Volkswagen just announced its most powerful derivative in the Amarok range with a whopping 190 kW and 580 Nm under the hood. That is a massive 25 kW and 30 Nm more than the previous 3-litre, V6-diesel mill. And under full throttle for ten seconds, the power output will rise to a massive 200 kW.
Needless to say, at the top end of the double cab bakkie business, size, or should we say kilowatts, do matter.
In comparison, Mercedes-Benz's 350d X-class had a 3-litre, V6 boasting 190 kW and 500 Nm. Recently Ford upped the ante, not with its well known, 3.2-litre, five-cylinder variant with its modest 147 kW and 470 Nm but adding a sporty version of its new 2-litre, four pot diesel engine. This mean machine produces a very impressive 157 kW and V6-esque torque of 500 Nm.
But back to the newest athlete in the Amarok range. Matching Merc on kilowatts but with more torque for the Volksie-bakkie, the Amarok 4MOTION uses VW’s standard eight speed automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen claims a zero tot 100 km/h time in a traffic light to traffic light beating of just 7.6 seconds enough to frighten hot hatches. And don’t forget a claimed fuel consumption figure of 9.5 l/100 km’s, also impressive for a big heavy, 4x4 vehicle with ‘n V6 engine, even if it is a diesel mill.
The latest flagship Amarok-bakkie will be available in the following model lines - Highline and the top-of-the-range Extreme.
The Highline hosts standard features such as the leather seats, winter package (seat heating), increased GVM from 2.8 t to 3.0 t (including heavy duty leaf springs), Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC) with rear-view camera, Climatronic air-conditioning and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Optional features on the Highline are the Discover Pro Media system which includes satellite navigation, rubber floor covering and 19-inch alloy wheels.
In addition to the standard features on the Highline, which are also available on the Extreme, the top-of-the-range model is further customised with the addition of ‘Special Edition’ Nappa leather seats, Discover Pro Media system and 20-inch alloy wheels. The optional features on the Extreme are the Increased GVM from 2.8 t to 3.0 t (including heavy duty leaf springs), rubber floor covering, 19-inch alloy wheels and a sports bar painted in body colour.
In terms of price the two versions cost R908 300 for the Highline version and R974 600 for the range-topping Extreme.
The South African motor industry has lost one of its longstanding business figures following the passing of Jebb McIntosh, the group chief executive of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), on Monday, 2 November 2026.
“South Africa’s automotive industry has been AGOA’s largest user, but for the sector the preference has already been largely overridden by the 25% Section 232 tariffs applied on vehicles and components. Losing AGOA adds a further cost to an industry that has already absorbed a significant shock.”
Foton has started building vehicles in South Africa, and the first overseas vehicle manufacturing base of BAIC Group is now in Gqeberha.
Advertisement
Advertisement
You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
Unknown
MG Motor South Africa used its MG Tech Day and Premium SUV Family launch event to show what is coming to its SUV range. The brand was founded in Britain in 1924, and in 1931 its EX120 ‘Magic Midget’ became the first 750 cc car to exceed 160 km/h.
Tata Motors has expanded its local SUV portfolio with the launch of the all-new Punch. Available in three derivatives, the compact SUV introduces refreshed styling, upgraded technology and six airbags as standard across the range, while also becoming the first Punch sold locally with a turbocharged engine option.
Isuzu Motors South Africa has introduced its all-new seventh-generation N-Series truck range, representing the most comprehensive update to the company's light and medium-duty commercial vehicle line-up in years.
