VW Amarok 4Motion Auto - Serve The Needs Of Most Lifestyle Outdoor

Volkswagen looks to change perceptions of the automatic bakkie buyer with a lighter, more frugal alternative to a conventional low-range drivetrain

In a market where most customers believe that there is still ‘no replacement for displacement,’ one can’t deny that Volkswagen’s bi-turbo 2.0- liter TDI Amarok has struggled to convince the bulk of the local bakkie buying public. But the introduction of an innovative eight-speed automatic looks set to change the picture in the two-pedal market and attract new fans to the German range. On first impressions, the new transmission looks to have combined car-like responses, refinement and drivability plus a lower average fuel consumption than most other auto drivetrains.

But the introduction of an innovative eight-speed automatic looks set to change the picture in the two-pedal market and attract new fans to the German range.

Linked with permanent four-wheel drive, VW says the new transmission was specially developed for the Amarok and boasts gearshift speeds on par with the sportier DSG transmission. It uses a torque converter that offers better response at low speeds and less resistance to slip than a DSG, which are key factors during off-road driving and towing. The eight gears also allow for a wider ratio spread and, as a result, the BiTDI works more frequently in its optimal torque band and is more fuel efficient as its top gear has been configured as a fuel saving overdrive, operating at reduced engine speed. The auto’s official 8.3ℓ/100km combined cycle fuel consumption peg it as the lowest in the one ton bakkie market. At the other end of the scale, the first ratio is configured as a low-range gear that can be used for pulling away in off-road use or when towing.

It uses a torque converter that offers better response at low speeds and less resistance to slip than a DSG, which are key factors during off-road driving and towing.

At the Amarok’s local launch in Southern Namibia, it climbed some sizable dunes to demonstrate its off-road attributes. While driving the vehicle on the open road it was evident that the low engine revs help realize better NVH levels and cabin refinement than its rivals. The new auto also sees the Amarok’s towing capacity increased to 3.0 tons (up to 12% gradient).

While it’s likely to still take time for old school buyers to be convinced of VW’s different approach and for perceptions around the Bi-turbo’s long term longevity to dissipate. For the majority of double cab customers, the auto Amarok will serve the needs of most lifestyle outdoor applications convincingly.

For the majority of double cab customers, the auto Amarok will serve the needs of most lifestyle outdoor applications convincingly.