Volkswagen South Africa says that while it “notes” demand for additional versions of its V6-powered Amarok, it currently has no plans to introduce a new 120 kW entry-level variant of the six-cylinder double-cab bakkie.
VW in the United Kingdom recently added a fresh entry-level Trendline V6 3,0 TDI model to its Amarok range, with this latest version detuned to deliver 120 kW and 450 N.m. Equipped with a manual gearbox and four-wheel drive, this new base model slots in below the 150 kW and 165 kW derivatives offered in the UK, priced from £24 510 (about R415 000, albeit before VAT and on-the-road costs).
The South African line-up, of course, comprises three V6-powered models – each with the full 165 kW and 550 N.m – positioned above two 2,0 TDI and seven 2,0 BiTDI models.
Interestingly, VW SA’s comments to CARmag.co.za suggest that the full-fat 165 kW unit is the only version of the V6 currently available to it.
“Even though Volkswagen South Africa is continuously looking at increasing the appeal of the Amarok, the reality is that the 3,0 TDI V6 engine is currently available for the South African market in the 165 kW/550 N.m output only,” VW SA told us.
“We do note that demand exists for both lower and higher output versions, but for now the 120 kW version of the V6 is not currently planned for SA,” the local arm of the Wolfsburg automaker added.
Despite the lower output of the new Trendline V6 offered overseas, it still boasts a braked towing capacity of 3 000 kg and a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 9,8 seconds.
In November 2017, VW SA told CARmag.co.za that it was tentatively planning the launch of a manual V6 derivative (with low-range) for the second quarter of 2018.
