Powered by
Subscribe to the only car newsletter you’ll ever need

Volkswagen Amarok 580SE 2020 special edition dual cab packs big power, considerable upgrades

 

Volkswagen has announced a new special edition of its popular Amarok V6 dual cab ute that features a slew of equipment and cosmetic features but will be limited to just 200 units in Australia.

The special edition ute, known as the 2020 Volkswagen Amarok V6 580SE, will set buyers back $67,490 before on-road costs when it officially becomes available to buy in December.

Based on the Highline grade of the Amarok, which sits second from the top of the range, Volkswagen has made the 580SE available in grey, black or white colours while adding a considerable list of extra equipment, including a body-coloured moulded sports bar, 20-inch ‘Talca’ gloss black alloy wheels and black side steps to give the workhorse a more aggressive look.

The Amarok 580SE launches with a specification similar to the Amarok 580S special edition that launched in June of this year – though the 580S was priced at $70,990 before on-road costs. Like the SE, the 580S was based on the flagship Amarok 580 Highline, but it packed extra kit such as a roof mounted light bar with two 86-watt LED lamps and a Premium roll cover finished in black.

The Volkswagen Amarok 2020 580SE in white
The Volkswagen Amarok 2020 580SE in white.

The Amarok 580SE sees its interior upgraded over the Highline grade, sporting seats wrapped in ‘Art Velour’ trim that will provide heating to the front occupants while the headliner and pillar coverings will be finished in black.

For 580SE buyers seeking  a bit more luxury, 14 way heated electric seats trimmed in Vienna leather will be an optional extra – but this choice will set buyers back an extra $3,790.

Adding to the sporty appeal of this special-edition Amarok is a set of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters that link directly to the Amarok’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and eight speed torque converter automatic gearbox. It’s a combination that pumps out 190kW and 580Nm – with 200kW offered on overboost – which gives this six-cylinder ute a 0-100kph time of just 7.3 seconds.

The 580SE features much of the expected usability of a dual-cab, with 4Motion four-wheel-drive and 3,500kg of braked towing capacity, while still being covered by Volkswagen’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty that applies range-wide.

The Volkswagen Amarok 2020 580SE in grey
The Volkswagen Amarok 2020 580SE in grey.

Existing equipment from the Highline includes black-coloured electronically adjustable side mirrors, body coloured wheel arches and a chrome front grille. 

Like other Amarok Highline utes, the 580SE also comes fitted with bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and luxuries such as dual-zone climate control, voice control and a 6.3-inch display with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pre-installed. 

While the Amarok has continued to be a popular choice for Australians, the ute is ageing in the dual-cab segment. First launched in 2011, the Amarok has remained competitive in terms of driving dynamics, but is falling behind rivals on the safety front – with the latest additions to the segment, the 2020 Isuzu D-Max and 2020 Mazda BT-50, packing junction AEB and lane-keeping aids. The Amarok remains one of the few vehicles on sale that does not include rear airbags, as it has been allowed to retain its 2011-era five star crash rating.

2020 volkswagen Amarok 580S 5
Pictured: the Amarok 580S offered earlier in 2020 sported roof-mounted LED spotlights.

An all new Amarok is expected to land in showrooms in 2022 and will share a platform with the new Ford Ranger that is expected to be specced with all the latest safety equipment that will bring it up to par with its competitors.

While the 580SE demands a hefty price for its slew of features those looking to get into the Amarok platform will see the range start with the Amarok TDI400 Core base model for $42,990 driveaway with 4WD and a 2.0L turbo four cylinder diesel engine coupled to an 6-speed manual.

Amarok V6 models kick off at $49,990 driveaway for the V6 Core with 4WD and an 8-speed auto. The top of the range model is the $61,771 Highline 580 which features the same engine with the 8-speed auto, updated interior trim, Discover Media Satellite Navigation and a range of external cosmetic upgrades.