In the current ultra-competitive Aussie Ute market where there is plenty of style and choice to go around, the all new VW TDI580 Amarok Highline Black deliberately distances itself from the crowd.
While not being designed to be a 4×4 offroad workhorse compared to similar models like the HiLux Rugged X or Nissan Navara N-TREK, this vehicle really showcases a strong level of ride and handling and effortless speed which is amongst the best for Urban Utes.
TDI580 Amarok Highline Black Exterior
In the model i drove it came soaked in a striking deep blue coat of paint which immediately gave off an “all eyes on me” vibe which i found personally very attractive.
From the front the taper of the vehicle from the top down to the front grille looked sleek and mean giving off a sporty/performance appeal
The signature Volkswagen grille and headlights were there on show as well, big and bold as you would expect for the Ute rather than their normal size for smaller vehicle variants it still looked great and stylish.
The back tray was both functional and great with a wider then average space between the rear wheel arches which allows for a full chep pallet to be loaded into the back if needed.
The Amarok also came fitted with a stylish set of 20 inch black chrome plated wheels which did give a nod to a more urban based goal in mind rather than an offroad design although it gave a cool overall finish to the aesthetics of the exterior.
TDI580 Amarok Highline Black Interior
The inside of the Amarok actually surprised me a little bit, the usual class of a cabin in a typical Volkswagen model was there to see but also additionally there was a sense of robustness and trade like practicality.
This shows me great insight from the development team and their nod at what a “ute driver needs” rather than let’s just fit this out like a classic Volkswagen etc.
Starting with the seats, I immediately felt spoiled and comfortable by the leather electronic adjustable seats, there was great lumbar support and I had no trouble at all finding a comfortable position thanks to the ease of the adjusting system.
It is worth noting however that a taller/bigger bloke in both front seats is going to make for a tight ride for passengers in the rear three seats as the cabin is slightly on the short side but with the extra width you still have the shoulder width.
The front cabin dashboard had all the modern perks of a semi-luxury vehicle with leather trim and stylish layouts of the drivers display behind the steering wheel leading to a slightly smaller than usual 6.33inch multimedia display unit.
This comes equipped with all the essential phone tech, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Bluetooth etc. the climate control nobs and settings were easy to use and its worth mentioning how powerful and relieving it was to have a great air conditioning system in a hot Sydney summer!
The multimedia system was paired with an awesome sounding audio setup which gave off some very loud but clear sound which was fantastic for a music lover like myself!
This added to the overall comfort factor of having to drive long commutes into the city and back.
The steering wheel was a standout for me funnily enough due to how comfortable and thick it felt to handle, i was also impressed by the middle drink holding compartment with 2 sized holders allowing me to put a 600ml drink bottle in one and a smaller sized drink vessel in the other, little details like this are very much appreciated from me!
TDI580 Amarok Highline Black Features
With the Volkswagen TDI580 the consumer will get the following:
- Active Bi-Xenon Headlights
- Auto Climate Control with Dual Temp Zones
- Alarm with Interior Movement Sensor
- Alloy Sports Bar
- Automatic Stop/Start
- 20 Inch Alloy Wheels
- Body Coloured Bumpers
- Body Coloured Exterior Door Handles
- Body Coloured Exterior Mirrors
- Chrome Front Grille
- Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
- Cup Holders – Rear Seats
- Child Seat – ISOFIX Anchorage System
- Digital Audio Broadcast Radio +
- Daytime Running Lights – LED
- Dusk Sensing Headlights
- Emergency Brake Lights – Flashing
- Front Centre Armrest
- Fog Lights – Front with Cornering Function
- Floor Mats – Front & Rear
- Glovebox Compartment
- Headlights – Automatic Levelling,
- Headlights – Auto On/Off Function
- Headrests – Adjustable Rear Seats
- Headlights – Coming/Leaving Home Function
- Heated Front Seats
- Hill Holder
- Headlining Special
- High Mounted Rear Stop Light
- Engine Immobiliser
- Leather Accented Upholstery
- Luggage/Cargo Area Light(s)
- Leather Gear Knob
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Memory Card Reader
- Multi Function Control Screen
- Multi Function Display
- Mud Flaps – Front and Rear
- Multi Function Steering Wheel
- MP3 Compatible Audio/CD Player
- Map/Reading Lights – Front & Rear
- Parking Distance Control Front & Rear
- Paddle Shifters on Steering Wheel
- Power Front Seat Driver 14 Way
- Power Mirrors
- Power Exterior Mirrors – Heated
- Power Steering
- Power Front Seats 14 Way
- Power Windows With One-Touch Operation
- Radio Compact
TDI580 Amarok Highline Black Engine and Drivetrain
For consumers that care about “what’s under the hood” this model certainly has some serious muscle to flex. The 3.0-litre compacted iron graphite engine is rated to 190 kW @ 4500 rpm and 580 Nm @ 1400–3000rpm.
That felt to me a whole lot of torque through a very low and very wide range of revs, i could feel it through the pedal. It has a continuous acceleration and I got from it when i need to put the foot down quickly to get off the mark!
Interestingly enough as well if this much power isn’t enough for there is an overboost function that can give just over 200kw of power for short bursts!
Being such a powerful Ute the engine noise and harshness was minimal and the turbo lag was very subdued and felt smooth. At low speeds and revs you would be tricked into thinking you were driving something completely different. It enjoys it when you give it a bit of push.
While mostly driving the vehicle on highways I was surprised at how low the fuel economy was. It sat at just under 8L/100km and I was able to maximise my fuel for the week thanks as well to the 80L tank. Even in peak traffic periods it was barely going above 12L/100km.
The 8 speed automatic gearbox was smooth very non-nonsensical and i could barely hear it as it went through its motions and I didn’t hear it struggle once! The 4Motion system is great for safety around town.
Handling and manoeuvrability was absolutely no issue for the VW. I felt safe and in control regardless of conditions, quick lane changes or round about manoeuvring in the suburbs.
The Amarok seems to overcome the empty tray syndrome better than many other Utes and has possibly the best on road ride in a standard Ute.
The towing capacity is 3500kg with a 6000kg GCM. That means at full GVM, you’ve got 2920kg of towing capacity left over. And when towing the full 3.5 tonnes, you’ve got just over 300kg of payload remaining. This is something that many people don’t understand.
While I didn’t get the opportunity to tow i could tell from the sheer torque and power under the bonnet it would be a good tow vehicle.
TDI580 Amarok Highline Black Safety
Amarok is full of safety features including:
- Driver and front passenger airbags
- Driver and front passenger side (head & thorax) airbags
Brakes and Traction Control
- Automatic flashing brake lights activated in emergency braking situation
- Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP)
- Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist
- Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)
- Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
- Auto Hold function
- Trailer Sway Stability Control (only with genuine tow bar wiring kit)
- Mechanical Differential Lock
- Multi-collision brake
- Active Roll-over Prevention
Driver Assistance Technology
- Off-road mode with optimised ABS, ESP, transmission and hill decent control
- Parking distance sensors, rear with acoustic warning
- Parking distance sensors, front and rear with acoustic warning
- Optical Parking System (OPS) in radio/navigation display
- Rear View Camera (RVC)
- Dusk sensing headlight function
- Rain sensing wipers
TDI580 Amarok Highline Black Summary
Amarok 580 Highline brings a strong individualistic sense of character to the table, while not as popular as other major current brands on the market, it’s safe to say in my time i had with this particular model i am now an enthusiastic fan!
At a starting price of $64,990 MLP* the TDI580 Amarok Highline Black has made a bold splash into the aussie duel cab ute market.
Interestingly enough i found the engine and performance of this vehicle to be my standout focus point as compared to the past where i obsess over the interior and other ergonomic features,
With amazing acceleration and superb handling (for a Ute) it’s safe to say i had a whole lot of fun in this vehicle.
With a fairly high price mark im not sure if having a great engine and performance is exactly what most practical minded dual cab buyers want for this price but for more flashy frivolous urbanites they will have loads of fun with plenty of style and sophistication to boot as well!
Also Look At
What’s good?
- Engine
- Ride and Handling
- Style
What’s not so good?
- Rear seat leg room
- Expensive
- No curtain airbags
Model: VW Amarok TDi 580 Highline Black
- Model Price: $64,990 MLP*
- Engine: 3.0L V6 TDi
- Drivetrain: 4MOTION 8 speed Auto
- Power: 190 kW @ 4,500 rpm
- Torque: 580 Nm @ 1,400 – 3,000 rpm
- Safety: TBA ANCAP
- CO2 Emissions: 234 g/km
- Economy ADR: 8.9 L/100km
- Tow Capacity: 3500 kg
- Tow Ball Rating: 300 kg
- Payload: 871 kg
- Servicing: Capped Price
- Warranty: 5yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. conditional roadside assist
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
Overall Rating 84/100
- Behind the Wheel 8
- Comfort 8
- Equipment 8
- Performance 9
- Ride & Handling 9
- Practicality 8
- Fit for Purpose 9
- Towing Ability 9
- Payload Capacity 8
- Value for Money 8
VW Amarok TDi 580 Highline Black
Summary
Amarok 580 Highline brings a strong individualistic sense of character to the table, while not as popular as other major current brands on the market, it’s safe to say in my time i had with this particular model i am now an enthusiastic fan!
With a fairly high price mark im not sure if having a great engine and performance is exactly what most practical minded dual cab buyers want for this price but for more flashy frivolous urbanites they will have loads of fun with plenty of style and sophistication to boot as well!
