Ten years of rocking with the amazing Amarok 190kW

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Since its introduction to the SA market, the Amarok has sold over 37,500 units - single and double cab. The range now consists of the 2.0BiTDI 132kW and the all-powerful 3.0 V6 TDI 190kW.

Driving the south coast of KZN

One thing is assured when driving these roads. First, there is the N2 which is all so smooth and brings out the speed of the Amarok. It’s very easy to surpass speeds in excess of what is really required. Then there are all sorts of gravel roads with deep dips and large potholes.

Travelling in the Amarok on these roads proved to be a breeze. It held its own around the various bends without any signs of slipping and sliding. Power when needed and the braking was also very sharp. Off-road ABS and stability control enhance the Amarok’s safety features and four disc brakes all around give the Amarok V6 190kW enormous stopping power.

Come on, get in!

Getting into the Amarok is like stepping into a small truck. The ground clearance is in excess of 300mm and you really have to climb up. But once in, you are comfortably seated and in complete command of the drive.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The combined - gravel and tar roads - average fuel consumption was 9.5 litres per 100kms, that’s not bad for a V6 engine. The Amarok also has the largest bin, largest loading width and the largest cabin in its class.

V6 190kW: the heartbeat

It’s a standout. The most powerful Amarok distinguishes itself from the rest of the range via the new 3l V6 190kW TDI engine. This means 25kW more power as well as 30Nm more torque.

The Amarok 3l V6 TDI generates 190kW from 3000 to 4,500rpm and 580 Newton metres of torque from 1,400 to 2,750rpm which is despatched through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The Amarok, which is one of the quickest double cab bakkies in the market thanks to launching control available for fast acceleration, completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 207 km/h.

With an over-boost function that powers the Amarok to a maximum power output of 200kW for 10 seconds, it is the most powerful bakkie on sale in South Africa at the moment.

Recommended retail price (VAT and emissions tax included)

• Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Highline - R921,900
• Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Extreme - R996,000

The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Amarok comes standard with a three-year/100,000km manufacturer warranty, five-year/90,000km Genuine Easy Drive Service Plan and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty, which is the best in its class. The service interval is 15,000km.