The Ultimate 'Rok

VW’s New Amarok Ultimate 580 Is The Most Powerful Workhorse Yet From The German Marque.

- Justin Walker

THE Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate 580 is the German brand’s entrant into the fast-growing premium 4x4 dual-cab ute market, up against the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota Hilux Rugged X, HSV Colorado SportsCat+ and upcoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class X350d.

The Ultimate 580 is powered by a turbo-diesel V6 that produces 190kW and a heady 580Nm, with VW pitching it as a ‘performance vehicle’. The Amarok was already the most powerful dual-cab ute on the market in its 165kW/550Nm (TDI550) form, and this new engine puts it even further ahead of competitors in the outright grunt stakes.

POWER PLAY

AT $71,990 the Ultimate 580 sits near the top end of the dual-cab market pricing wise, with only the Ranger Raptor ($74,490) and the upcoming Benz X-Class X350d (expected to be around $80K) for company.

It’s a fair chunk of cash but, as you’d expect, the Ultimate is loaded with a high level of standard equipment – the only option is metallic paint, at $610. On top of that monster V6 engine, other Ultimate 580only kit includes 20-inch alloy wheels, black Nappa leather 14-way electric-adjust seats, a black roof lining and a different styling treatment for the front end.