Volkswagen has launched an automatic transmission version of the Amarok utility: the Amarok Highline Automatic.
Good news, although there’s just one catch: it’s only available
in the top-specification Highline double-cab version, with
full-time four-wheel drive.
That is likely to change next year, as the new eight-speed
transmission filters down into other models. But for now, it’s
restricted to those who have the wherewithal to run a
lifestyle-oriented ute with lots of equipment and lots of badge
kudos – bit of a townie’s truck, you might say.
Yes, we did say eight speeds. That’s eight in as row, not four
doubled up. The Amarok automatic does not have a low-range transfer
case, nor can you manually lock the centre differential, but
Volkswagen claims that it offers as much hard-core off-road ability
as any rival, thanks to its unique application of powertrain and
driver-assistance technology.
VW claims the range of gearing offered by the eight-cog unit (a
modified version of that used in the Audi A8 luxury sedan) is
equivalent to that offered by a dual-range gearbox.
The Amarok auto is full-time four-wheel drive, with a viscous
coupling making it suitable for on-road driving. But it also
features a push-button off-road mode which alters the parameters of
the traction and stability control systems and activates hill
descent control. The electronics also act as pseudo-axle locks,
braking individual wheels in the rough to transfer torque and
ensure the tough Dub keeps moving forwards.
Traditionalists may scoff, but Volkswagen is not known for
skimping on powertrain and chassis smarts. During a brief
introductory drive, the Amarok was not only superbly smooth on-road
but negotiated muddy obstacles and axle-articulating humps with
ease during an excursion onto private farm property. True, the test
was organised by VW, so it was certain to show the Amarok at its
best. However, it was hard not to be impressed by the way it
negotiated demanding terrain on road tyres at normal pressures – it
was idiot-proof.
The automatic version also gets some extra oomph: power goes up
from 120kW to 132kW, while torque is increased from 400Nm in the
manual version to 420Nm for the eight-speed.
The Amarok is one of the most car-like utes in terms of styling,
quality and on-road driving dynamics. That’s not at the expense of
pub-boast practicality: VW claims the Amarok is still the only ute
that can accommodate a 1.2m pallet between its rear wheel
arches.
The restricted availability of the automatic within the model
range is not as limiting as it might seem. Automatics are
popular at the top-end, of course, and Amarok now has that
covered.
Of less concern volume-wise but crucial in terms of presenting a
complete model range to potential ute buyers is another new Amarok
variant: the ‘super single cab’. It’s a two-door, two-seat
cab-chassis model. For a few thousand extra dollars, buyers can add
a wellside tray which is an impressive 2205mm long, with a payload
of 1135kg.