After seven years of production, the Volkswagen Amarok finally got refreshed in 2016, bringing more style and power to the previous build.
Getting in line with VW’s latest design language, the 2017MY Amarok uses sharper lines and gets a whole new font and rear end, emphasizing on dynamism and modernism. The interior got overhauled too and got new electrically adjustable ergoComfort seats, new dashboard, multifunctional steering wheel and new infotainment system. The biggest change however lies under the hood, where the Amarok received a new heart - a new turbodiesel V6 that can be had in different power outputs to replace the old four-pots.

In the quest for the leisure pickup, Volkswagen rolled the dice with the Amarok 2.0-TSI. A vehicle that was far away from their regular lineup vehicles. It was far from the Volkswagen commercial vehicles, as well.

Volkswagen brand had two big divisions: the personal car and the commercial vehicle unit. The Amarok was launched by the latter, with some help from the former, especially with the engines and transmissions. The Amarok was intended to be a pickup for leisure, something like a RAM 1500 or Nissan Frontier.

The car looked tough and strong on its body-on-frame construction. The Amarok brought some amenities in and outside the vehicle. With its strong presence, and longitudinal blades on the grille, it looked like a serious contender on the market.

Inside, there were choices for cloth or leather seats. Simple radios or a complex infotainment unit with navigation system. The top trim levels featured leather upholstery with heated front seats.

The Amarok featured a small, 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, or a 2.0-TSI engine which was mated either wit a 6-speed manual or an 8 speed automatic, depending on the market. An option for a locking rear differential was offered. The Amarok didn’t feature a transfer case with low range, but the lower gears were short enough to move the pickup in off-road or pull a boat out of the water.

In the midst of downsizing, VW took the lead decreasing the engine displacement for the pickup market to just 2.0 liters. Americans have pickups with over three times more displacement engines. This one, though, is different. It is a 2.0-liter bi-turbodiesel unit that offers up to 170 hp.

Unlike its four-door sibling, which was launched in 2011, the Amarok single cab comes with a standard 6-speed manual, but the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission was offered as an option. And that was better since it doesn’t need a transfer case or a low-gear ratio. First gear is low enough to haul up to 3000 kg (6613 lbs) and the eighth is overdrive for highway cruising.

The single cab has a 2.2 meter (7.2 ft) long bed, which is good enough for most of the loads. Those who need, can order the single-cab as a chassis-cab and complete the vehicle with other structures instead of a bed. Particular attention was given to the rear suspension, where the customer could have ordered a light-duty or heavy duty leaf-springs. Unlike its 4-door sibling, the single-cab can be ordered only with heavy-duty leaf springs. This allows the vehicle to carry up to 1394 kg (3073 lbs), depending on the model

The base interior is covered in plastic and fabric seats but still has an AC-unit and a basic sound system.