More muscle for Volkswagen Amarok V6

Volkswagen has announced a higher-output version of its Amarok V6 ute that will out-muscle even the upcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class V6 – and it’s coming to Australia by September.

Revealed in Germany and confirmed for Australian release in the third quarter of this year, the Volkswagen Amarok’s upgraded Euro 6 emissions-compliant 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel produces 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque.

The outputs of the cleaner V6 diesel significantly eclipse those of the Amarok’s existing EU5-compliant V6, which offers a benchmark 165kW/550Nm (and up to 180kW for short periods on overboost).

The Volkswagen Amarok's upgraded 190kW/580Nm six-cylinder diesel will also match the power output and better the peak torque of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz X 350d ute (190kW/550Nm).

While the all-new Mercedes-Benz X-Class dual-cab arrives Down Under in four-cylinder diesel form this month, range-topping V6 diesel models will follow around mid-year, priced from around $85,000.

Therefore all Amarok V6 dual-cabs will not only remain substantially cheaper, but the upgraded V6 will see Volkswagen's one-tonner retain its title as Australia's 'torquiest' ute.

Only full-size American pick-ups like the RAM, Ford F Series and Chevrolet Silverado -- all of which are locally converted to right-hand drive and, for now, cost more than $100,000 -- offer more torque from their diesel V8s.

The bad news is the Amarok’s muscular new V6 will “initially” become available to Australian customers only in top-shelf Ultimate guise, bringing a small price increase over the existing Volkswagen Amarok flagship (currently $68,490 plus on-road costs).

But while the upgraded Amarok TDI580 Ultimate (pictured here in new Peacock Green paint) could top $70,000, the new V6 will then become available in a new Highline Black Edition.

This is not to be confused with the Amarok Dark Label, which arrives here with a carryover V6 diesel soon, and there will be further additions to the Amarok range later in the year.

Eventually, Volkswagen’s new 190kW/580Nm EU6 oil-burner could power the entire Amarok range in Australia, where 2.0-litre four-cylinder variants comprise less than 30 per cent of sales.

Volkswagen signalled its intention to increase the performance of the Amarok V6, which has matched its key rivals with a 3500kg towing capacity since last October, with the 190kW Amarok Aventura Exclusive concept at last September's Frankfurt motor show.

“As we’ve promised before, we have no intention of giving up the mantle of the most powerful ute in its class and are looking to offer the upgraded 190kW Amarok V6 later in the year,” said Volkswagen Group Australia Director of Commercial Vehicles, Carlos Santos.

“Amarok continues to be a huge success story for Volkswagen in Australia, winning fans in Birdsville and boardrooms alike.

“Our current V6 Amarok with 180kW on overboost is no lightweight, [as] proven by the 1:57 and 2:57 laps around Eastern Creek and Mount Panorama set in our apprentice built race car running a standard driveline.”