MY17 Amarok

VOLKSWAGEN'S upgraded Amarok line-up started its roll-out in November 2016 with the debut of the range-topping V6 variants, which were later followed by four-cylinder versions in February 2017.

The introduction of a turbo-diesel V6 saw the Amarok range offer the most powerful engine in the utility segment, with outputs of 165kW/550Nm, which do not include its 15kW/30Nm 10-second overboost function.

A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine carried over from the previous model, but eight-speed automatic versions did gain an extra 20Nm of torque.

All single cab variants were dropped from the utility's local line-up, with prices ranging from $38,490 for the 4x2 Dual Cab Chassis TDI420 to $67,990 for the V6 Ultimate 4x4 Dual Cab Ute TDI550.

Volkswagen upped the power stakes in the ute segment by adding the flagship TDI580 Ultimate variants to its Amarok range in September 2018. With up to 200kW/580Nm on tap from its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, this dual-cab pick-up was no slouch in a straight line.