Volkswagen Amarok V6 Core review: Stripped down workhorse misses key safety gear

The German brand’s ute is one of the most powerful on the market, but has VW pulled too much equipment out of this back to basics ute? 

The latest Volkswagen Amarok V6 is a throwback to simpler times. Stripped of luxuries, it combines a big motor with sound mechanical elements and a no-fuss interior.

VALUE

Remember when Aussie manufacturers built pursuit pack sedans for the highway patrol?

Before Commodore SS or Falcon XR6 and XR8 models graced showrooms, chaser-spec cars combined a big V8 engine with plain looks and a basic interior.

The V6 Core is a stripped down version of VW’s workhorse ute.

The Volkswagen Amarok TDI500 Core is the modern equivalent, combining a popular dual-cab ute body with a best-in-class motor and little in the way of tech or luxury.

Priced from $48,990 drive-away, the new manual model undercuts VW’s top Amarok by more than $30,000. It’s usually about $3000 cheaper than the basic V6 auto Amarok, though current drive-away deals shrink the gap to $1000.

A basic equipment list includes 17-inch alloys, old-school halogen headlamps and cloth trim. You get Volkswagen’s smallest touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and a reversing camera but not sat nav. A five-year warranty joins servicing capped at about $3000 for five years.

The base V6 version is about $30,000 cheaper than the full fruit version.

COMFORT

Considered one of the more car-like dual-cab utes on sale, the Amarok is a quieter and more comfortable proposition than most rivals. Some alternatives bring climate control and heated leather seats for this money, but the Core goes without basics like carpet or lumbar adjustment.

You do get a steering wheel customisable in both tilt and reach, and the basic driving position is spot-on. The rear is also more spacious than most alternatives, and the practical tray is wide enough to accept an Australian or Euro-standard pallet.

A practical tray can fit an Aussie pallet.

SAFETY

As one of the oldest utes in showrooms today, the Amarok goes without safety gear such as rear side airbags or auto emergency braking.

The new manual model is also less planted on the road, as it trades the eight-speed auto’s full-time all-wheel-drive for part time four-wheel-drive. Rear-drive only on sealed surfaces, the manual version makes for tricky progress on slick tarmac.

The interior is basic, with no carpet and minimal safety equipment.

The trade-off is that it has proper low-range four-wheel-drive with a locking rear differential rare at this price. It also has off-road ABS and stability control modes allowing slip and slide to maintain momentum on gravel.

DRIVING

The Amarok’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 is a cracker. It’s smoother and punchier on the road than anything short of Mercedes’ mega-dollar X-Class, offering up to 180kW of power at full throttle.

The grunty V6 engine is the hero.

Officially good for 165kW and 500Nm (180kW comes during 10 second periods of ‘overboost’), the big ‘six brings 50Nm less than the V6 auto. And you have to settle for three-tonne maximum towing capacity as opposed to 3.5 tonnes for the eight-speed model.

But it punches hard, the manual transmission shifts sweetly, and the Amarok’s steering, ride and four-wheel-disc braking remain at the top of its class.

VERDICT 3/5

The Amarok Core combines VW’s powerful engine with a no-frills ute ready for off-road work. Perfect for niche buyers, it needs more safety kit to get our vote.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota HiLux SR5 auto from $53,990 drive-away

Australia’s most popular ute can’t match the Amarok’s punch, but you do get more safety gear.

Isuzu D-MAX LS-M manual from $41,990 drive-away

The 3.0-litre D-Max brings dependable power, a bigger touchscreen and 3.5-tonne towing for a sharp price.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series GX from about $79,000 drive-away

Want a basic ute with a stonking engine? The V8-powered LandCruiser is a classic – but pricey – choice.

VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK V6 CORE VITALS

Price: From $48,990 drive-away

Warranty/Service: 5-year/unlimited km, approx. $3000 for 5 years

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, 165kW/500Nm

Safety: Five stars, six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control

Thirst: 9.7L/100km