Cheapest Amarok now $7000 dearer

Volkswagen has discontinued all petrol and some single-cab versions of its Amarok ute, increasing its base price by $7000.

Gone are all TSI300 models powered by VW's 118kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, as well as the TDI340 diesel single-cab.

That means the all-diesel MY15 Amarok range now opens at $31,490 for the TDI340 2WD dual-cab/chassis manual.

The only other remaining TDI340 model (powered by a 103kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel) is the 2WD manual dual-cab with tray, which costs $1500 more at $32,990 plus on-road costs.

Previously, the cheapest Amarok was the TSI300 2WD single-cab/chassis manual at $24,490 plus ORCs, or $25,990 with as a pick-up.

On the flip side, Volkswagen has expanded the availability of its 4MOTION 4x4 system with the addition of new models, and added more standard equipment across most of the range.

The new entry-level Amarok TDI340 4x2 dual-cab/chassis gains, as standard, a body-coloured front bumper, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and an updated audio system.

These features are also found in all TDI400 (132kW/400Nm manual-only) 4x4 single-cab and all TDI420 (132kW/420Nm auto-only) 2WD dual-cab models, all priced under $40,000.

Priced from $41,490 is the newly named Core Edition range, limited to 4MOTION twin-cab chassis and pick-up models, and now offering revised colour-coded bumpers and new 16-inch 'Korama' alloy wheels with Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain tyres.

Amarok Trendline 4x4 dual-cab models – now priced from $45,490 (up $1000) – now offer front and rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, plus the option of front seat lumbar adjustment and an upgraded RNS315 media system with sat-nav.

The two Highline 4x4 dual-cab models (TDI400 manual and TDI420 auto) are now priced from $52,490 -- up $500 – but gain a standard reversing camera, automatic wipers and headlights, front seat lumbar adjustment and the option of bi-xenon headlights.

The Ultimate 4x4 dual-cab remains the Amarok flagship, priced $500 higher from $65,290, but adds leather seat trim, 19-inch alloys and, for 2015, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

'Comfort' suspension is a no-cost option for all Trendline, Highline and Ultimate models, reducing payload by about 200kg.

The MY15 Amarok line-up will face stiff competition from a range of new utes this year, including the all-new Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton due in showrooms in the first quarter, the facelifted Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 due mid-year and the redesigned Toyota HiLux expected in late 2015.

Like all of its one-tonne rivals, the vast majority of Amaroks sold are 4x4s, with VW selling 7716 Amarok 4WDs last year. That made it less popular than the HiLux, Ranger, Triton, Holden Colorado, Navara, Isuzu D-MAX and Mazda BT-50, but the Amarok 4x4 still outsold the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol utes, as well as its Chinese and Indian rivals.

2015 Volkswagen Amarok pricing (plus on-road costs):

TDI340 2WD dual-cab chassis manual – $31,490
TDI340 2WD dual-cab ute manual – $32,990
TDI400 4WD single-cab chassis manual – $35,490
TDI400 4WD single-cab ute manual – $36,990
TDI420 2WD dual-cab chassis auto – $36,490
TDI420 2WD dual-cab ute auto – $37,990
TDI420 4WD single-cab chassis auto – $38,490
TDI420 4WD single-cab ute auto – $39,990
TDI400 4MOTION Core Edition dual-cab chassis manual – $41,490
TDI400 4MOTION Core Edition dual-cab ute manual – $42,990
TDI420 4MOTION Core Edition dual-cab chassis auto – $44,490
TDI420 4MOTION Core Edition dual-cab ute auto – $45,990
TDI400 4MOTION Trendline dual-cab chassis manual – $45,490
TDI400 4MOTION Trendline dual-cab ute manual – $46,990
TDI420 4MOTION Trendline dual-cab chassis auto - $48,490
TDI420 4MOTION Trendline dual-cab ute auto – $49,990
TDI400 4MOTION Highline dual-cab ute manual – $52,490
TDI420 4MOTION Highline dual-cab ute auto – $55,490
TDI400 4MOTION Ultimate dual-cab ute manual – $62,490
TDI420 4MOTION Ultimate dual-cab ute auto – $65,490