VOLKSWAGEN has been operating with one hand tied behind its back with the Amarok range, but that is about to change.
More engines are on the way for the two-wheel drive versions of the Argentinian-built one-tonne ute.
Until now, the sole power plant has been the 2.0-litre, twin-turbo diesel TDI1400 which develops 120kW and as the tag suggests, 400Nm of torque.
The twin-turbo has been joined by a single-turbo diesel and a single-turbo petrol.
The new diesel, the TDI1340, develops 103kW and 340Nm of torque from 1750 to 2250 rpm.
This makes the TDI1340 the most economical Amarok with a fuel use on the combined cycle of 7.4 litres/100km, compared with the TDI1400 at 7.7 litres/100km in two-wheel drive.
The petrol engine is the 2.0-litre TSI300 which develops 118kW and 300Nm from 1600 rpm and has a combined fuel use of 9.6 litres/100km.
Prices for the TDI1340 start at $29,990 for a six-speed manual dual cab-chassis.
The dual cab six-speed manual TSI1300 is priced from $30,590.
In addition to the new engine models, the Amarok range now comes with additional features.
A multifunction steering wheel is now standard on the Highline and Ultimate and is an option on the base model and Trendline. Heated seats are now standard for the Ultimate.
In the pipeline for later this year are an eight-speed automatic transmission as an option in all dual cab models.
Single cab models will arrive in the third quarter along with likely addition of a higher output diesel boasting 132kW and 420Nm.
