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South Africans love bakkies! High riding, rugged and built to take on our pothole-riddled roads while flashing a bit of bling, as many come adorned with sporty and stylish enhancements that blur the line between 4 x 4 and SUV.

It hard to imagine that the current Amarok range launched in South Africa in 2010. With just over a decade under is chassis, it has sold 35 000 units (single and double cab) in the local market.

Late last year, Volkswagen introduced its most powerful bakkie yet, the Amarok Double Cab with 190kW of power. The biggest development with this addition to the Amarok range is under the bonnet. The most powerful Amarok distinguishes itself from the rest of the range through the new 3.0-litre V6 190kW TDI engine, which has 25kW more power as well as 30Nm more torque than the outgoing 165kW derivative.

The Amarok 3.0-litre V6 TDI generates 190kW from 3 000 to 4 500 rpm and 580 Newton metres of torque from 1 400 to 2 750 rpm, which is channelled through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Amarok, with the V6 engine, completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 207 km/h. It has an average fuel consumption of 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

With an over boost function that powers the Amarok to a maximum power output of 200kW for 10 seconds, it is also the most powerful bakkies on sale in South Africa right now.

The Amarok 3.0-litre V6 190kW TDI 4MOTION® will be available in the following model lines: Highline and the top-of-the-range Extreme. It is available in the following exterior paint finishes, Candy White, Mojave Beige, Indium Grey metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect.

In the Highline model line, a host of features come standard such as the Vienna leather seats, winter package (seat heating), increased GVM from 2.8t to 3.0t (including heavy duty leaf springs), Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear Park Distance Control with rear-view camera, climatronic air-conditioning as well as the 18-inch Manaus alloy wheels. Optional features on the Highline are the Discover Pro Media system which includes satellite navigation, rubber floor covering and 19-inch Milford alloy wheels.

In addition to the standard features on the Highline, which are also available on the Extreme, the top-of-the-range model is further customised through the addition of ‘Special Edition’ Nappa leather seats, Discover Pro Media system which includes satellite navigation and 20-inch Talca alloy wheels which also come standard. The optional features on the Extreme are the Increased GVM from 2.8t to 3.0t (including heavy duty leaf springs), rubber floor covering, 19-inch Milford alloy wheels and a sports bar painted in body colour.

I spent several days behind the wheel, and I can attest to its athletic and willing performance together with its solid build quality. Its road manners are also surprisingly dynamic for its weight and truck/bakkie set up. It really is a the “GTI of bakkies”.

After a decade in the game, it is showing its age both from the outside and interior perspective which can be expected. Despite these factors, it remains a very compelling product when lined up with its competitors. Perhaps its eye-watering price tag will prohibit voluminous sales but then there is the option of the 2.0 biturbo model that starts at a R709 000 which is more palatable. 

Pricing

 
Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW    Highline                      R921 900

Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW    Extreme                      R996 000

Service and warranty

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok comes standard with a 3-year/100 000km manufacturer warranty, 5-year/90 000 km Genuine Easy Drive Service Plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.

www.vw.co.za