Volkswagen launch 161bhp Amarok

A new 161bhp power output is now available on the Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDi V6; undercutting the already-available 201bhp and 221bhp versions. Priced at £24,510 plus VAT, the new Amarok is more affordable but still packs plenty of punch with up to 450Nm on offer.

Performance

Volkswagen launched the 3.0-litre V6 Amarok in the summer of 2016, but it was only initially available in the Highline or special-edition Aventura trim levels, the 221bhp/550Nm engine and a part-time 4WD system.

Over time, as the initial demand has fallen, Volkswagen has introduced more derivatives like the mid-powered 201bhp/500Nm engine, a manual transmission and the Trendline trim level.

While 161bhp may sound a little disappointing given the 2.2t unladen weight, the engine is incredibly torquey – peaking at 450Nm – which means 62mph can be reached from standstill in less than 10 seconds (9.8s). Fuel economy, surprisingly, stays the same at 32.5mpg on the combined cycle, despite the reduced power and part-time 4WD system.

Loading and towing

A downside to the lower power is the lower towing limit. Rated at 3 tonnes, the 161bhp Amarok falls 100kg short of the higher outputs and 500kg less than most of its competitors. The payload, however, is up to 1,073kg.

Specification

The 161bhp output is only available with the entry-level Trendline trim-level, but still includes all the basics including:

• 17-inch ‘Posadas’ alloys
• Front and rear fog lights
• Air conditioning
• 3-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth and App Connect
• Cruise control
• Three 12v sockets

Pricing and availability

The VW Amarok 161bhp Trendline is expected to arrive into Volkswagen’s 72-strong Van Centres by May 2018, and prices are expected to start from a very competitive £24,510 plus VAT. The Amarok is backed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ three-years, 100,000 mile manufacturer warranty and service intervals are set at every 25,000 miles or every two years.

Also read:

• Volkswagen Amarok v Mercedes-Benz X-Class
• Volkswagen Amarok Aventura Exclusive
• Volkswagen Crafter 4Motion

• About
• Latest Posts

Liam Campbell

Liam Campbell is an award-winning journalist with a Masters degree in Automotive Journalism from Coventry University. Growing up on a farm and learning to drive in a Mk1 Range Rover (his left thigh is still twice as big as his right), Liam likes to think he knows a thing or two about commercial 4x4s. Previously, he was the Van Editor at Parkers, before taking up a post at Professional Pickup & 4x4. He now works in product management in the LCV industry.

Latest posts by Liam Campbell (see all)

• Driven: Nissan Navara N-Guard Review - 3 March 2020
• Great Wall Purchases GM’s Rayong Pickup Factory - 17 February 2020
• Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Due in 2020 - 16 February 2020