By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – Volkswagen has put an eight-speed automatic gearbox in the Amarok 4×2 bakkie. Previously, the eight-speed gearbox was only available in the permanent four-wheel drive model.
The 4×2 real-wheel drive model has a combined fuel consumption of 8.2 litres per 100 km and carbon (CO2) emissions of 216 g/km.
The additional gears make it possible to achieve a wider gear ratio spread between the first and eighth gears compared to conventional automatic transmission. As a result, the 132kW 2.0 litre BiTDI engine works more frequently in its optimal torque band. The eighth gear has been configured as a fuel-saving overdrive gear that operates at reduced engine speed.
The 2.0 litre BiTDI has a maximum torque of 420 Newton metres that is available at 1 750 revolutions per minute (rpm). The top speed of 180 km/h is reached in seventh gear. It only takes 10.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.
Standard features in the Amarok Double Cab Automatic include ESP with brake assist and hill start/hill descent assist, ABS including off-road ABS, driver and front passenger airbag, daytime running lights, and rear park distance control. The vehicle comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, Radio/CD (MP3 capable) with six-speakers, Climatronic two-zone air conditioning system, electrically foldable mirrors, storage drawers under front seats, cruise control and 12-volt socket in centre console, dashboard and load box.
The vehicle, priced from N$467 700, comes with a standard three-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, five-year/90 000 km automation service plan and six-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is at 15 000 km.