Volkswagen Amarok V6 manual 2020: Review

In a world crammed tight with autonomous this and automatic that, it’s refreshing that some of us still hanker for the simple things. More than that, it’s encouraging that a global car-maker as big as Volkswagen cares to listen – and act – on the requests of the few.

And so it is with the first six-speed manual variants of the Volkswagen Amarok V6 dual-cab ute.

Launched in Australia this week (but on sale since January 2020), the manual V6 Amarok twins are a direct result of customer demand, said Volkswagen Australia commercial vehicles director Ryan Davies.

“At every off-road, caravan and camping expo and Big Red Bash concert the team and I attend, we speak with current owners and members of the off-roading community who have begged us to bring an Amarok V6 manual to Australia,” said Davies.

“It was because of that passion that we were able to mount a case with our head office in Germany to build one and, based on Australia remaining the number-one export market in the world for the V6 Amarok, we are finally able to offer this unique, Aussie-spec ’Rok,” he said

The Volkswagen Amarok TDI500 Core 4MOTION and Amarok TDI500 Core Enduro 4MOTION, as they’re officially known, are priced at $49,590 (plus on-road costs), or $3000 less than their eight-speed automatic equivalents.

That makes the pair a close rival for models including the Ford Ranger XL ($48,390) and Toyota HiLux SR ($47,515), but with 47kW/115Nm and 35kW/80Nm higher output respectively.

To get V6 power elsewhere, you’d need to look at the 190kW/550Nm Mercedes-Benz X 350d PROGRESSIVE, which starts from $73,270 (plus on-road costs).

Under the bonnet, the Amarok TDI500 dual-cab ute features a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel developing 165kW (over 3250-4500rpm) and 500Nm (1250-3000rpm), with 180kW available on overboost.

That figure is down 50-80Nm on automatic Amarok V6 variants and braked towing capacity is reduced accordingly to 3000kg (down from 3500kg). Payload remains unchanged from the automatic V6 at 1004kg (1155kg for four-cylinder models).

The other good news is that the V6 engine’s peak torque remains available from 1250rpm, and that unlike the automatic’s full-time, single-range four-wheel drive set-up, the six-speed manual variants come with a traditional two-speed transfer case including low-range.

Operated via a push-button array on the centre console, the 4x4 system is further supported by a standard mechanical-type rear differential lock and OFFROAD MODE. The latter includes reduced anti-lock braking severity and stability control intervention, and a hill-descent control system metered between 2-30km/h in forward and reverse.

$50k, six cogs, three pedals

When Volkswagen Australia announced the Amarok V6 manual ute range last month, it offered a drive-away deal of $48,990 for buyers via its public website.

Unfortunately, that deal has now expired. But at $49,590 (plus on-road costs) we think the Amarok TDI500 Core 4MOTION and Amarok TDI500 Core Enduro 4MOTION variants are still terrific value.

Key features for the entry-grade Amarok TDI500 Core 4MOTION include Volkswagen’s Composition media system with App-Connect, Climatic semi-automatic air-conditioning and park distance control and a reversing camera incorporated in the rear-view mirror.

The Core version is also equipped with daytime running lights, front fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels, while inside the cabin the Amarok V6 manual boasts Austin cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and heavy-duty rubber flooring.

For the Core Enduro variant there’s a claimed $1200 worth of genuine accessories that include a black sports bar, bonnet protector and black body side decals.

Volkswagen Commercial models are backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty which includes 12 months’ roadside assistance.

Volkswagen Australia had not updated its service pricing schedule to include the Amarok V6 manual at the time of publication; however, the Amarok V6 automatic range asks $3045 for scheduled servicing over a five-year period. Service intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first).

For the Amarok TDI500 Core 4MOTION range there are options that extend to an auto headlight and rain-sensing wiper package for $350; a Driver’s Pack (with auto headlights and rain-sensing wipers, driver and passenger seat lumbar support and additional 12-volt power outlet) for $870; driver and passenger seat lumbar support for $360; metallic paint for $700; and an additional 12-volt power outlet for $160.

A wide range of accessories are also available.

Tough to the Core

The Melbourne 4x4 Training & Proving Ground at Mount Cottrell near Werribee, Victoria has played host to innumerable launch events, television commercial shoots and vehicle comparison tests over the years – and for good reason.

It’s one of the few Aussie 4x4 parks within cooee of a capital city that’s able to provide the variety of obstacles and terrain necessary to really challenge a modern four-wheel drive, and perhaps even find its breaking point.

The word ‘tough’ springs to mind when describing this location. I’ve seen bumpers and trim pieces ripped from a number of four-wheel drives here over the year, and I feared the shiny new Amarok V6 manuals assembled for Volkswagen’s Australian launch wouldn’t leave here looking as good as when they arrived.

The course for the media drive of the Amarok V6 was a textbook 4x4 test: drive through a river, climb a muddy slope, check-out the hill descent control and put the articulation through its paces over the whoops. The Amarok didn’t flinch.

And to be honest, we didn’t really expect it to. In the nine years since its introduction Volkswagen’s ute has been a solid performer. What we didn’t expect is how well the dual-range transmission suits the Amarok’s gutsy V6 off-road.

Ignoring the manual transmission for a moment, it’s the ‘real’ dual-range attitude of the Amarok that makes the most difference off-road. In low range and with the centre differential locked, the Volkswagen is able to idle its way over most obstacles.

There’s no need to use the throttle to gain all-wheel drive grip in the way the full-time 4MOTION system requires. Just lock it in low range, select first gear, ease the clutch out and idle away.

This no-nonsense approach to four-wheel driving will be familiar to many and works effortlessly. If it continues in the next-generation Amarok being developed alongside the next Ford Ranger, it will prove a force to be reckoned with.

Smooth operator

On the black-top, it’s easy to see why the V6 accounts for 89 per cent of all Amaroks sold here, which now amounts to 70,000 over the last decade.

The accessible pulling power and mid-range performance of the 3.0-litre V6 are a hand-in-glove fit for Aussie back-roads. Mate the lusty diesel six to a smooth six-speed manual with a positive shift action and well-spaced ratio spread and this package feels right at home.

There’s no mucking around and no second-guessing of overtaking manoeuvres. The V6 truly leaves its four- and five-cylinder competitors in the dust. In fact, in the 0-100km/h sprint, it’s a couple of seconds quicker, and only a second or so slower than the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch (6.2 v 7.3sec).

Despite the (50-80Nm) torque deficit over its automatic brethren, the Amarok V6 manual feels gutsy and strong. It accelerates cleanly right from the moment you let the clutch out and continues to its 5000rpm redline.

It mightn’t have the outright pace of now-defunct locally-built sedan-based utes, but it’s obvious why Ford Falcon XR8 and Holden Commodore SS ute buyers are moving into V6-powered Amaroks in their droves: Grunt; plain and simple.

Despite their on- and off-road workouts, the Amarok V6 manual Core models on test adhered closely to the manufacturer’s claimed fuel average. We managed a whisker over 10.0L/100km over the course of the launch – without a trailer or payload but with little consideration to economy behind the wheel.

It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that the Amarok’s legacy issues remain. There are no advanced driver aids like autonomous emergency braking and no airbags at the rear, where there’s a smaller seat than in some dual-cab utes.

And of course the Core spec is not as lavishly trimmed (or well equipped) as the stronger-selling TDI550 Highline, TDI550 Sportline or TDI580 Ultimate variants.

There’s no proprietary sat-nav, for example, and no rear-seat ventilation outlets. This is a utilitarian variant that’s focussed on getting the job done, and its workhorse attitude is evident from the moment you open the door.

But in a way that makes the Volkswagen Amarok TDI500 Core 4MOTION a better match with the six-speed manual transmission. It feels innately connected to off-road and agricultural work; the sort of vehicle you’re not afraid to dent and dirty.

This is rare in today’s automotive landscape, certainly in combination with a lusty diesel V6, and it should serve its customers willingly and faithfully.

Volkswagen says the Amarok V6 manual is the ute we had to have, and I’m inclined to agree. The lack of tech combined with solid all-round performance makes it a winner in my eyes and – if the early response is anything to go by – those of Aussie ute buyers as well.

How much does the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok TDI500 Core 4MOTION manual cost?
Price: $49,590 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel
Output: 165kW/500Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 9.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 254g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2011)