The 2012 Model Year brings certain changes for the VW Amarok, with the most important one being an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is a class-first feature.
The extra gears allow a broader gear ratio spread between the 1st and the 8th compared to a conventional auto tranny. This brings multiple benefits, increasing efficiency and towing capacity, as well as reducing NVH levels.
“Thanks to this greater spread the TDI engine works even more effectively in every rev range, and it is more fuel-efficient and agile. Moreover, 8th gear was configured as a fuel-saving overdrive gear that operates at reduced engine speed. The first gear is configured for pulling away in off-road use or when towing. Like the manual version, the Amarok with automatic transmission and permanent 4-wheel drive is thus also highly capable in all-terrain use without any need for additional reduction gearing,” a VW statement explains.
The fuel efficiency is increased even further, as the new gearbox is combines with BlueMotion Technology that includes battery regeneration and low rolling resistance tires.
The transmission is offered with the 120 hp 2.0-liter TDI, the 160 hp TDI engine (the one we tested), with the Amarok returning 7.6 liters per 100 km (31 mpg) and emitting 199 grams of CO2 per km, as well as with the 180 hp incarnation of the engine, which now achieves its top speed of 179 km/h (111 mph) in seventh gear.
The refreshed Amarok is scheduled to hit European showrooms in January next year.
“Thanks to this greater spread the TDI engine works even more effectively in every rev range, and it is more fuel-efficient and agile. Moreover, 8th gear was configured as a fuel-saving overdrive gear that operates at reduced engine speed. The first gear is configured for pulling away in off-road use or when towing. Like the manual version, the Amarok with automatic transmission and permanent 4-wheel drive is thus also highly capable in all-terrain use without any need for additional reduction gearing,” a VW statement explains.
The fuel efficiency is increased even further, as the new gearbox is combines with BlueMotion Technology that includes battery regeneration and low rolling resistance tires.
The transmission is offered with the 120 hp 2.0-liter TDI, the 160 hp TDI engine (the one we tested), with the Amarok returning 7.6 liters per 100 km (31 mpg) and emitting 199 grams of CO2 per km, as well as with the 180 hp incarnation of the engine, which now achieves its top speed of 179 km/h (111 mph) in seventh gear.
The refreshed Amarok is scheduled to hit European showrooms in January next year.
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