumbs-up for actually being AWD. Most utes are still reardrive, with part-time AWD systems that are not really suitable for use on-road.
Apart from the engine, what am I getting for my $90,000?
The previous Aventura with the 165kW V6 was $85,990, so, while the 200kW model’s $89,990 price tag is a real eyebrow-raiser, you’re actually getting a lot for that $4000. Apart from the new engine we mean.
Compared with the Highline V6, the Aventura adds superbly comfortable Nappa leather seats with power adjustment, an upgraded multifunction display, shift paddles, sports bar, running boards with illumination and a Durabed tray liner.
But on top of the previous Aventura, the new grunty one also has a Winter Package with heated spray nozzles, silver skidplate at the front, unique 20-inch wheels, power folding mirrors and dark cabin lining.
Plush, right? Although there are some serious limitations with 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, 190kW (200kW overboost)/580Nm, 8-speed automatic, AWD, combined economy 8.6 litres per 100km. Vital statistics: 5254mm long, 1834mm high, 3097mm wheelbase, tray width 1620mm (1222mm between wheel arches), 20-inch alloy wheels.
We like: Smooth performance and handling, undeniable status, luxury touches.
Missing a few things for a $90,000 vehicle: rear airbags, camera-based driver aids, keyless entry/start. the Amarok base vehicle that undermine the Aventura’s luxury status. The interior design and equipment are impressive, but the dashboard materials are the same as any other Amarok, which means they’re a bit . . . trucky.
There’s no keyless entry, which seems incredible for a $90k vehicle. But not quite as incredible as having to put the key in the ignition and twist it to start the engine.
More seriously, the Amarok cannot match the Ford Ranger Wildtrak’s camera-based adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assistance. Or the forward collision alert technology you get in upmarket Holden Colorado models. Then there’s the ongoing issue of Amarok being designed without provision for rear airbags, or the lack of air-con outlets for back-seat passengers.
But what’s the point of it again?
Like it or not, this is the natural progression of our obsession with utes. Double-cab ‘‘lifestyle’’ models dominate the sales charts, with many serving dual roles as SUV-substitutes.
We’re always saying upmarket one-tonners are like SUVs, but they’re still trucks at heart. The Amarok, with its smooth, powerful engine, composed ride and luxury equipment, gets closer to crossover status than any ute model to date. There are still some compromises to be endured in terms of safety and rear-seat comfort – but you would seriously consider this as an alternative to a $90k SUV.
Any other cars I should consider?
Eighty grand-plus utes: there are actually quite a few of them. The Ford Ranger Raptor and Holden Colorado-based HSV SportsCat are both in that bracket and similar ‘‘hero’’ models for their respective brands, although they’re more aimed at extreme sports than luxury SUV-style travel. They’re both more about chassis than powertrain.
The greatest rival for the Amarok Aventura will surely be the Mercedes-Benz X 350d V6 Power, which will boast 190kW/ 550Nm when it arrives in December. Price: $88,325. Yes, it’s a proper on-road AWD as well.
Volkswagen Amarok V6 Aventura 200kW Base price: $89,990. Powertrain and performance:
We don’t like: