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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