What's the news?
Volkswagen is trying to inject some designer-label glamour into its pick-up truck with the Amarok Dark Label, a run of 300 vehicles with matt black detailing. The Dark Label goes on sale on 22nd September with prices starting at £26,125 plus VAT.
Exterior
A special, UV resistant, anthracite-coloured finish is applied to the Amarok's load area and three body colours are offered: black, silver and grey. Extended wheel arches accommodate the black, 18-inch 'Durban' alloy wheels. Further black detailing includes the combined sidebar and footstep, plus black foil on the B-pillar, rear bumper and door handles. To complete the package there is an underride guard below the front bumper and the tail lamps have a dark tint.
Interior
The Amarok Black Label is not somewhere to wear dirty work clothes and boots with its anthracite coloured Alcantara upholstery and velour floor mats. Other features include a multi-function steering wheel, satellite navigation with a six-inch colour touchscreen and Bluetooth.
Mechanicals
Power comes from the top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180hp engine with maximum torque of up to 420Nm. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic is available for an extra £1,730. The automatic comes with BlueMotion Technology (low-rolling resistance tyres, stop-start and regenerative braking) to improve fuel economy and cut emissions. Combined cycle fuel economy is the same regardless of transmission at 34.4mpg with a difference of just 1g/km in the CO2 emissions - 216g/km for the manual and 215g/km for the automatic.
Anything else?
Like any fashion item it is possible to accessorise the Amarok with a selection of special, Dark Label options, such as a cover for the load area, chrome door handles and roof-mounted auxiliary lights.
John Lambert - 10 Sep 2014