Volkswagen Australia details 2019 Amarok

Volkswagen Australia has announced details of its 2019 Amarok range, which will arrive in Australian dealerships around September of this year. Speaking to local media at an event in Sydney, Volkswagen Australia reps confirmed the Amarok upgrades, as well as a number of other products and details for the 2019 model year.

According to the company, 70 percent of Amarok sales are V6-powered and into 2019 it is expected that percentage will grow thanks to the addition of a Core V6 variant, which will sit under $50,000 plus on-road costs. Volkswagen Australia also confirmed a power hike for the top-spec Amarok Ultimate, whilst a manual V6 model may finally join the lineup in early 2019.

Whilst traditional Amarok sales may be skewed towards higher-end models, those looking for a less expensive ute will welcome a new Core V6 variant to the Amarok range. Launching in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Amarok Core V6 eschews some standard equipment for a lower asking price – under $50,000, according to Volkswagen Australia. Whilst full details are yet to be announced, equipment such as vinyl flooring, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring will be standard.

Volkswagen Australia staff also confirmed that a manual variant of the 2019 Amarok V6 will be offered from next year as well, which marks the first time that a manual transmission has been available with the V6 TDI powerplant in the Amarok range. Details such as which models will be available, power/torque figures and price and yet to be confirmed, but Volkswagen Australia officials are excited to be offering the manual, especially to the Amarok Owners Clubs around the country.

At the top of the 2019 Amarok range, the Ultimate has received more power for the 2019 model year to shade the V6-powered Mercedes-Benz X-Class, which arrives in November. Previously offering 165kW of power and 550Nm of torque (a tune that continues on the Sportline and Highline) but 180kW on overboost, the Amarok Ultimate now offers 190kW (200kW on overboost) and 580Nm of torque. Like other Amarok automatics, an eight-speed torque converter automatic is standard.

The extra power and torque mean that the 2019 Amarok Ultimate now hits 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds (down from 7.9), whilst its 80-120km/h overtaking sprint takes just 5.5 seconds (down from 6.0). The Ultimate will also offer a new colour called Peacock Green, and its interior headliner is now black for a more premium feel, according to the company. As for pricing, Volkswagen Australia staff told us that it would be “significantly less than a Ford Ranger Raptor”, rather cheekily, though above the current Amarok Ultimate’s $68,490 +ORC asking price.