SSA bakkie Manufacturers love releasing special editions. Meant to maintain consumer interest, VW offers the “Dark Label” in its Amarok range.
Though the Amarok is more than 10 years old, VW has in a way kept it fresh with a facelift and a host of limited edition. The Dark Label is mainly a styling package with some dark themed styling cues. Quite a few styling cues, we’re talking tinted rear windows, blacked out B-Pillars, smoked taillights, black side sills, black styling bar, black door handles, mirrors, and bumper. To complete the package, it features a unique set of 18-inch Rawson alloy wheels.
The best thing about this bakkie is that it drives like a normal passenger car. The ride quality is superb and steers beautifully.
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Inside
The cabin is quite roomy. It’ll easily accommodate 5 large passengers in comfort thanks to comfy Vienna leather seats with the front passenger receiving heated seats for the crispy winter days (optional winter package). We do want to point out though that we found that the Isuzu X-Rider has a bit more rear legroom. It has some good soft touch surfaces and employs some high-quality plastics. Standard features include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and rear park distance control, tyre pressure monitor, and multi-function steering wheel. Our test unit was fitted with optional extras such as VW’s Discover Media infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climatronic air-conditioning, and rear view camera.
The best thing about this bakkie is that it drives like a normal passenger car. The ride quality is superb and steers beautifully. Power comes from a 2.0 BiTDi engine that produces 132kW and 420Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via 8-speed DSG transmission. VW claims the Dark Label will average 8.5 l/100km, we did a best of 9.2 l/100km.
Verdict
The Dark Label is a solid package from VW. It looks good, drives beautifully and has the right amount of power. We’re sure the next generation will live up to the standard it currently holds.
Price: Starts from R 695 800
