The introduction of an 8-speed automatic transmission marks the third update to the Volkswagen Amarok since its launch in September 2010 and another step in the manufacturer’s ‘work smarter, not harder’ approach to the pick-up market, writes editor Scott Hayes.
While the Volkswagen Amarok might still live under a cloud of criticism from the ‘old guard’ as to the adequacy of its 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, there is no denying the benefits it brings to the segment by virtue of its technology and design.
Originally launched with a power output of 120 kW and 400 Nm, the Amarok was given its first update in July 2012. A modest 12 kW boost in peak power was achieved by winding up the turbochargers and reprogramming the engine control unit (ECU) accordingly. At the same time, the shift action of the manual transmission was smoothed over, thanks to new gear linkages and a larger master cylinder for the clutch.
Six months later and Volkswagen have now introduced a third update for the Amarok, which is of course the new 8-speed transmission; a first in the bakkie segment following the 7-speed Navara 3.0 V6 dCi. In addition, a marginal improvement in peak torque has also been achieved, with 420 Nm available at 1 750 r/min. Apart from the new transmission and slight increase in torque, the Amarok remains unchanged, with its endearing attributes of a superb ride quality, a comfortable and well equipped interior, a generous and practical load area, as well as a stylish, yet tough-looking, exterior.
With an 8-speed transmission already found in the Touareg range, you may have wondered, as we did, why it’s taken Volkswagen so long to introduce it into the Amarok. Volkswagen put it down to the fact that they haven’t simply done a ‘cut ‘n paste’ job from the Touareg. Instead, they’ve tailored the eight ratios to the Amarok’s 2.0-litre powerplant and permanent four-wheel drive (4Motion) drivetrain. As a result, first impressions of the unit are excellent, especially when one considers it is not a dual-clutch transmission (DSG), but rather a traditional hydraulic torque converter with lock-up clutch.
Volkswagen say the decision to opt for a torque converter rather than a dual-clutch configuration, is down to the former providing better response at low speeds and less resistance to slip than a DSG transmission. Furthermore, the multitude of ratios allow for a more flexible and efficient use of the engine’s power, by virtue of being able to maintain engine revs within the peak torque band of between 1 500 and 2 250 r/min. As an aside, from April 2013, all Amarok models will be available with BlueMotion Technology, which will add engine stop-start and regenerative braking to the range for added fuel efficiency.
In our real-world driving experience, the low first gear ratio of 4.71:1 does a good job of harnessing the Amarok’s torque in off-road conditions. The launch took place on the Aussenkehr farm in southern Namibia, where Volkswagen and legendary racing driver Sarel van der Merwe hosted their 2012 Spirit of Africa Trophy. Supervan was on-hand to chaperone media around some of the event’s stages, which included some steep inclines and descents, rocky river courses and the obligatory sand dunes.
The slow pace required through some of the more technical sections showed-off the transmission’s effective lock-up clutch, which never elicited any slip. Likewise, the speed at which the transmission swaps cogs, meant the Amarok never lost momentum; especially critical when requiring a run-up and full power to climb lofty dunes. Traversing the roughly 200-kilometers of Namibia’s long and dusty dirt roads between Aussenkehr and Oranjemund, the transmission provided, near-as-makes-no-difference, seamless up-shifts, while the 8th ratio meant reduced engine noise and fuel consumption.
It’s worth noting too, that the Amarok earned a feather in its toughness cap in our book on the two day launch. Temperatures reached as high as 55.5 °C as we followed in the tyre tracks of the 2012 Spirit of Africa Trophy. Whether at walking pace up steep ascents or with foot planted to the floorboard while climbing sand dunes, the air conditioning worked overtime and the engine temperature never wavered from its norm.
We’ve yet to spend time with the new Amarok 4Motion Automatic in the urban jungle, where we hope to garner a better impression of the fuel efficiency and practicality of the auto ‘box, but suffice to say that thanks to its new transmission, the Amarok is arguably the most complete leisure lifestyle double-cab available right now. Having said that, the fact that the automatic transmission is available exclusively with the 4Motion drivetrain, means that Volkswagen are missing out on the growing number of people who don’t need their diesel-powered double-cab equipped with four-wheel drive.
| Price (incl. VAT) | |
| Volkswagen Amarok 4Motion D/C 2.0 BiTDI Highline | R461 100 |
Prices include a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan.
