Special edition Amaroks conquer both on and off-road

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 our opinion, the most premium interior within the segment. The roof liner is also finished in black which compliments the black and grey 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 Volkswagen’s impressive 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This combination develops 132 kW and 420 N.m of torque which is sent to all four wheels via the brand’s 4Motion system and works well with the the clever off-road system that distributes power to the wheels with the most grip.

The Canyon

Volkswagen also took the opportunity to introduce its Canyon model. The special edition Amarok features some visual additions on the exterior and interior which includes a bespoke colour called Honey Orange, only available on the Canyon model. Other changes include black wheel-arches, door handles and canyon decals along the lower section of the front doors. In all four corners, you will find bespoke 17-inch rims which have both exposed alloy and black painted sections for a more dramatic result.

Inside, the car features the same facia design and infotainment system as you would find in the Dark Label and delivers the same features and sense of quality. The Canyon features partial leather trim seats with honey orange stitching which is matched by the orange stitching around the gear selector, steering wheel and orange accents on the seatbelts. 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 the 4Motion system and 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.

The test

Upon receiving the two special editions, we spent a couple of days utilizing the vehicles commuting to the office with an average range of 120km covered each day in both suburban and highway conditions. This was followed by a day in the mud to put the infamous 4Motion systems through their paces and at the conclusion we unsurprisingly determined the Dark Label variant to be the one to go for when you plan to use the bakkie as a daily drive.

While the extra power in the Canyon came in handy when things got a bit tough, the power coming from the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel motor in the Dark Label proved ample for daily use and the odd off-road expedition on the weekend. The Canyon returned an average fuel consumption of 11-L/100km, 2.5-litres more than what the Dark Label returned, this a result of the larger V6 motor which proved to be very helpful while conquering slippery and muddy obstacles and mounds.

Verdict

Although the Amarok has become a familiar face on our roads over the years, for us, it continues to feature high on the list of bakkies to consider when purchasing a vehicle in this segment. If you are one of those people that cover more kilometres towing or driving in the dirt and mud than on public roads, the Canyon, with its very capable 4Motion and clever off-road system, will be a comfortable and confident companion on your adventures. The Dark Label, although very capable off-road, is a proposition for those that want to conquer the concrete jungle with a little extra style without going over the top.

Warranty

Both the Amarok Dark Label and Canyon variants come standard with 3-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, 5-year/90 000 km Genuine Automotion Service Plan and 6-year anti-corrosion warranty.

Pricing

Amarok Dark Label: R695 800

Amarok Canyon: R799 000