The Volkswagen Amarok injects the brand's trademark premium vibe into the popular dual-cab ute category.
Globally the model has been called the Amarok since its 2010 debut in Argentina, where's it's built. It arrived in Australia in 2011.
The cheapest ticket into ownership starts at just over $38,000 for a cab chassis two-wheel drive version, falling just under the Transporter van in the VW commercial range.
You can choose between a diesel four-cylinder or V6 engine, they both pair with a manual or automatic transmission in pick-up tray variants. Otherwise the cab chassis scores a four-cylinder engine. Both bodies offer four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive.
The Amarok's rivals include the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Hilux.
Tradies with a family can fix child seats to three anchorage points in the rear cabin, while a reversing camera and parking sensors are standard on all variants with four-wheel drive.
Does the Volkswagen Amarok have a high-low transfer case?
Volkswagen fits a transfer case to the four-wheel drive system in Amaroks with a four-cylinder engine and manual transmission. The V6 (or an Amarok with an automatic) misses out, but compensates with a short first and second gear to aid tractability. The V6 also scores full-time four-wheel drive.
Does the Volkswagen Amarok have a DSG transmission?
All Amaroks use either a traditional automatic eight-speed transmission or six-speed manual, with no option for a dual-clutch DSG transmission.
How much does the Volkswagen Amarok highline cost?
Volkswagen offers the Amarok V6 in Highline trim exclusively with a pick-up tray for just over $60,000. For an extra $1000 you can upgrade to a more powerful V6 engine. Another $3000 on top of that ends up at the Highline Black, which finishes exterior items like the wing mirrors and styling bar in black.
