No surprises that in the ute market 4 x 4 versions are the big sellers, last year representing 73 per cent of total ute sales – most dual cabs and most used for work and play given the versatility of the four-door cabin and their car-like creature comforts. Volkswagen’s popular 3.0-litre V6-engined Amarok has been highly successful outselling four-cylinder models but until now only available in eight-speed automatic. Volkswagen Aust, has now answered the call from off-road enthusiasts for a six-speed manual V6 Amarok – priced at $49,950 the manual V6 Amarok Core dual-cab differs from the permanent four-wheel-drive system in the automatic – gaining a selectable engagement of front wheel drive via a switch on the centre console. An off-road mode also provides specially calibrated off road ABS braking and electronic stability control, also activated when 4 x 4 low range is selected. The manual V6 Amarok core with mechanical rear diff lock will no doubt be well received by hard-nosed 4WD enthusiasts.

I’m David Berthon

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