2022 Volkswagen Amarok W580X evaluate

Australia is the important thing marketplace for high-end Volkswagen Amarok derivatives, so it is sensible the corporate’s native arm has clout to co-develop particular editions proper right here.

By pairing up with Walkinshaw Group, it’s been capable of supply a variety of modified Amaroks with higher on- or off-road credentials. They’re a sort of swansong for the present mannequin that dates to 2011, with the brand new (Ford-based) mannequin to be revealed on July 7.

Walkinshaw Group has diversified for the reason that demise of hotted-up Holdens, specializing in its racing operation, working with OEMs on pickup retunes, and creating a round the clock manufacturing line for conversions of Ram 1500s and Chevrolet Silverados to right-hand drive.

The Volkswagen Amarok ‘W-Sequence’ commenced with the extra road-oriented Amarok W580 and W580S fashions, designed with tarmac touring in thoughts. You’ll be able to learn our present evaluate on these automobiles right here.

They’ve now been joined by the (beforehand introduced and priced) W580X lifted off-road choice, which swaps out the previous’s 20-inch wheels and highway tyres, for 18″ models and chunkier Pirelli rubber – and provides underbody safety, bash-proof rock sliders, and extra.

Walkinshaw will create solely 600 of the Amarok W580X utes at its Clayton operation in Melbourne’s suburbs, examined as a completed product on trails in regional Victoria and South Australia, plus its personal rigs.

In different phrases, it’s been re-engineered to a regular Volkswagen in Germany is glad to log out on.

That doesn’t imply it’s routinely higher than modifying your ute via the aftermarket, nevertheless it has created a turnkey various offered in sellers, and coated by the identical manufacturing facility guarantee.

Contextually, Australia’s nearly distinctive want for costly, modified Ranger– and HiLux-sized utes, plus its robust aftermarket gamers similar to ARB, have led to a burgeoning set of OEM-backed ute modifications which were engineered and completed right here.

In addition to the Volkswagen Amarok W-Sequence, there’s the Premcar-led Nissan Navara Warrior, Melbourne (in home) modified Toyota HiLux Rogue and Rugged X, the equally locally-led Mazda BT-50 Thunder, and the brand new Ford Ranger Raptor which, whereas factory-built in Thailand, was largely designed and engineered in Australia.

How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok W580X value?

The 2022 Volkswagen Amarok W580X prices $78,890 earlier than on-road prices – up $1500 over the preliminary pre-launch value introduced in December 2021. In contrast, the Amarok W580S prices $82,990 earlier than on-roads.

To place this $78,890 value into context, the bottom Amarok Core TDI550 V6 with automated prices $53,890 earlier than on-roads, the Amarok Sportline TDI550 prices $57,990, and the Amarok Highline prices $63,490 – the latter mannequin having the identical ‘TDI580’ engine tune because the W580X.

Whereas the W580X advantages from in depth (and costly) native engineering work and makes use of undeniably good-quality equipment and bespoke add-ons, it actually instructions a sizeable premium over one other Amarok operating the identical mechanicals – particularly, $15,400.

On a aspect word, a flick via the classifieds exhibits sellers charging anyplace from $86,990 drive-away, as much as $95,963…

Nonetheless, by all accounts Volkswagen Australia is having little bother promoting on all 600 models of this, the Amarok’s apogee.

For additional context, a Nissan Navara Professional-4X Warrior prices $69,990 earlier than on-roads, the Toyota HiLux Rugged X $70,750, the BT-50 Thunder $71,190, and maybe the obvious various is the new-generation, twin-turbo petrol V6-powered Ford Ranger Raptor priced at $85,490.

Given the extent of its efficiency upgrades, the brand new Mk2 Raptor really doesn’t seem like horrible worth, however I digress…

What’s the Volkswagen Amarok W580X like on the within?

In some methods the Amarok inside betrays the automobile’s age, significantly with regards to the small touchscreen with letterbox-view reversing digicam and no commonplace navigation, and the comparatively pokey again seats (in legroom phrases solely) with no rear-side airbags.

The USB-A port is hidden deep beneath the dashboard, and the dearth of multiple plug stands out towards extra device-friendly competitors. Rear occupants do have a 12V.

And but in different methods it stays a really strong – actually – proposition, with wonderful fit-and-finish, hard-wearing plastics, wonderful ergonomics with ample fore-and-aft wheel adjustment, good elbow room because of its wider-than-average cabin, and ample storage.

The optionally available ErgoComfort seats are additionally significantly supportive and comfy, though the bottom seats are literally fairly good as properly. An undoubted spotlight.

The motive force devices are analogue, comprising a small and no-frills journey pc between a digital speedo, and there loads of knobs and buttons to manage core capabilities.

The trick 75W mild bar can also be correctly built-in, with a button alongside the transmission tunnel there to function it along side high-beam. There’s a mix of spot- and flood-lights.

Different W580X-specific touches embrace ground mats, headrest logos, and… Effectively, that’s it. Wait, there’a additionally a construct plaque!

It’s not precisely flash, nevertheless it’s aged a lot better than you may anticipate it to have completed – as long as you’re conscious of its contextual flaws – and the basic stuff by way of construct high quality and ergonomics are nonetheless sound.

There’s no tub liner or sports activities bar, which you’ll be able to tackle by way of VW’s equipment catalogue or via the aftermarket.

It stays a extremely useable tub, with room for a palette between the arches (dimensions are 1555mm lengthy, 1620mm vast, 1222mm between the arches, and 508mm deep) and there are 4 tie-down factors.

What’s below the bonnet?

There aren’t any mechanical modifications to the V6 driveline.

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 produces 190kW of energy (200kW on overboost spurts of 10 seconds below laborious throttle) between 3250rpm and 4500rpm, and a powerful 580Nm of torque as little as 1400rpm, out to 3000rpm.

It’s mated to a everlasting 4×4 system and an eight-speed automated transmission equipped by ZF, the low gear/s of which act as a low-range equal. Disc brakes are fitted at each ends, whereas some opponents nonetheless use rear drums.

It outguns all of its four-cylinder diesel opponents with regards to acceleration and rolling response, and can proceed to take action till the brand new V6-powered Ranger arrives in mid-2022. Not dangerous for a ute relationship again to 2010…

The Amarok W580X retains the bottom automobile’s 3.5-tonne braked towing capability, makes use of a claimed 9.5 litres of diesel per 100km (I averaged 10.9L/100km on a reasonably aggressive highway loop), and has an 80-litre gas tank.

The zero to 100km/h sprint takes a brisk 7.3 seconds, which was the province of sizzling hatches only a era in the past.

How does the Volkswagen Amarok W580X drive?

Whereas the W580X is ostensibly the off-road particular, it’s clearly been tuned to retain the Amarok’s (nonetheless!) class-leading on-road dealing with as properly. It’s vast, secure, grippy and even a bit agile.

The VW doesn’t utterly clean out highway imperfections like a Ranger Raptor with its Fox shocks – particularly on the leaf-sprung rear – nonetheless the Amarok’s hydraulic steering feels extra related to the wheels, and its barely firmer character ends in higher cornering stability and sharper turn-in.

The Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain plus tyres are a little bit of a revelation, pairing with the full-time 4WD (Torsen diff, 40:60 entrance to rear distribution, traction management intervention at every nook) to supply wonderful grip on slippery tarmac in addition to suppressing a lot of the floor noises – not one thing rough-road rubber all the time manages to do.

It’s actually an indictment that such an aged design nonetheless betters all the opposite current-shape dual-cabs with regards to dealing with on difficult roads. Certain, it’s not a excessive precedence for a body-on-frame ute, nevertheless it’s fascinating regardless.

This dynamism is actually bolstered by that engine: it’s not essentially the most refined unit on the market, particularly with the optionally available Darth Vader-imitating Seikel A-pillar snorkel consumption, nevertheless it goes just like the clappers off the road, and has a notably robust mid-range for rolling response.

It additionally retains the essential 3.5t towing capability.

I’m afraid to say the native launch occasion put us over a reasonably tame bush path, although I can attest to the efficacy of the off-road button on the centre tunnel in seemingly tempering energy supply, plus the tyres’ capacity to grip on moist clay.

The robust chassis-mounted rock sliders and copious underbody bash safety, plus a 40mm raise and retuned new shocks, offer you a greater shot at not solely clambering over obstacles, however conserving the hidden bits free of harm.

There’s no conventional low-range right here, with the eight-speed auto utilizing its first gear in lieu. Actually hardcore customers might certainly want for a conventional two-speed switch case, however in my experiences over time it usually works properly.

That’s one factor I’ve all the time appreciated in regards to the Amarok: you’ll be able to press an ‘off highway’ driveline button and interact the mechanically-locking rear diff, however past this it’s a quite simple, hands-off automobile by way of its 4×4 system and modes.

Contemplating the vast majority of most individuals’s wheel time will probably be on tarmac (or maybe gravel), it’s additionally smart that Walkinshaw has made positive to tune in a very good diploma of on-road capacity into this ostensibly rough-road package deal.

Previous, completely. However outdated? Not utterly.

One factor value nothing is the entire lack of energetic driver-assist options, together with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping aids, adaptive cruise management or blind-spot monitoring.

I perceive some individuals don’t thoughts, nevertheless it’s vital to notice regardless that each competitor product affords at the least a few of these options now.

What do you get?

W580X highlights:

• 18-inch cast alloy wheels
• New-gen Pirelli Scorpion AT Plus 265/60 R18 tyres
• Entrance suspension 40mm raise and MTV twin-tube dampers
• Rear (leaf) suspension re-tune with MTV twin-tube dampers
• Seikel underbody safety – diff and transmission
• Seikel breather package – diff and transmission
• Customized alloy (4mm) stamped entrance bash plate
• Powder coated, chassis-mounted rock sliders
• 75-watt LED mild bar with inside swap (spotlights and floodlights)
• Wheel arch extensions
• Velour, heated seats with Walkinshaw branding
• ‘W580X’ branded rubber mats
• Bonnet protector
• New entrance higher grille design
• New entrance bumper inserts
• New aspect decal design

Different commonplace fare consists of:

• 6.3-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired)
• Two-zone local weather management
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Paddle shifters
• Reversing digicam
• Passive cruise management

There are additionally two choices listed:

• Luxurious Pack: $3690
  • Leather-based upholstery
  • ErgoComfort entrance seats
  • Heated entrance seats
  • Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Seikel snorkel: $1390

Which means should you purchase the bottom Amarok W580X and tick the choices bins, your automobile’s RRP climbs to $83,970 plus on-road prices.

Is the Volkswagen Amarok W580X protected?

When the Amarok (as a 2.0-litre four-cylinder) was examined by ANCAP greater than a decade in the past in 2011, it acquired a score of 5 stars.

That score was based mostly on a frontal offset rating of 13.99 out of 16 and a aspect affect rating of 16 out of 16. Whiplash and pedestrian safety have been rated Good and Marginal, respectively.

All 2021 Volkswagen Amarok fashions come commonplace with entrance and front-side airbags and anti-lock brakes, however there aren’t any airbags for rear seat occupants – not like all opponents.

There’s additionally no energetic security expertise like autonomous emergency braking, which implies the Amarok wouldn’t obtain 5 stars if it was assessed once more in 2022.

How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok W580X value to run?

Like the broader Volkswagen vary, the Amarok is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Upkeep within the Amarok is required each 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.

Volkswagen Australia affords five-year Care Plans which cowl scheduled servicing for that interval, and are considerably cheaper than paying as you go.

The five-year service package deal prices $2050 for the six-cylinder Amarok, in response to the Volkswagen web site.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Amarok W580X

Primarily based on what we’re advised, Volkswagen Australia expects to promote all the Amarok W580Xs very quickly flat – even when on paper they frankly look dear.

The opposite gripes listed here are those who apply to the bottom automobile, as a result of the Walkinshaw package deal feels cohesive and balanced. It’s additionally supporting the Australian automotive trade, from a parochial perspective.

As a form of farewell to the first-generation Amarok, it feels becoming, even when the brand new Ranger-based mannequin that’s simply across the nook is an elephant within the room. Maybe some consumers may even see this end-of-the-line mannequin as one thing of a future basic.

My most important take-away from this automobile is the power of the Volkswagen Australia and Walkinshaw tie-up, which VW insists will carry over to the brand new mannequin – earlier within the life cycle. These W-Sequence fashions are a proof-of-concept, and a really sensible idea it’s.

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