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The masterminds behind a few of Australia’s best efficiency vehicles have been at it once more, although their latest efficiency mannequin is not actually a automotive in any respect.
The Volkswagen Amarok W600 is the most recent creation by Victorian-based automotive agency Walkinshaw, and the second iteration of a regionally tuned efficiency model of the German model’s ute.
The transient was to create the “ultimate driver’s ute” centred round on-road prowess somewhat than off-road functionality, very like the primary Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok, the W580 that launched in 2021. A key distinction is that the brand new Amarok relies on the Ford Ranger, not like Volkswagen’s in-house first-gen ute.
Walkinshaw achieved this by growing a vastly overhauled suspension setup. At the center of all of it are new Koni ‘Frequency Selective Dampers’ with bespoke valve tuning, whereas a rear sway bar has been added to enhance the leaf-sprung rear axle.
It additionally developed new 20×10-inch alloy wheels and fitted them with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres, giving the Amarok a wider observe, whereas retuning the steering to go well with. Walkinshaw says all components had been designed to work in concord, making a complete handling-focused package deal.
Of course, there have been some beauty tweaks to match. Most apparent is a brand new entrance bumper with a brand new grille, the latter incorporating a light-weight bar for a novel entrance lighting signature.
There are additionally new exterior badges and minor elaborations inside, whereas new power-retractable aspect steps and twin side-exit exhaust suggestions behind the right-hand rear wheel spherical out the package deal.
It’s actually a particular look, however to see how every little thing has come collectively, Volkswagen invited media to Tasmania to pattern the W600 on a number of the roads used throughout growth. This follows a pre-production drive on the Lang Lang Proving Ground earlier this 12 months.
What is Walkinshaw’s latest automobile actually like, and is it really the final word driver’s ute?
How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok price?
Walkinshaw’s newest creation is the Amarok’s new flagship trim, priced at $91,990 earlier than on-road prices.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TSI452 Style dual-cab pickup | $73,740 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 Style dual-cab pickup | $73,740 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 Style Tray dual-cab/chassis | $77,740 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 Dark Label dual-cab pickup | $77,990 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 PanAmericana dual-cab pickup | $78,990 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 Aventura dual-cab pickup | $82,990 |
| 2027 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 W600 dual-cab pickup | $91,990 |
Given the W600’s distinctive providing, direct rivals are restricted, so we have recognized two that appear probably the most related.
One is the Isuzu D-Max Blade, one other Walkinshaw creation however as an alternative constructed to maximise off-road functionality. It’s priced at $80,900 earlier than on-road prices, roughly $8000 greater than the next-dearest D-Max.
The different is the Ford Ranger Raptor. It has the identical fundamental underpinnings because the W600, however packs a vastly extra highly effective twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and motorsport-inspired adaptive off-road suspension, amongst different upgrades. It at present prices $90,690 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What is the Volkswagen Amarok like on the within?
Aside from a number of minor additions, the W600’s inside is an identical to that of the common Amarok.
The solely Walkinshaw-flavoured additions inside are the headrest logos, metallic door scuff plates, branded ground mats, and stainless sports activities pedals. Oh, and you’ll’t overlook the power-retractable aspect steps serving to you get out and in.
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Other than that, although, nothing signifies that you simply’re in a Walkinshaw automobile when you’re within the driver’s seat. That is not the top of the world given this venture is concentrated on the driving expertise, and it is not instantly apparent the place additional elaborations may very well be utilized anyway.
So, the W600’s inside feels upmarket relative to many different dual-cabs, because the common Amarok already does. It’s visually tidy, whereas its structure feels logical – the Volkswagen pores and skin utilized to the inside tech additionally appears a lot sharper than what Ford gives.
That mentioned, there’s an excessive amount of scratchy black plastic on the perimeters of the centre console and dashboard. Something leather-like would’ve been nice, notably the place your knees go.
There’s additionally wood-look panelling scattered round, which neither appears nor feels unbelievable. Nitpicks, certain, however this is not an affordable automobile; luckily, there are nonetheless extra premium inclusions to be discovered elsewhere.
While Volkswagen identified that the W600 is technically primarily based on the range-opening Style, it is a closely ‘up-spec’ model with loads of options seen larger within the Amarok pecking order. As such, it is fitted with plush Savona leather-based upholstery and options very punchy Harman Kardon audio.
Things like this are clear indicators that you’re in a premium-leaning automobile. It helps that the Amarok is already very nicely geared up too, notably after the lineup modifications earlier this 12 months, which suggests no variant feels really bog-standard.
The tech is due to this fact a spotlight. We’ve talked about that every one the digital themes look wonderful, however it’s additionally good that every little thing is simple sufficient to determine. The instrument show, for instance, gives a tidy look with a number of completely different layouts to flick via utilizing the steering wheel buttons.
The infotainment system is rather less intuitive, notably as a result of it incorporates the local weather management system and gives no bodily buttons as options. This makes it fiddly to make use of on the transfer, even when fundamental local weather features can be found in an always-on ribbon on the backside of the display screen.
Wireless smartphone mirroring continues to be commonplace, and we had no connectivity points in the course of the launch occasion. Those preferring a wired connection can use the USB ports within the cubby beneath the display screen, which can be the place you may discover a wi-fi telephone charger and the ute’s trailer brake controller.
We may also commend the Amarok’s high-quality inside fittings. The leather-based wrap on the shifter and small-ish, skinny steering wheel feels good to the contact, and the inclusion of bodily buttons on the centre stack, centre console, and steering wheel is all the time a bonus.
We additionally discovered it to be fairly comfy. The seats are well-bolstered but delicate sufficient to be pleasing in day by day driving, and it is easy to get into a superb driving place with the broad vary of ergonomic adjustment on supply.
Storage-wise, the W600 is as sturdy as any Amarok. There’s that aforementioned cubby forward of the gear selector, and behind it are properly sized cupholders and an honest central storage field. The latter is discovered underneath the excessive, padded armrest between the entrance seats.
On the passenger aspect, in the meantime, is similar two-tier glovebox we have come to count on from Volkswagen’s ute. It’s all pretty well-considered, and it is maybe a superb factor that Walkinshaw hasn’t compromised on the Amarok’s inside strengths – even when it is not notably particular.
Moving to the second row reveals a tighter area than you would possibly count on. The boxy physique means there is a comfy quantity of headroom, however legroom is actually on the conservative aspect. The black headliner would not assist with the notion of area, both.
Still, it will be comfy sufficient for youngsters, and adults can little doubt make the flat bench work if want be. Volkswagen’s inclusion of an enormous array of map pockets makes the realm only a tad extra workable, whilst you nonetheless get the standard fold-down central armrest, air vents, and energy retailers.
That’s all unchanged for the W600, as is the bathtub out again. The load space is definitely barely longer total than its Ranger donor automobile, regardless of the Amarok being shorter total, and there is a wholesome variety of tie-down factors to assist preserve issues from sliding about.
A drop-in tub liner is commonplace, however a tonneau cowl shouldn’t be. Buyers can choose to have an electrical curler cowl put in for $3450, which is the one choice obtainable for the W600.
An fascinating statement is that whereas the tailgate is claimed to have “Tailgate Lift Assist”, it would not look like damped. That means it will crash down in the event you do not maintain it whereas it is opening, which looks like an odd oversight.
A full-size spare continues to be mounted beneath the bathtub, and poking your head beneath the automobile will reveal the Lapiz Blue suspension dampers and 22mm rear sway bar.
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Amarok W600 |
|---|---|
| Length | 5350mm |
| Width | 1985mm |
| Height | 1886mm |
| Wheelbase | 3270mm |
| Tub size (at ground) | 1544mm |
| Tub width (at ground) | 1224mm |
| Tub depth | 529mm |
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
Mechanically, the W600 is an identical to the common Amarok TDI600. It’s powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 184kW of energy and 600Nm of torque, with drive despatched to a full-time four-wheel drive system through a 10-speed automated transmission.
| Specifications | Volkswagen Amarok TDI600 W600 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L turbo-diesel V6 |
| Power | 184kW |
| Torque | 600Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed auto |
| Drive sort | Full-time four-wheel drive with low vary |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 8.4L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 222g/km |
| Fuel tank | 80L |
| Tare mass | 2396kg |
| Payload | 954kg |
| Braked towing capability | 3500kg |
| Gross automobile mass (GVM) | 3350kg |
| Gross mixture mass (GCM) | 6400kg |
Media, together with CarExpert, have been fast to ask why a sportier engine wasn’t carried out, such because the ‘TSI452’ 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Volkswagen cited the diesel V6’s stability between efficiency and ute functionality (towing, payload, and so forth.) as a key motive why.
Indeed, the W600 has the identical 3.5-tonne towing capability as the remainder of the vary, whereas sustaining a comparatively excessive payload of 954kg. For context, the TSI452 Style has the identical towing determine, whereas the very best payload determine belongs to the TDI600 PanAmericana with 985kg.
But for efficiency context, the TSI452 2.3-litre turbo four-cylinder gives 222kW of energy and 452Nm of torque. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol Raptor, in the meantime, produces 292kW and 583Nm, however has a lowered towing capability of 2500kg.
We did not get sufficient driving time in different environments throughout Volkswagen’s launch occasion to document a consultant real-world gas financial system determine. That mentioned, one W600 was displaying a consumption determine of roughly 10.5L/100km on the occasion’s conclusion.
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Volkswagen Amarok drive?
For the prolonged teaser marketing campaign and the hype constructed up across the W600, we anticipated slightly extra.
Don’t get us incorrect – it is basically a superb ute, and the Amarok is a really sturdy platform to have began with. Media have lengthy regarded this and the Ranger because the dual-cab phase leaders for consolation and refinement, so it is logical to suppose that it may gain advantage from sharper dealing with as nicely.
And that is precisely what the W600 supplies. It’s an evolution of a ute that was already fairly good on the street, and the modifications that Walkinshaw has carried out are instantly apparent when you begin transferring.
The firmer suspension setup makes it really feel assured and planted, a trait that instantly contradicts the wobbly character of most ladder-frame dual-cabs. When the bends arrive, the W600 behaves with such composure that you simply virtually must rewire your mind to get probably the most out of it.
We’re assured there is not any different dual-cab with as little physique roll because the W600, permitting it to hold critical pace down twisty roads the place different utes must drop nicely beneath the pace restrict. It’s additionally a weird sensation to hurtle in the direction of a hairpin bend in a tall ute, however you may belief it will stick.
We don’t doubt that that is in no small half due to the brand new rear sway bar. Contrary to some earlier reviews, the W600 does retain a entrance sway bar, and it is clear Walkinshaw’s new 22mm rear bar works very nicely with Volkswagen’s manufacturing facility {hardware}. The automobile feels extremely well-balanced.
There’s additionally the Michelin rubber, particularly the Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres which might be confirmed to be a top quality set of trainers. It takes a good bit to search out the restrict of traction, even when understeer is, after all, nonetheless doable, but sturdy cornering grip stays an simple spotlight.
Rounding it off is sweet steering, which is properly weighted and communicative sufficient for this utility. There’s no concern putting the automotive on the street, and also you typically have a superb understanding of what the entrance wheels are doing as you steer.
Unfortunately, that is realistically all of the W600 has to offer. The issue is that whereas its dealing with is genuinely superb, the remainder of the package deal hasn’t modified sufficient to maintain up, which is able to probably go away potential patrons wanting extra for the almost $100,000 they’d be forking over.
Some of these shortcomings really arrive as a aspect impact of the brand new suspension, as a result of the W600 has misplaced the compliance that makes the common Amarok commendable. What you achieve in stability and dealing with, you lose in trip consolation.
It’s agency for regular driving, and it exacerbates the taut ladder-frame construction beneath. It actually is not nervous, and it appears to deal with street imperfections moderately nicely, however it lacks the general high quality we might need from a automobile at this worth level.
It’s doable {that a} true adaptive setup – versus the Koni ‘frequency selective dampers’ that adapt to the street circumstances on their very own – might present a greater compromise between on a regular basis consolation and sharp dealing with.
We already know that Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive suspension setup obtainable on different fashions is genuinely superb, and it may very well be a worthwhile addition to this specific Amarok. We daren’t consider what that might do to its price ticket, although.
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But arguably our greatest bugbear issues the engine. It’s a disgrace Volkswagen opted for the diesel V6, as a result of whereas it is true to the primary iteration of the Walkinshaw Amarok, it would not match the sporty character that the W600 goes for.
Like the bottom Amarok, the V6 is a superb powerplant straight out of the field. It’s punchy, good at ‘ute stuff’, and one of many foremost causes you’d purchase a Ranger or Amarok within the first place – however nobody has ever known as it a efficiency engine.
Off the road, it pulls away with respectable power. The 600Nm of torque isn’t any small quantity, and it might probably simply overpower rear-wheel traction in the event you’re notably sharp on the throttle. Switching to the full-time ‘4A’ four-wheel drive mode helps with total traction, which stays a drawcard of this platform.
It simply lacks that vigorous, sports-car character that makes you need to lay on the throttle with the home windows down on a wide-open street. We’re not asking for an HSV-style V8 or the Raptor engine, however one thing with a bit extra life, just like the TSI452 2.3-litre turbo-four, would’ve been super.
At least the dual-tip side-exit exhaust – a dual-pipe setup from solely the resonator again – offers the clattery diesel a barely meatier sound, which we discovered to be fairly tasteful volume-wise.
Then there are the brakes, which have not been upgraded as a part of the Walkinshaw conversion. While that does not sound ultimate, the reality is that they are fantastic and appeared to carry up nicely to barely tougher driving. Fixed calipers are nonetheless higher for any sporty utility, and a brake improve is one thing the W600 might get sooner or later.
Everything else is pretty much as good because the Amarok ever was. The 10-speed transmission stays a superb associate for the V6, as it might probably preserve ultimate RPM for torque whereas shifting easily and persistently. It should still take a second to kick down when accelerating, and it may be pretty busy because it rows via the gears.
We additionally really feel the W600 might do with a devoted ‘Sport’ mode to whip the transmission into form for performance-oriented driving. We’re advised that that is one thing Volkswagen wished however could not make occur – apparently Towing mode is an efficient compromise for holding gears longer.
Refinement stays stable, with street noise nicely managed. Keep in thoughts that these 20-inch alloys aren’t the biggest wheels obtainable throughout the Amarok lineup, and the opposite large-wheeled grades get barely noisier all-terrains.
As for the protection tech, there was no compromise. No security techniques make themselves identified, apart from the lane-keep help that’ll gently tug on the wheel in the event you get too near the lane markings. Even then, it is easy to disable.
So, in easiest phrases, the W600 is a really sharp ute and – in our opinion – by far the phase chief for dealing with. We simply suppose there’s extra potential right here, a lot of which may very well be unlocked by a special engine with far sportier intent.
| Off-road dimensions | Volkswagen Amarok W600 |
|---|---|
| Track entrance and rear | 1660mm |
| Ground clearance | 237mm |
| Approach angle | 30.0º |
| Departure angle | 25.6º |
| Ramp breakover angle | 22.0º |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
To see how the Volkswagen Amarok stacks up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
There are actually 5 trim ranges within the Australian Amarok lineup.
2027 Volkswagen Amarok Style tools highlights:
- 18-inch ‘Amadora’ diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory Highway-Terrain tyres
- Full-size spare wheel
- ‘Standard’ twin-tube entrance suspension dampers
- Auto IQ. Light Matrix LED headlights
- LED tail lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding heated aspect mirrors
- Puddle lamps
- Chrome exterior accents
- Chrome aspect steps
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Stitched leather-look dashboard and door trim
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped gear selector
- Black/gray ArtVelour microfleece upholstery
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 8-way guide entrance passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- 12.3-inch digital instrument show
- 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Satellite navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- 6-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Rear air vents
- Rear privateness glass
- Chrome sports activities bar
- Tailgate raise help
- Plastic tub liner
- 6 x tub tie-down factors
- 12V energy socket in tub
- Tow bar
- Steel engine and switch case safety
- Keyless entry
- 6 drive modes:
-
- Normal
- Eco
- Slippery
- Mud
- Snow/Sand
- Towing
Amarok Dark Label provides:
- 20-inch ‘Bendigo’ matte black alloy wheels
- Dark smoke halogen tail lights
- ‘X-Design’ black entrance bumper
- Black exterior accents
- Black roof rails
- Black aspect steps
- Dark Label decal pack
- Dark Label-branded carpet ground mats
- Dark Label steering wheel badge
- Black door trim
- Black ArtVelour upholstery
- Black sports activities bar
- Soft tonneau cowl
- Spray-in tub liner
Amarok PanAmericana provides (over Style):
- 18-inch ‘Amadora’ matte black alloy wheels
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain/Sport tyres
- ‘Dynamic’ monotube entrance suspension dampers
- Dark matte gray exterior accents
- Silver roof rails
- Black aspect steps
- PanAmericana decal pack
- Black headliner
- Black/Anthracite/Brown leather-appointed upholstery
- 10-way energy entrance passenger seat
- 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Black sports activities bar
- Soft tonneau cowl
- Spray-in tub liner
The PanAmericana removes the bathtub’s 12V energy socket.
Amarok Aventura provides:
- 21-inch ‘Varberg’ diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Goodyear Wrangler Territory Highway-Terrain tyres
- ‘X-Design’ silver entrance bumper
- Chrome exterior accents
- Chrome aspect steps
- Heated steering wheel
- Black-Grey/Fossil Savona leather-based upholstery
- Body-colour sailplane
- Electric curler cowl
- Plastic mattress liner
- 12V energy socket in tub
Amarok W600 provides:
- 20-inch ‘Walkinshaw’ darkish matte gray alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres
- Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) Koni suspension dampers
- 22mm rear anti-roll bar
- Signature entrance mild bar
- Wide-track mudflaps
- Wide-track fender flares
- ‘Walkinshaw Design’ body-colour entrance bumper
- Gloss black exterior accents
- Black roof rails
- Walkinshaw Shield puddle lamps
- Black power-retractable aspect steps
- Walkinshaw brushed aluminium door sill plates
- Walkinshaw Shield headrest embroidery
- W600-branded carpet ground mats
- Stainless metal sports activities pedals
- Walkinshaw badge pack
- ‘AMAROK’ lettering tailgate decal pack
- 3.5-inch Shadow Chrome twin side-exit exhaust suggestions
The W600 removes the heated steering wheel.
Options
There are only a handful of choices obtainable throughout the Amarok vary, together with an enormous assortment of common ute equipment. It’s price visiting a seller for info on these equipment.
2027 Volkswagen Amarok choices:
- 20-inch ‘Bendigo’ diamond-cut alloy wheels (TSI452 Style solely): $1290
- Electric curler cowl (W600 solely): $3450
Metallic paint choices command a $1100 premium.
To