Five years after launch, the Volkswagen Amarok pickup is getting its first major facelift – with a new engine, greater towing capacity and smattering of new tech.
While the styling alternations may be nothing to write home about, VW hopes the introduction of a 3-litre V6 engine and hike in towing capacity to 3.5t will keep its pickup fresh in the face of increased competition.
The Amarok has gained a reputation as a comfortable and stylish vehicle, although some heavy-duty operators have raised questions over its average towing capacity (3.2 tonnes), poor fuel economy (up to 36.2mpg) and reliance on small-displacement 2-litre TDi engines.
Specification of new 2016 VW Amarok
Although the UK spec sheets for the revised Amarok have yet to be released, we can already confirm quite a few details. There will be a new 14-way adjustable driver’s seat, Climatronic climate control and a steering wheel now equipped with paddle shifts on automatic models.
There will be a new infotainment system too, with an eight-inch touchscreen display available, along with parking sensors, rear-view camera and an automatic braking system which applies the brakes after a collision if the driver is unable to.
Engine and driveline
The big news regarding the new VW Amarok is the replacement of the 2-litre engine with a 3-litre V6 (below), which also features in the Volkswagen Touareg and Audi A6.
There will be three power ratings available: 161bhp, 202bhp and 221bhp, the latter boasting a maximum torque output of 550Nm – making it the most powerful and torquey pickup on sale in the UK.
All models will feature 4Motion all-wheel drive (featuring three different settings depending on the type of conditions) as standard. There will be a choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic DSG transmission.
Loading and towing
Payloads aren’t expected to improve too much over the 1,020 to 1,080kg figures of the current-generation Amarok, although the towing capacity will increase to 3.5 tonnes, which is best in class with the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Nissan NP300 Navara.
Summary
The Amarok has always been aimed at the premium end of the market and targets owner-drivers with high levels of comfort and specification.
One thing that has always held the Amarok back is the small 2-litre engine, as this market tends to specify larger engines, like the 3.2-litre in the Ford Ranger.
We’ll report back soon with a full Parkers review of the new 2016 VW Amarok.
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