The mid-size pickup truck segment in Europe is growing at an unprecedented pace. Volkswagen is preparing for the arrival of new entrants like Renault and PSA Peugeot-Citron by updating the rugged Amarok.
The visual updates made to the Amarok are more evolutionary than revolutionary, which is consistent with what we've come to expect from Volkswagen in recent years. Eagle-eyed observers will notice the truck receives redesigned headlights, a revised lower bumper with honeycomb inserts, and new-look alloy wheel designs. The cabin benefits from a new dashboard, but we'll have to take Volkswagen's word on that until official pictures are released.
Bigger changes are found by popping the hood. Up until now, the Amarok has exclusively been offered with four-cylinder engines. The Wolfsburg-based carmaker has however managed to shoehorn a 3.0-liter TDI V6 in the truck's engine bay, giving it more power to tow, haul, or simply go off the beaten path. The six-cylinder is offered with either 163, 204, or 224 horsepower.
The Amarok's other gasoline- and diesel-burning engines carry on without any major modifications. Most models are offered with either a manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, and both rear- and four-wheel drive variants are available. The Amarok can tow nearly 8,000 pounds in its most capable configuration when it's properly equipped.
The updated Volkswagen Amarok will go on sale across Europe starting in September. At launch, buyers will be able to order a limited-edition model called Aventura (pictured) that features a more premium appearance characterized by a body-colored sports bar in the bed and chromed bumpers on both ends. The Aventura will carry a small premium over the standard Amarok, though pricing information hasn't been published yet.
Read more: Volkswagen Amarok driven in Belgium
Bad news, Volkswagen aficionados: we're still not getting the Amarok in the United States because it wasn't designed with our regulations in mind. However, there's a chance we could see the next-generation model on our shores when it arrives before the turn of the decade.
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