Second generation Amarok ups the stakes
The first-generation VW Amarok – launched back in 2010 – has built a reputation based on comfort, handling and ability that has led to more 7700 of the vehicles being driven on New Zealand’s roads.
The Amarok 'Aventura' model will hit New Zealand at the end of the year and ought to make it onto the big 'must have' list.
In Herne Bay or in the South Island high country, this ute achieves 550Nm torque and 165kW at its highest power output level. It can reach a top speed of 193km/h and accelerate 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds!
The Amarok is an attractive alternative thanks to its high seat position, good all-round visibility and quality interior.
This facelift Amarok sports new electrically adjustable ergoComfort seats for the driver and front-seat passenger, giving plenty of head and legroom. The optional electric 14-way driver and front passenger seats can be individually adjusted to suit personal body size, offer nappa leather seat covers, contrasting stitching and additional seat heating.
A redesigned instrument panel has new architecture making displays more striking and pronounced, and multiple storage compartments making life easier for the passengers.
The multifunction steering wheel makes it easier for the driver to operate the radio, telephone or multifunction display.
The Aventura launch model comes with a colour 3D display between the classic round instruments. The driver can use the new, optional paddle switches on the steering wheel to control the 8-speed automatic transmission.
At the very top of the centre console, directly in the driver's field of vision, the infotainment system allows ergonomic operation and features App Connect and Electric Voice Amplification makes talking during the journey easier: the hands-free microphone amplifies the voice signals so that the driver, for instance, no longer needs to turn to face rear passengers or raise his voice. Passengers in the back seat hear via the rear loudspeakers.
Air-conditioning system, Bluetooth connection and up to four 12V power supply sockets are also included.
Pricing and specification for New Zealand will be released in the coming months and Volkswagen NZ expects to have this updated Amarok in showrooms from the end of the year.
Minister of Conservation Hon Tama Potaka has appointed Susan O'Regan as Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust (QEII) for a three-year term.
Red meat farmers are welcoming Labour’s plan to review the Emissions Trading Scheme and not to campaign on pricing agricultural emissions.
Where any worker in the kiwifruit industry is mistreated, we expect the authorities to take action.
Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers arable chair, Bevan Lill, said Beef + Lamb NZ data indicated that for the last six years, the average arable return on investment was about 0.8% while inflation ran about 4% - so the average arable farm was going backwards at about 3% a year.
Seed and grain companies share the concerns of arable farmers about the viability of their sector, says Seed and Grain New Zealand chief executive Dr Sarah Clark.
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) says unnecessary changes to New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) will seriously erode investor confidence and result in significant reductions in forest planting rates.

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