First Drive: 2021 Volkswagen Amarok 190kW
There is no denying that the bakkie culture in South Africa remains a growing phenomenon. Locals cannot help but flock towards it and given the fact that Volkswagen has released the most powerful bakkie to ever brace the South African market, we do not see this demand changing anytime soon. Yes, the highly anticipated Amarok that boasts a whopping 190kW has arrived and we were able to spend a full weekend with this tamed beast.
So, what do you get when you pair one of the most beloved bakkie in SA with an all mighty V6 190kW engine? Well, try pure power. The Amarok Double Cab has always been loved by locals but behind the wheel you may just love it even more. Under the hood, this German titan gets paired with a 3.0 TDI V6 and produces 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque. Volkswagen has claimed that it can complete the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds and given how monstrously quick this bakkie is, we do not doubt it one bit. As standard, the Amarok gets paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox which proves to be smooth enough to tame this tank.
The Amarok has always had the looks so outside, so not too much has changed. The Amarok gets offered in both. Highline and Extreme models. Its colour pallet is something to celebrate too as the Indium Grey metallic is quite stunning to look at. But if this is not your cup of tea then the other exterior paint finishes such as Candy White, Mojave Beige, and Deep Black Pearl Effect may grab your attention.
Inside the Highline model does host a fair number of features as it comes standard with Vienna leather seats, seat heating, and rear Park Distance Control with a rear-view camera, climatronic air-conditioning, as well as the 18-inch Manaus alloy wheels. If you are after the Extreme variant then you will benefit from some further customization as this luxury or top-of-the-range model comes with Special Edition Nappa leather seats, a Discover Pro Media system that includes satellite navigation, and 20-inch Talca alloy wheels.
Overall, the Amarok 190kW is as exciting as we had hoped it would be. Its stylish, comfortable, and made an exceptional ride. On the road it is kind of the bakkie you dream of and if you are a petrol head as much as we are, we guarantee you that its power is certain to raise a few hairs on and off the road. Volkswagen has clearly set the bar for what bakkies can accomplish with the right engineering and we certainly hope to see more like it.
Pricing
Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Highline R908 300
Amarok Double Cab 3.0 V6 190kW Extreme R974 600
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok 190kW cost in South Africa?
The 2021 Volkswagen Amarok 190kW starts from around R899,900 for the Highline model, while the range-topping Extreme variant will set you back approximately R1,049,900, making it one of the pricier bakkies on the South African market but justified by its massive power output.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Amarok 190kW worth buying?
The Amarok 190kW is absolutely worth buying if you need serious pulling power and don't mind paying premium prices, as it delivers 580Nm of torque and genuine performance that leaves most competitors in the dust, though budget-conscious buyers might find better value elsewhere.
Q: How fast is the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok 190kW?
The 2021 Amarok 190kW rockets from 0 to 100kph in just 7.6 seconds according to Volkswagen, making it genuinely quick for a bakkie thanks to its 3.0 TDI V6 engine producing 190kW of power and 580Nm of torque.
Q: What's the difference between Amarok Highline and Extreme models?
The Amarok Highline comes with Vienna leather seats, heated seats, and 18-inch Manaus alloys as standard, while the Extreme variant adds further luxury customisation options and premium features, justifying its higher price tag of around R150,000 more.
Q: What colours does the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok 190kW come in?
The 2021 Amarok 190kW is available in Indium Grey metallic, Candy White, Mojave Beige, and Deep Black Pearl Effect, with the Indium Grey being particularly striking and showing off the bakkie's muscular design lines perfectly.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance bakkie under R1,100,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the 2021 Volkswagen Amarok 190kW. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you need serious power and can afford the premium price tag. At R899,900 for the Highline, it's expensive but delivers genuine performance that no other bakkie in SA can match, with 190kW of grunt making light work of heavy loads and highway overtaking. The Extreme at R1,049,900 pushes into luxury territory, but if you want the most powerful bakkie money can buy locally, this German beast is your only choice. Just make sure your fuel budget can handle its thirst.
