Volkswagen has updated its Amarok pick-up model and has moved right-hand drive production to Hanover, where it will now be built in the same factory as the Transporter van.

The updated spec for the big pick-ups includes Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors, heated washer jets, tachograph preparation, cornering fog lights and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Perhaps more usefully, there is a power upgrade for the 163 PS BiTDI engine to 180 PS and  towing limits have been increased from 2,800 kg to 3,000 kg for manual models, while the new eight-speed automatic model boasts an impressively high towing limit of 3,200 kg.

BlueMotion = Green

The other big change is that the Amarok is now available in eco-friendly BlueMotion guise — something that also became available recently on the Transporter.

BlueMotion Technology improves fuel economy and lowers emissions by using low rolling resistance tyres, Stop/Start and regenerative braking.  This means that although the 180 PS BlueMotion Technology is over 10 per cent more powerful than the previous 163 PS model, it is 3.9 per cent more economical, with a combined fuel economy of 37.2 mpg compared to 35.8 mpg.  Better still, emissions drop by 10 g/km to 199 g/km.

Torque for the eight-speed automatic transmission increases from 400 to 420 Nm, delivered at 1,750 rpm.  It is available exclusively as a Highline model with BlueMotion Technology and permanent 4MOTION for a retail price of £25,105 (plus VAT).  It achieves combined fuel economy of 35.3 mpg with emissions of 211 g/km – the same as the standard manual model.

For more information, check out VW’s Facebook page.