Amarok V6

[Brownie]

The new VW V6 Amarok has been released. Amongst all the good specs, (would love the power from the new V6 diesel) is some pretty poor specs -

Wading depth - 500 mm
Ground clearance - 192 mm
8 speed auto only with no transfer case - which means only one reverse gear, not so useful for anyone towing.

Has VW scored an own goal with this setup - its going to struggle off road; and as a tow tug, the lack of two reverse gears is going to limit its appeal.

European thinking poorly applied to Australia! Looks to be an autobahn cruiser, which is a pity, because with just a few tweaks, could have been a viable go anywhere (in comfort) exploration vehicle .

[werner]

I would have considered one to replace my Ranger Wildtrak but it is missing a few things
No low range in reverse to push a heavy boat up my steep drive way
5 hole rims
No rear curtain air bags ?
No rear diff lock
It is great looking and that motor moves it along nicely.
Wading depth a bit low.
Alternator right low under motor is not good for muddy crossings

[grhyso]

A few of those things haven't changed since the previous model. However things can be modified to suit your preferences better. Personally I really liked the Amarok when I test drove it but it was more QC, longevity, and aftersales support that I was concerned about.

-the wading depth was always 500mm
-ground clearance I'm not not sure what it used to be but that is surprisingly low!
-8 speed auto has proved to be better than most people expected off road though I can't comment on how it would go in reverse.
-5 hole rim...Well landcruisers are 5 hole?
-rear diff lock, these can be fitted aftermarket if really necessary, my Paj has never failed to take me where I want due to not having a rear diff lock.
-alternator position, Have a look at the v8 landcruiser alternator, Worst alternator position on a 4wd I've ever seen yet they sell them in the 1000s to go offroad.

While I'm not defending them, what I am saying is your complaints can be found in other vehicles in the same class.

[Lazarus]

The V6 engine will come standard with VW’s 4Motion permanent AWD system, meaning no low range, but there is an off-road mode and rear diff lock standard.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/451553/2017-volkswagen-amarok-review/

[Ian Sharpe]

I dont believe that even a very low creeper gear can ever make up for no low range.

IMO low range has to be 30:1 at a minimum to be of any use. (Gen2 auto had 26.1, & that is generally considered inadequate).

Not sure what the diff ratios are on these trucks, but if we say around 3.7 then your creeper gear has to be around 8:1 , which they arent or i dont think they are. If the diff ratios is higher then the situation deteriorates even more.

[werner]

A few of those things haven't changed since the previous model. However things can be modified to suit your preferences better. Personally I really liked the Amarok when I test drove it but it was more QC, longevity, and aftersales support that I was concerned about.

-the wading depth was always 500mm
-ground clearance I'm not not sure what it used to be but that is surprisingly low!
-8 speed auto has proved to be better than most people expected off road though I can't comment on how it would go in reverse.
-5 hole rim...Well landcruisers are 5 hole?
-rear diff lock, these can be fitted aftermarket if really necessary, my Paj has never failed to take me where I want due to not having a rear diff lock.
-alternator position, Have a look at the v8 landcruiser alternator, Worst alternator position on a 4wd I've ever seen yet they sell them in the 1000s to go offroad.

While I'm not defending them, what I am saying is your complaints can be found in other vehicles in the same class.

All true that is why I got a Ranger and the reason why the NX Pajero was just added to my garage.

[fester]

Depends whether you want it as a rock climber or a dirt road/sand tourer and/or tow rig and where your parking garage is. The power is there and if the diff ratios, gearbox ratios and torque convertor stall are right there is no reason this 8 speed V6 would not be a great tourer and beach vehicle.

Modern electronics mean some of these wading depths can be a bit of a false security.

Not everyone needs a crawler reverse gear unless they have a crappy driveway, I've not seen too many caravan parks or camping areas where you really need a low range reverse to get into a camping spot.

And there is actually a mechanical rear diff lock.

Would certainly tick enough boxes for me to choose over something like the butt ugly Triton, Hilux and Colorado. Might not beat out the Ranger though. It's about time the Jap/Asians learnt how to make a decent turbo diesel power plant.

[Lazarus]

Last year a family friend went with his amarok with me to the wonnangatta valley in high country.
His amarok went everywhere with ease. I was impressed to say the least.

[Stroker]

Hi

How much are they? Are they over 70k?

Cheers Glenn

[spiderpig]

I was slightly interested in the new V6 amarok until i saw the concept Mercedes ute in the works

[Lazarus]

haha same here

will be interesting to see what will merc do

[Shopping Trolley]

Hi

How much are they? Are they over 70k?

Cheers Glenn

Cheapest V6 is just under $60k. It's the most expensive dual cab apart from the cruiser.

[Shopping Trolley]

The new VW V6 Amarok has been released. Amongst all the good specs, (would love the power from the new V6 diesel) is some pretty poor specs -

Wading depth - 500 mm
Ground clearance - 192 mm
8 speed auto only with no transfer case - which means only one reverse gear, not so useful for anyone towing.

Has VW scored an own goal with this setup - its going to struggle off road; and as a tow tug, the lack of two reverse gears is going to limit its appeal.

European thinking poorly applied to Australia! Looks to be an autobahn cruiser, which is a pity, because with just a few tweaks, could have been a viable go anywhere (in comfort) exploration vehicle .

I have never used low range for reversing as I haven't done the mod to disengage the front drive and have never reversed up hill in a straight line. I can't think of a factory 4x4 where you would use low range for reversing.

I think the combination of power, auto, refined handling, increased GCM and quietness put it squarely in the cross hairs those planning of touring with a caravan. Lack of rear airbags generally doesn't affect this group either.

[Shopping Trolley]

I dont believe that even a very low creeper gear can ever make up for no low range.

IMO low range has to be 30:1 at a minimum to be of any use. (Gen2 auto had 26.1, & that is generally considered inadequate).

Not sure what the diff ratios are on these trucks, but if we say around 3.7 then your creeper gear has to be around 8:1 , which they arent or i dont think they are. If the diff ratios is higher then the situation deteriorates even more.

So Gen 3 & 4 Pajeros are no good?

[Brownie]

The following are some of the better specs for the new V6 Amarok - these are from the aussie VW web page - https://amarok-v6.volkswagen-commerc....au/start.html.

Power 165 kW
Torque 550 Nm
Front AND rear disc brakes
Mechanical rear diff lock

The V6 is only available in a dual cab, the engine comes with a dpf and adblue and wheels are available in 18", 19" & 20".

I'm in the market for a good all rounder to replace the ageing Paj, and there is much to like about the new Amarok. Its just a bit frustrating that that it appears to be pitched more as a soft roader, when with a few small changes, especially for a car giant like VW, it could have been a true off road weapon. Of course the after market industry can address most of these short comings, but why start from a low base, when vehicles like a Ranger/BT50 are probably a better starting point.