VW Amarok V6 manual 2020 pricing and specs detailed: Powered-up dual-cab aims up at Ford Ranger

The first ever Volkswagen Amarok V6 manual has arrived in Australia, with the brand’s powerhouse engine finally mated to a stick shift and proper low-range transfer case.

The new model is expected to be offered in the Core trim level only, with the so-called TDI500 4Motion manual variant priced at $49,590 before on-road costs.

It makes use of a less-powerful version of the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine than the auto models, as you may have guessed from its TDI500 moniker (the powered-up auto models bear the TDI550 or TDI580 badge, reflecting their respective torque outputs).

The engine used here has 165kW of power (at 4500rpm) and 500Nm of torque (from 1250-3000rpm), which is still more than the Ford Ranger Bi-turbo four-cylinder (157kW/500Nm), but it is lower than any of the other V6 diesel options currently on the market.

The dual-cab four-wheel drive ute will use a six-speed manual transmission, and unlike the auto versions of the Amarok, it will have a dual-range transfer case with 2H, 4H and 4L low-range gearing.

Fuel consumption for the TDI500 is rated at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres, and it runs an 80-litre fuel tank.

The Core model is a work-focused version of the Amarok, meaning it has hard-wearing interior trim and a vinyl floor covering, though you still get a leather-bound steering wheel. It doesn’t miss out on media tech, with a 6.3-inch media screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a six-speaker sound system.

Optionally available is a pack with rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights and lumbar adjustment for both front seats. Unlike some of its rivals, it comes with a locking rear differential as standard, plus it has an off-road mode with hill descent control and specific settings for the ABS brakes and stability control. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare.

Safety for the Amarok Core includes a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, dual front and front-side airbags (no curtain airbags) and there is no advanced safety kit like auto emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping or blind spot monitoring.

We will be driving the Amarok V6 manual in the new year, so stay tuned for a detailed review.