First shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, the Dark Label differentiates itself from lesser models by being finished in a model specific Indium Grey matte paint with grey Dark Label stripes, along with matte black door handles, mirrors, a locally sourced Maxe sports bar and door sills, tinted rear windows, matte black grille, smoked taillight clusters and bespoke 18-inch Rawson alloy wheels.
Inside, the changes are less dramatic and include a black head-liner, Vienna leather seats, chrome air vents and Dark Label embroidered floor mats. Standard equipment remains intact too, consisting of the Composition Media infotainment system, bi-xenon headlights with daytime running LEDs, a multi-function steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor, front and rear parking sensors and Automatic Post-Collision Braking.
Optionally, the Dark Label can be outfitted with the Discover Media infotainment system that adds satellite navigation, climatic air-conditioning, heated front seats and a reverse camera.
Unlike its Down Under and UK siblings though, South African-spec Dark Labels will eschew the 3.0 TDI V6 engine for the 2.0 BiTDI motor that produces 132kW/420Nm, mated to the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive. As with the standard 132kW Amarok, the Dark Label’s performance figures are unchanged with a top speed of 179km/h and 0-100km/h in 11.3 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 8.5-litres/100km.
Slotting-in between Highline and Highline Plus variants, the Dark Label carries a sticker price of R674 600 which includes a three year/100 000km warranty and a five year/90 000km service plan.
