The new 3.0-litre unit replaces the previous two-litre diesel and is available in three variants – 163hp, 204hp and 224hp, offering up to 550Nm. The engine is available in manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox versions and should bring a combined NEDC fuel consumption in automatic version of 7.6 litres/100 km and 199g/km according to test data.

Towing capacity is also revised for the new model and increases to up to 3.5 tonnes.

Three different drive-system versions will be offered in line with the respective engine variants: a traditional rear-wheel drive, and a 4MOTION version with either rear-wheel drive and an engageable front axle in combination with a manual gearbox, or with a permanent all-wheel drive system and a Torsen differential with the 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Servotronic steering system is new in the Amarok and will be available as standard equipment in Europe.

The launch model – which will be marketed in Europe as the Amarok Aventura – brings a new body-coloured sports bar that  extends over a small part of the 2.52 m² load platform inside the cargo compartment.

Minor exterior styling tweaks include LED daytime running lights and optional 20-inch alloy wheel. Other changes include new 17-inch brake discs on the front axle of the range-topping Amarok and 16-inch discs at the rear. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is also included as standard.

The new model is expected to go on before the end of 2016.