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Driven - The 190Kw Volkswagen Amarok V6

The 190Kw Volkswagen Amarok V6
The Volkswagen 190Kw Amarok V6 in its Extreme body kit

Quick Facts

  • Price: From R921 900
  • Engine: 3.0 turbo diesel engine
  • Power/Torque: 190kW / 580Nm
  • Transmission: Eight-speed DSG
  • Fuel Consumption: 9.5l/100(claimed) 

Do you remember the days when bakkies were just made for work? Nothing else? No 0-100 times, big Diesel engines? Well, fast forward 2020 and Volkswagen goes against the norm. A 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 engine with a 0-100 sprint time of a hot hatch, ladies and gentlemen, I spent time with the 190kw Amarok V6 in its Extreme guise and I was very impressed with the overall package. (The Amarok Extreme is the top of the range specification)

3.0 litre turbo diesel V6, 190kw(200kw on overboost) 580nm mated to an 8-speed DSG transmission, a 0-100 in just 7 seconds while topping out at 207kph. That is what ultimately sums up the 190kw Volkswagen Amarok V6.

The 190Kw Volkswagen Amarok
While it might not have a low range option, the Amarok feels at home on any terrain.

Looks? Well, my test unit was the Extreme variant, and this receives all the bells and whistles in the interior, as well as the exterior. 20-inch wheels, a body colour sports bar, 14-way electronically adjustable Nappa leather seats with seat heating, a multi-functional leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a rubberised load bed, smoked tail lights as well as Extreme badges on each side of the sports bar. Rounding off the exterior look are bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and 4Motion side decals.

While you might worry that the 20-inch wheel will upset the ride comfortability, this was far from the case, I spent most of my time on gravel roads and the ride handled exceptionally well. The permanent 4Motion system is one of the best in the business and it makes slight work of any terrain. The Amarok does not have a low range option, however as stated, I tackled all my terrains with ease. I could not find any off-road courses to take on during my time with so I am unable to comment on that aspect.

The 190Kw Volkswagen Amarok Interior
The interior is a beautiful interior that is reminiscent of the SUV's at the stable.

Practicality? The Amarok has always been decent in terms of practicality. I am not the tallest figure but I found myself sitting comfortably with 4 of my passengers. Cup holders are all over the cabin with rear passengers also having cup holders mounted on the floor. There are also 3 USB ports as well a 12V socket to ensure everyone is charged up however I would’ve preferred 220V AC adapters like in most bakkies.

Fuel consumption- to be honest with you, Volkswagen claims a 9.5l/100km but this was far from the case, while I am sure that you might come close to the numbers claimed by Volkswagen, the 3.0-litre Turbo Diesel V6 surely sips, I was always excited and I did not do anything economically. You put your foot on the throttle and it just comes alive. I managed 12.4l/100 during my week with it but I was not complaining.

What I liked:

  • The enormous amount of power.
  • The Extreme styling looks.
  • The SUV style cabin.
  • The Extreme body kit.

What I did not like:

  • Lack of keyless entry and keyless go.
  • Lack of lane keep assist and some driving aids.
The 190Kw Volkswagen Amarok V6
The 190Kw Volkswagen Amarok V6 is still causing a stir years later after its initial launch back in 2010

Pricing:

Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Highline - R921 900

Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Extreme - R996 000 - tested

Special edition Amarok Dark Label - read here

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