Watch the Volkswagen Amarok teams put the 4×4 Pickup through its paces in the Volkswagen Amarok Off-Road Challenge
The Amarok’s 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine offers 180PS for outstanding off-road and cargo carrying capabilities, whilst BlueMotion Technology means the VW Amarok is more fuel efficient. Two rival teams put it through its paces in a challenge devised to test the vehicle’s off-road abilities and show just what it can do.
Read More about the Volkswagen Amarok
The Amarok is now even more powerful and economical, thanks to a power upgrade for the 163 PS BiTDI engine to 180 PS, and the introduction of BlueMotion Technology models to offer improved efficiency. In addition, towing limits have increased from 2,800 kg to 3,000 kg for manual models, while a new eight-speed automatic transmission has been introduced and has a higher towing limit of 3,200 kg.
To improve supply and availability, Amarok models for the UK and the rest of Europe are now being produced in the same factory as the Transporter in Hanover, Germany. At the same time, new features introduced include: Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, heated washer jets, tachograph preparation, cornering fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.
BlueMotion Technology improves fuel economy and lowers emissions by using low rolling resistance tyres, Stop/Start and regenerative braking. This means that although the 180 PS BlueMotion Technology is over 10 per cent more powerful than the previous 163 PS model, it is 3.9 per cent more economical, with a combined fuel economy of 37.2 mpg compared to 35.8 mpg. Better still, emissions drop by 10 g/km to 199 g/km.
Torque for the eight-speed automatic transmission increases from 400 to 420 Nm, delivered at 1,750 rpm. It is available exclusively as a Highline model with BlueMotion Technology and permanent 4MOTION for a retail price of £25,105 (plus VAT). It achieves combined fuel economy of 35.3 mpg with emissions of 211 g/km – the same as the standard manual model.
The new 180 PS BiTDI engine is available with a six-speed manual transmission in Startline, Trendline and Highline trim levels and selectable 4MOTION all-wheel drive with retail prices from £19,795 (plus VAT). The 2.0-litre TDI 122 PS engine is still available in the Startline range from £18,795 (plus VAT).
‘The new 180 PS engine and automatic transmission make the Amarok even more refined, plus with BlueMotion Technology also now available, it can offer more efficiency, too,’ said Alex Smith, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.