Volkswagen introduces Special Edition Amarok models

The Volkswagen Amarok was introduced about ten years ago and has grown in popularity since, here in South Africa.

November 1, 2019

Justin Jacobs 2 minutes read

Volkswagen has also recently announced a partnership with the Ford Motor Company that will see a joint venture between the Amarok and Ranger. While the negotiations are being finalised Volkswagen has decided to introduce two special editions which I got to experience in the Eastern Cape recently.

The Dark Label:

The Amarok Dark label features a few visual additions over the standard vehicle which includes items such as blacked-out side-mirrors, black door handles and bespoke Rawson 18-inch wheels. Other items include blacked-out B-pillars, black side sills and ‘Dark Label’ decals on the lower rear doors. The car also features bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights as well as front and rear park distance control.

Inside the Dark Label, you will find a classy interior that features quality fit and finish and is, in my opinion, the most premium interior within the segment. The roof liner is also finished in black which works well with the black leather seats. On the tech side of things, the car is fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports smartphone connectivity such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Under the bonnet of the Dark Label is the brands impressive 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine which develops 132 kW and 420 N.m of torque. The car features an eight-speed automatic gearbox which sends power to all four wheels via a 4Motion system which works well with a clever off-road system that can distribute power to the wheels with the most grip.

The Canyon

Volkswagen also took the opportunity to introduce the Canyon model. This special edition Amarok also features some visual additions like its Dark Label sibling, however, it also features a bespoke colour called Honeycomb Orange which is only available on the Canyon model. Other additions include black wheel arches, black door handles as well as canyon decals long the lower front doors. The car sits on bespoke 17-inch rims which, if I’m honest look too small for what is a rather big vehicle.

Inside, the car features the same facia design as that in the Dark Label with the same sense of quality throughout. The Canyon features partial leather trim seats with honey orange stitching as well as the same infotainment system as the Dark Label with integrated rear-view camera which helps when parking the rather large Amarok.

The Canyon is powered by the brands impressive 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 engine which develops 165 kW and 550 N.m. This motor also features an over-boost which sees power increase to 180 kW and torque to 580 N.m for about 10 seconds, helpful when overtaking. Power is also sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Like the Dark Label, the Canyon also features a clever off-road system that helps the car navigate relatively demanding obstacles without the need for a low-range transfer case.