Volkswagen Amarok (2011–2023)

November 2010

Amarok awarded 4 star Euro NCAP rating

The Volkswagen pick-up received ratings of 86 per cent Adult Protection, 64 per cent Child Protection, 47 per cent Pedestrian Protection and 57 per cent Safety Assist. ESP is standard on all models.

January 2011

New Volkswagen Amarok is launched in the UK

The new pick-up from Volkswagen made its UK debut at the 2011 Outdoors Show at the ExCel exhibition centre in London’s Dockland.

February 2011

Pricing for the Volkswagen Amarok revealed

Volkswagen's new pick-up is available in three trim levels, starting at £16,995 for the Startline model and £18,995 for the Trendline, while the range-topping Highline will cost from £21,575.

The four-wheel drive double-cab is available with the choice of two refined diesel engines. All models can be fitted with the powerful, yet efficient, 2.0-litre BiTDI 163 PS engine, while an entry-level 2.0-litre TDI 122 PS is also offered on Startline models.

November 2012

Volkswagen announced power upgrade for BiTDI engine

Up from 163PS to 180PS plus the introduction of BlueMotion Technology models to offer improved efficiency. Towing limits have also increased from 2800kg to 3000kg for manual models, while a new eight-speed automatic transmission has been introduced and has a higher towing limit of 3200 kg.

At the same time, new features introduced include Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, heated washer jets, tachograph preparation, cornering fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

BlueMotion Technology improves fuel economy and lowers emissions by using low rolling resistance tyres, Stop/Start and regenerative braking. This means that although the 180PS BlueMotion Technology is over 10 per cent more powerful than the previous 163PS model, it is more economical, with a combined fuel economy of 37.2mpg compared to 35.8mpg. Emissions drop by 10g/km to 199g/km.

Torque for the eight-speed automatic transmission increases from 400Nm to 420Nm, delivered at 1750rpm. It is available exclusively as a Highline model with BlueMotion Technology and permanent 4MOTION for a retail price of £25,105 (plus VAT). It achieves combined fuel economy of 35.3mpg with emissions of 211g/km – the same as the standard manual model.

June 2013

Amarok edition launched

Based on the Trendline model it adds extra equipment worth £3400. Just 300 will be available in the UK.

To make it stand out the new model comes with 18-inch Durban alloy wheels, black bars across the load bed, privacy glass, black and red side stripes and 18-inch Durban alloys. On top of that there are front and rear parking sensors and a protective coating for the load area. Inside it has Bluetooth, sat nav and a five-inch colour touchscreen.

January 2014

Amarok Ultimate launched

Limited to only 500 vehicles, the Amarok Ultimate showcases Volkswagen’s purposeful design and features a host of premium features that make it a truly unique package.

The exterior design is distinguished by xenon headlights, 19–inch Aragonit polished alloy wheels and double chrome strips on the radiator grille. Available for the first time on an Amarok are striking LED daytime running lights that frame the headlights and give the vehicle a unique light signature at night.

Standard equipment also includes electrically foldable, heated and adjustable door mirrors featuring enhanced chrome detailing. Darkened tail light lenses and a new LED number plate light complete the exclusive exterior design package.

The Amarok Ultimate’s sleek appearance is matched by the power that drives it. The model comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS engine, offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3200 kg.

January 2014

Volkswagen Amarok Canyon introduced

A limited number of 350 vehicles will be available to UK customers when the Canyon goes on sale on 1 April. Based on the Trendline trim the Amarok Canyon gets more than £8,500 worth of extra equipment including satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, unique styling bars, 19-inch Cantera alloy wheels and heated leather seats.

There are also front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass, a protective coating for the load area, a matt black roll cover, interior floor mats and high-gloss black side styling bars and rear bumper. Inside there is a combination of Nappa and Vienna leather upholstery in two-tone Moonrock (light grey) and Anthracite (dark grey). Other extra inclide a leather-covered steering wheel and gear lever with orange stitching.

When ordered in Copper Orange the air vent surrounds are matched to the vehicle’s exterior colour, while on the Deep Black and Reflex Silver models the air vent surrounds feature Matt Chrome. Those wishing to enhance further the look of this special-edition Amarok can add the optional roof light bar for only £945 (ex. VAT).

The Canyon comes with the 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual with selectable 4Motion (50 vehicles available) or an eight-speed auto with permanent 4Motion (300 vehicles available).

The Amarok Canyon is available in three colours: Copper Orange, Reflex Silver or Deep Black – with Indium Grey foil lettering and Silver under ride guard. Retail prices start from £28,990 (excluding VAT) for the manual transmission and rise to £30,720 (excluding VAT) for the automatic transmission.

August 2014

Amarok Atacama introduced

The new Amarok Atacama is priced from £26,850 (basic excl. VAT) and is powered by a 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS engine with a choice of two transmissions: a six-speed manual with selectable 4MOTION four-wheel drive or an eight-speed automatic with permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive as standard.

Available in three colours – Candy White, Horizon Blue and Deep Black – the Amarok Atacama comes with a raft of design and styling features that give it a striking look. These include xenon headlights, black rear styling bars, black rear bumper with integrated step and 19-inch ‘Cantera’ alloy wheels. The load bed features a ‘Durabed’ protective coating, while distinctive black foil finish on the B-pillars and unique ‘Atacama’ side decals complete the design package.

Inside, it gets Vienna leather upholstery, a newly designed leather multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity, RNS310 navigation and Climatronic 2-Zone air conditioning.

September 2014

Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label special edition introduced

Fitted with 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS engine, spec includes 18-inch Durban alloy wheels finished in black, extended wheel arches and a distinctive underride guard below the front bumper. Also dark tinted rear/side windows, darkened tail lights, matt black side bars and footstep, along with a black rear bumper, black grained door handles and black foil on the B-pillars.

Inside, premium anthracite Alcantara upholstery and velour floor mats featuring exclusive Dark Label branding. Equipment includes a multi-functional steering wheel, leather gear knob and gaiter, satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, a multi-function display and heated seats. Heated door mirrors, electric windows and additional door dust seals are also standard.

A special anthracite-coloured UV-resistant special coating applied to load area completes the striking look. Choice of three colours: Deep Black, Reflex Silver and Natural Grey. Amarok Dark Label accessories include a hard tonneau cover, Dark Label branded seat covers and bonnet protection, and styling items including chrome door handles and roof-mounted styling bar lights.

Prices start at £26,125 (excluding VAT) for the 2.0 BiTDI 180PS 4MOTION Selectable manual model, with the 2.0 BiTDI 180PS 4MOTION Permanent with eight-speed automatic costing £27,855 (excluding VAT).

November 2016

Amarok V6 TDI launched

The top-of-the-range version of this 3.0-litre V6 delivers 224PS and 550Nm torque channelled through a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, giving a top speed of 119mph and a 0 to 62 mph time of 7.7 seconds.

An overboost function on the 224PS raises the power to 240PS. Further versions of this V6 TDI engine include a 204PS, which is available to order at launch with an automatic gearbox, plus a manual 204PS and a 163PS manual to follow later in 2017.

Offering car-like comfort and technology with full off-road capability, UK customers can choose from selectable (with manual gearbox) and permanent (with auto) 4MOTION four-wheel drive. An optional mechanical rear-axle differential lock is also available for demanding off-road use.

The Amarok V6 is distinguished itself from the previous 2.0 TDI through new front bumper and radiator grille design including front fog lights, new alloy wheels and a third brake light with LED technology.

Inside the cab, changes include an all-new dash panel design which incorporates Volkswagen’s MIB infotainment system with touchscreen, radio and new technology including the option of navigation, Guide & Inform, Car-Net and App-Connect systems. Bluetooth and DAB digital radio are also now standard features.

UK specifications follow the previous model’s pattern and range from Startline (later in 2017), through Trendline to Highline. Special editions will also be offered during the model’s life, for example the range-topping Aventura, 240 examples of which are available from launch.

Aventura equipment includes bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 tyres and arch extensions. The cargo bed of the Aventura also has a matt black Durabed coating. The interior features ‘Discover Media’ navigation system and mobile online services. The Aventura also comes with ParkPilot automatic parking system, featuring front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. This model is available in exclusive Ravenna Blue metallic paint finish.

November 2017

Manual Amarok introduced

Available with the 204PS engine it reduces the entry price of the range by over £650 to £25,600.

The new model, available in Trendline trim, combines a six-speed manual gearbox and at the touch of a button, selectable all-wheel drive, with a drive system that features standard rear-wheel drive and, when required, engages the front axle. Thanks to the manual gearbox, an additional off-road gear reduction function permits extreme crawling pace, helpful when navigating complicated passages off-road and scaling particularly steep inclines of up to 100 per cent (slope angle of 45°).

It has a combined fuel economy of 32.5 mpg and CO2 emissions of 229g/km. The zero to 62 mph sprint takes just 8.4 seconds – faster than its automatic counterpart at 9.1 – and it has a top speed of 119 mph (vs 117 for the auto).

Weight-wise, the manual 204 PS Amarok has a GVW of 3200 kg, braked trailer weight of 3000 kg, and a payload of 1050 kg.

January 2018

Amarok Dark Label re-introduced

The Amarok Dark returns and is priced from £33,650. Based on the Amarok Highline, the Dark Label gets 18-inch Rawson alloy wheels, matt black mirror housings, black door handles and a black rear bumper.

Standard paint is exclusive Carbon Steel grey metallic, along with side bars and a rear styling bar finished in matt black plus underbody styling and unique Dark Label decals

The seat trim covers are finished in Alcantara with black headlining and vent bezels trimmed in chrome silk gloss. Both front seats are equipped with manual lumbar adjustment, while the footwells are adorned with unique Dark Label floor mats. The Discover Media with 6.33-inch touchscreen is fitted as standard, and comes with Voice Enhancer and Guide & Inform.

The Amarok Dark Label is powered by the 3.0-litre V6 engine that generates 204PS and 500 Nm of torque. Drive is delivered to the road via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

Production is limited to around 200 units with order books for the Dark Label closing in April 2017.

February 2018

Volkswagen Amarok Trendline 3.0 TDI 163PS launched

Priced at £24,510 (basic, excluding VAT and OTR).

The 163PS 3.0 TDI sits below its 204PS and 224PS siblings in the new line-up, yeat still offers a substantial 450Nm torque. With 24 valves and overhead camshafts, it meets the latest Euro 6 emissions standard, and features fuel-saving BlueMotion Technology advances.

The Amarock V6 3.0 TDI 163PS has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 3200kg, a maximum payload rating of 1,073kg and can tow up to 3,000kg (braked trailer). It can reach 62mph from rest in 9.8 seconds and has a top speed of 110mph. CO2 emissions are 228g/km, while fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 32.5mpg.

The Amarock 3.0 TDI is available in Trendline trim only, and equipment includes 17-inch Posadas alloy wheels, Climatronic air-conditioning system, Composition Media Radio with 6.33-inch touch screen, App-Connect and cruise control. Order books for the new model opened February 2018, with the first deliveries from May 2018.

April 2018

Volkswagen adds 258PS V6 to Amarok range

Developing 258PS, the Amarok V6 rivals the Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6

The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is boosted to 258PS and 580Nm of torque, with the latter flowing from 1400rpm - 3000rpm. Amarok gets an overboost feature for overtaking, with the V6 engine producing 272PS for short bursts under heavy acceleration. Power is fed to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Available in Highline or Aventura trim, Volkswagen's pick-up is offered with some suitable visual upgrades, including a black roof liner, 20-inch wheels, leather seats and LED daytime running lights.

Highline adds a host of features on top of the standard Amarok’s already generous specification. As well as items including ABS, ESP and automatic post-collision braking system, climatronic air conditioning, Composition Media infotainment system with touchscreen and App-Connect, Highline gains 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and side bars, front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera and Vienna leather upholstery.

The new 258 PS Amarok can be ordered now. Prices for the new Highline model with 258PS engine start at £34,325 (basic, excluding VAT and OTR). The entry-level model to the range, the 163PS Trendline, costs £24,510 (basic).

November 2018

Amarok Aventura launched

The Amarok Aventura features 20-inch Talca alloy wheels, body coloured sports bar with Aventura badging and chrome-plated side bars with step and LED spot lighting.

Customers can specify their Aventura in a range of colours and can also take advantage of a reduced price for special matt finishes. Available in either Ravenna Blue or Indium Grey, the matt paint can be specified as a £2,335 (ex VAT) option. Also available are Mountain top roll covers made specifically for the Aventura model. Available in black or silver, they can be specified as an option for £1387.50 (ex VAT).

Powering the new Amarok Aventura is a 3.0-litre TDI V6 with 258PS in normal driving and 272PS when using the overboost function. The engine generates 580Nm of torque with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The special edition Amarok Aventura is priced at £39,960 (OTR exc VAT).