The pick-up's model range is relatively small - there's no petrol engine derivative and Volkswagen recently abandoned the single cab segment to focus on the lucrative luxury double cab market. The Amarok's external styling has benefited from a revised grille and bumper as well as new alloy wheels, foglights and a third rear brake-light.
It's more handsome than before, but I wouldn't rush to trade in my low mileage 2015 or 2016 model - if I had one - for that reason alone. The heftily revamped interior would possibly nudge me towards temptation though, with a new dash incorporating Volkswagen's modular entertainment system with touchscreen radio, AppConnect, Bluetooth and a USB interface compatible with Apple products.
The most eagerly awaited feature of the updated Amarok is however much more substantial than a facelift, and it's hidden beneath the bonnet in the form of a new 3.0 V6 TDI engine.
It's 165 kW and 550Nm of torque makes it truly appealing. Unfortunately, an accident involving the press vehicle prevented us from giving it a go, hence we were provided with the 132 kW Highline 4Motion model. Priced at R590 600, the Highline is some R75 000 cheaper than the comparable V6 and a whopping R160 000 less than the top of the range V6 Extreme.
The Amarok is a big bakkie and offers more interior space than most of its rivals. The test vehicle had no side steps and it takes quite a clamber to get aboard, but once there you're confronted with a very classy interior. The test car was laden with around R50 000 worth of optional extras like leather seats, satellite navigation, park distance control with a rear view camera, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and metallic paint.
While not the most powerful in its class, the 2.0-litre engine delivers very decent performance and the eight-speed automatic transmission has enough cogs that it's never out of its depth. The bakkie has a gravelly diesel sound at idle and low speeds, but once you're on the roll everything quietens down nicely.
Although the Amarok has four-wheel-drive, there's no low range transfer box because the torquey engine and transmission collaborate to have buckets of torque on hand at idling speed, while on the road at 120km/h, the rev counter indicates just north of 2 000rpm.
The Amarok is still the most refined double cab around in terms of ride quality and road holding - although the new Mitsubishi Triton runs it quite close - and its straight line performance of 10.1-seconds from zero to 100km/h and top speed of 179km/h would keep most of us happy enough on those big wheels and chunky 18-inch tyres.
It's also economical; my leaden foot managed to coax 100km from around 10.5-litres of diesel without any effort. So there you have it. The Volkswagen Amarok is a very classy vehicle, but I can't say whether I think the new V6 version is worth the extra money.
What I can tell you is that the 132 kW Highline Auto version is a well-built, competent and lively enough for a double cab bakkie, while the 2.0-litre engine will probably remains popular as it gets the job done well at a better price than that of the V6.
(Note: V6 Extreme pictured)
