Volkswagen unveils new off-road focused version of the Amarok

German maker enlists the help of local engineering firm to develop a rugged new off-road version of its Amarok ute from next year.

Volkswagen has revealed details of a new off-road focused version of its Amarok ute developed with local engineering company Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

The W580X will sell alongside the road-focused W580S at the top of the Amarok range from April next year. It will cost $77,390 plus on-road costs, which is slightly cheaper than the W580S at $81,490.

The new model has a higher ride height, forged alloy off-road wheels with all-terrain tyres, a custom-built aluminium bash-plate, breather kit for water crossings and LED light bar.

Tyre size comes down from 20 inches on the W580S to 18 inches, allowing for higher profile tyres with more aggressive tread suited to gravel. There’s also more underbody protection and twin-tube Monroe shock absorbers with a more compliant and off-road focused tune to the W580S. The standard side-steps have been replaced with rock sliders to protect the door sills and door bottoms from damage when climbing rocks.

The VW Amarok W580X has been developed with Walkinshaw Automotive. Picture: Supplied.

The only styling differences between the two models are different decals along their flanks.

As with the 580S, the 580X comes with the Amarok’s standard single-turbo 3.0-litre V6, putting out 190kW and 580Nm. The X goes without the S’s sports exhaust.

Two options are available: a Seikel snorkel kit for $1390 and a luxury pack that includes satellite navigation, and leather seats for $4690.

Volkswagen’s director of commercial vehicles, Ryan Davies, said the new model would build on the success of the W580S, which has attracted more than 1000 sales since its launch earlier this year.

The 580X is more off-road focused than the W580S, which has been a big success for VW. Picture: Supplied.

He expects future sales of the W580 to be split roughly 50-50 between the two models, with roughly 1500 sales projected for 2022.

Both models will continue through to the end of next year, before the 2023 arrival of the all-new Amarok, which shares its underpinnings with the new Ford Ranger.

Given the success of the current program it’s likely that Walkinshaw will be invited to modify the new model, although any program is expected to begin later in the Amarok’s product cycle. It’s likely to be at least 18 months after launch.

An LED light bar and unique bash plate separates the W580X from other Amaroks. Picture: Supplied.

The Amarok has become Volkswagen’s number one selling vehicle this year, making up almost 20 per cent of the company’s sales. Australia is also the biggest market in the world for the Amarok V6, which makes up 90 per cent of local sales.

Originally published as Volkswagen unveils new off-road focused version of the Amarok