Whilst Northstar Volkswagen staff won't be the first to experience the new automatic transmission for Amarok - reserved for a selected few dealers who won a VW competition last year, everyone is waiting with bated breath for the next incantation of Volkswagen's Amarok.
 

The upgrade later this year will complete the range with single cab variants, cab chassis versions and an 8 Speed auto transmission. The 8 speed, as fitted to the Touareg isn't a DSG (double clutch manual) auto transmission,  as it's probably considered not strong enough (read durable) to take the 132kw/420nm engine output, nor would it be suitable for mining and off road interests.

VW Amarok adds new engines and body
By Carsguide team

The dual-cab is about to match an eight-speed automatic with the new 132kW/420Nm turbodiesel.

A workmate body and two new engines are expanding the Volkswagen Amarok’s base model.

The dual-cab range will be joined by a $29,990 cab-chassis option, which Volkswagen says will give more scope to adapt the Amarok in specialised use for fleets and farms.

The entry-level two-wheel drive takes the fuel miser level down to 7.4L/100 with the TDI340, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel developing 103kW of power at 3750rpm and 340Nm of torque between 1750-2250rpm.

The petrol addition is the 2.0-litre TSI300 - $30,590 in dual-cab version - which develops 118kW of power at 3750rpm and 300 Nm of torque from a low 1600rpm, with fuel economy claimed at 9.6L/100 km on the combined cycle.

Both engines are mated only to a six-speed manual transmission. But there’s good news for auto fans further up the range. The dual-cab is about to match an eight-speed automatic with the new 132kW/420Nm turbodiesel with 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive system.

Inside the cabin, the feature list has grown to include daytime running lights standard across the range, a multifunction steering wheel as an option on base model and Trendline and standard on Highline and Ultimate models – with the latter also getting heated seats.