VOLKSWAGEN’S HUGELY CAPABLE Amarok has won legions of fans. And little wonder: it’s a classy, well-finished crew cab ute that you can live with every day.
But buyers were less impressed with the lack of a V6 manual version with a low-range transfer case, a complaint Volkswagen Australia has responded to.
Australians have taken to the class-leading performance of the V6 Amarok in droves, with the high-specification range of Volkswagen’s dual cab ute consistently outselling four-cylinder derivatives. In some months, V6 variants have comprised of more than 80 percent of Amarok sales.
While the Amarok’s eight-speed ZF automatic proved extremely versatile in all conditions with torque available at the bottom of the rev range; serious off-road enthusiasts wanted a manual variant of the V6 Amarok for their inexplicable need to traverse peaks and shifting terrain.
Ryan Davies, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia, was delighted to offer this Amarok variant to customers.
“At every off-road, caravan and camping expo and Big Red Bash concert the team and I attend, we speak with current owners and members of the off-roading community who have begged us to bring an Amarok V6 manual to Australia,” Mr Davies explained.
“It was because of that passion that we were able to mount a case with our head office in Germany to build one and, based on Australia remaining the number one export market in the world for the V6 Amarok, we are finally able to offer this unique, Aussie-spec ‘Rok.”
With 180kW on overboost and a whopping 500Nm of torque, the Amarok V6 is the most powerful manual-equipped vehicle in its class. What’s more, the Amarok’s maximum torque is available from as low as 1250rpm – more than enough grunt to traverse mountains, or, should you see the need, move them altogether.
Permanently joining the existing Amarok range, the Amarok V6 manual is offered in the popular Core model variant, in keeping with the vehicle’s intended off-road focus. In addition, a manual transmission will also be offered in a new Core Enduro model variant, which includes unique styling bar, bonnet protector and decals – adding $1200 of added value (VW figures), as a no-cost option to customers.
Non-permanently (selectable) engaged 4WD
The six-speed manual gearbox is paired with a non-permanently engaged four-wheel drive system (traditional four-wheel drive), this is a different system from the permanent four-wheel drive system fitted to the eight-speed automatic Amarok.
It has a part-time transfer box which permits two gear stages:
- Electrical engagement of front-wheel drive (4×4 HIGH)
- Front-wheel drive engagement and an additional reduction stage (4×4 LOW)
The buttons for activating and deactivating the drive ranges, the differential lock and the off-road drive programme are positioned on the centre console. The drive programme switch means there is no need for a second selector lever. A mechanical rear-axle differential lock is fitted as standard.
Mechanical rear differential lock
The Amarok V6 manual features a 100 percent mechanical differential lock, used for driving in heavy terrain at low speed. The rear wheels are powered with the same speed of rotation and power, and the ABS/ESP control is deactivated when the differential lock is engaged.
Offroad mode
The offroad program is activated by pressing the driving programme button (in the centre console), or automatically – when 4×4 LOW drive range is activated. Activation of the offroad drive programme is indicated by the driving programme warning light in the dash panel insert.
Offroad ABS
Vehicles with offroad ABS can brake better on ground such as sand and gravel by building up a skid wedge of loose material in front of the wheels. The skid wedge brakes the vehicle additionally and shortens the braking distance depending on the composition of the ground.
Offroad ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
When offroad mode is activated, ESP control behaviour, like offroad ABS, augments vehicle behaviour in order to improve traction. ESP intervenes somewhat later at speeds below 50 km/h when the vehicle is understeering, and at speeds below 70 km/h when the vehicle is oversteering. This feature minimises ESP intervention in situations where wheel slip is required, as the vehicle searches for traction in difficult terrain.
Hill–descent assist
The hill-descent assist makes descending steep hills more straightforward and more controllable. It limits the speed by active brake intervention at all four wheel brakes using the ESP hydraulics.
The system keeps the speed constant after the vehicle has started its descent. The driver can increase or reduce the speed at any time using the accelerator and brakes. The hill-descent assist adjusts speed within its control range between 2 and max 30 km/h.
Switch-on conditions for hill-descent assist
Automatic activation in 4×4 LOW
Slope forwards >10 percent, reverse >8 percent
Vehicle speed <30 km/h
Driver brakes less than the downslope force
Accelerator pedal is not pressed. The system functions when driving forwards and in reverse.
Amarok V6 Core TDI500 4×4 Manual – Performance
Max power, 165kW @ 3250-4500rpm
180kW on overboost
Max torque, 500Nm @ 1250-3000rpm
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Towing: 3.0 tonne braked towing capacity
Payload: 1004kg
Pricing:
Amarok V6 Core 4×4 with six-speed manual transmission: $49,590 (plus on road costs)
Amarok V6 Core Enduro 4×4 with six-speed manual transmission: $49,590 (plus on road costs)
Once we have tested and assessed the new Amarok V6 manual, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.