Previous Page  99 / 116 Next Page
Information
Show Menu
Previous Page 99 / 116 Next Page
Page Background

E L E C T R I C A L CO N N E C T I O N

A U T UMN 2 0 17

9 9

V

olkswagen has pumped up its position in the one-tonne

ute segment with the launch of a powerful new V6 turbo-

diesel engine for the Amarok.

The V6 TDI is currently unique in the market, with Nissan not

offering such a powertrain with the new-generation NP300

Navara – the previous D40 series had a Renault-sourced

170kW/550Nm six-shooter for the flagship ST-X 550 but this was

retired due to its inability to meet Euro 6 emissions standards –

and Mercedes is still about a year away from launching its all-new

X-Class, which will include V6 diesel power.

Already in service in various Volkswagen Group passenger

vehicles like the VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 SUVs,

the Amarok’s diesel is a Euro 6-compliant 3.0L unit that delivers

165kW of power from 2500-4500rpm and 550Nm of torque from

2500-4500rpm – figures that can be increased to 180kW/580Nm

for short periods of time with an overboost function.

Overboost kicks in when the accelerator is at least 70% of the

way to the floor and is only delivered in third or fourth gear (from

a minimum 50km/h), hanging in for 10 seconds. It also requires a

five-second ‘off time’ before becoming available again.

Volkswagen Group Australia has left the manual gearbox in

Europe for now, specifying the V6 diesel with an eight-speed

automatic transmission only that can send the circa-2200kg dual

cab from 0-100km/h in a claimed 7.9sec and from 80-120km/h in

5.5sec in ‘controlled conditions’. Top speed is limited to 193km/h.

Despite the extra performance, the oil-burning six-pot engine

can also return impressive fuel economy of 7.8L/100km on the

official combined test cycle.

The V6 is not available on any other body variants, and only a

single driveline is available in Australia – permanent 4WD with a

Torsen differential. Rear-drive and selectable 4WD options are not

part of the local package.

The engine combines with two high-series model grades: the

TDI550 Highline priced from $59,990 and the TDI550 Ultimate

starting at $67,990, both excluding on-road costs.

Both come packed with creature comforts and safety

equipment, and usher in some unique features other than the

powertrain including styling revisions, a new instrument panel,

upgraded infotainment system (now equipped with features such

as App Connect and DAB+ digital radio) and an advanced multi-

collision braking system which automatically applies the brakes

after a collision to limit the severity of the impact and potentially

avoid a multi-car pile-up.

For the extra money, the Ultimate has new 14-way electrically

adjustable ‘ergoComfort’ seats for the front occupants, Nappa

leather seat upholstery, a colour screen for the multi-function

digital display, 3D navigation, steering-mounted gearshift

paddles, additional aluminium cabin trim, illuminated side steps,

extended sports bar, matt-black ‘Durabed’ tub-liner coating and

19” ‘Milford’ alloy wheels (up from 18” rims on Highline).

Payload is 911kg on Highline and 864kg on Ultimate, while both

retain a 3000kg braked towing capacity.

VW CADDY SAFETY MOVE

Billed as an Australian first

for vehicles in the compact

van class, Volkswagen

has added two advanced

driver-assist safety systems

– forward collision warning

and city emergency braking

– as standard across its

Caddy range.

Previously available as an option, both are radar-based

systems designed to alert the driver of an impending accident

and, if required, automatically prime and apply the brakes to

prevent a collision.

Pricing increases $400 with the move, but Volkswagen Group

Australia says the extra step up should be ameliorated over the

period of ownership via reduced insurance premiums.

The Caddy Van (with seven-speed DSG auto only) is now

priced from $29,390, while the long-wheelbase Maxi Van starts

at $28,590 for the six-speed manual or $31,590 for the DSG.

Five-seat Crewvan versions start from $30,909 for the manual,

with DSG likewise adding $3000.

All models use a 1.4L TSI220 four-cylinder petrol engine

that produces 92kW of power at 4800rpm and 220Nm of torque

from 1500-3500rpm.

volkswagen amarok v6 tdi