Bakkie boss!
Volkswagen’s most powerful (and most expensive) bakkie doesn’t mess around, says Cyril Klopper.
Since its local launch in 2010, the Amarok has sold a solid 37 000 units – which is only 10% of the Toyota Hilux’s sales over the same period, but nonetheless pretty good for a niche bakkie. Nowadays, the Amarok comes with two engine options: the
2 ℓ that got snide comments a decade ago, but since garnered respect, and the newly improved 3.0 diesel V6.
What do we have here?
Last year, the 3.0 V6 TDI gave you 165 kW and 550 Nm, but this year’s version offers more horsepower (190 kW in total) and 580 Nm of torque. The previous 3 ℓ Amarok accelerated from 0-100 km/h in an impressive 8 seconds, but thanks to the upgrade, Volkswagen was able to scrape off 0,4 s to 7,6 s. That’s about as quick as a 1981 Mitsubishi Lancer 2000 Turbo, but when it comes to modern city cars, a new VW Golf 2.0 TDi should just manage to outrun its Amarok cousin.
The Amarok’s top speed has been increased to 207 km/h compared to the previous one’s 193 km/h, but the fuel consumption has also increased – it’s gone from 9 ℓ/100 km (according to Volkswagen) to 9,5 ℓ/100 km.
Maximum power output can be increased to 200 kW using an over-boost function, but 10 seconds later, it automatically returns to normal.
The Amarok 3.0 V6 190 kW is available in two trim levels: the more affordable Highline that ‘only’ costs R921 900 and the flagship Extreme for an eyewatering R996 000.
Inside and out
Things haven’t changed that much on the outside, but there is a large 4MOTION sticker on the rear quarter of the body. You can choose from four body colours: white, beige, grey and black – the popular blue and orange colours aren’t currently available for the 190 kW model.
The Amarok’s load bin is still the largest on the market at1555x1620x508mm.Its closest rival in terms of cargo space is the new GWM P Series – read our driving impression on page 66.
How does it compare to the other boss bakkies?
The Isuzu D-Max 300 LX has the same engine capacity (2 999 cc) as the 3.0 Amarok, but it uses a straight four-cylinder engine that generates 130 kW at
3 600 rpm. The Isuzu’s automatic gearbox also has to get by with two less gears than the Amarok’s eight-speed one, but what does count in the D-Max’s favor is that it can carry 1 024 kg (compared to the Amarok’s 867 kg) and tow 3 500 kg (Amarok tows 3 300 kg).
The Ford Ranger 3.2 TDCi XLT’s straight five-cylinder engine is larger at 3 198 cc and generates 147 kW at 3 000 rpm (torque 470 Nm at 1 500 rpm). Like the Isuzu, the Ranger also has a six-speed automatic gearbox, but takes less load than the Amarok (841 kg), although the Ranger can tow 200 kg more.
Lastly, allow us to cheat with the Mercedes-Benz X-Class 350d. Yes, we know it’s no longer being manufactured, but it’s relatively new and at the moment also the only other ‘new’ bakkie with a 3 ℓ engine. The X-Class 350d has an engine capacity of 2 987 cc that also generates 190 kW, just like the Amarok. However, its torque is less at 550 Nm and it has seven gears compared to the Amarok’s eight. However, the X-Class can carry 1 001 kg of cargo and tow 3 500 kg.
On paper, the 190 kW Amarok is therefore the end-level boss to beat in South Africa.