Volkswagen Amarok to get 3.0TDi V6

VOLKSWAGEN has officially announced the much-rumoured V6-diesel-powered Amarok will become a reality when the facelifted one-tonne truck goes on sale later this year.

VW group’s 3.0-litre unit will be fitted to top spec models, while the 2.0TDI bi-turbo engine will continue in lower spec models.

Making up to 550Nm from just 1500rpm, the 2967cc V6 Amarok will be the most torquey one-tonne ute available. It will outgun the current leader, Holden Colorado that claims 500NM from its 4-cylinder engine.

The VW V6 may also be offered in lower states of tune for various markets and specification levels.

It is expected the V6 Amarok will continue with the part-time, dual-range 4x4 system when backed by the six-speed manual gearbox, and full-time, single-range when backed by the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers can expect the V6TDI Amarok to be the highest priced one-tonne ute on the market. The Amarok TDI420 Ultimate already holds that tag at a list price of $63,990, but we tip the V6, which will be an additional model to the range, will raise this price considerably.

We’re also tipping other manufacturers to bring out their own high-spec models to cash-in on the lucrative top-end of the market. However, no one else has suggested a V6TDI engine except Mercedes-Benz, whose Nissan Navara-based ute isn’t expected to surface until 2018.

The Amarok’s facelift doesn’t appear to bring much more than new bumpers, grille and lights, while safety tech is expected to improve with autonomous emergency braking.

The interior is yet to be revealed, but it’s expected to be updated in line with other new VW models. Likewise, towing capacity is tipped to increase from 3000kg to the class standard of 3500kg.

The VW Amarok has been a favourite with 4X4 Australia, winning the coveted Ute of the Year accolade on numerous occasions and impressing us with its dynamics, space and performance.

We can only expect this to continue when the V6TDI model arrives in the fourth quarter of this year.