VOLKSWAGEN is extending the Amarok pick-up range with the introduction of a manual model.

The new transmission is available on the 204ps V6 diesel Amarok which reduces the entry level price by more than £650 to £25,600, excluding VAT.

Until now, the Amarok has been available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive.

The new model, available in Trendline trim, combines a six-speed manual gearbox and at the touch of a button, selectable all-wheel drive, with a drive system that features standard rear-wheel drive and, when required, engages the front axle.

With the manual Amarok an additional off-road gear reduction function permits extreme crawling pace for driving off-road and scaling steep inclines.

It has a combined fuel economy of 32.5 mpg and CO2 emissions of 229g/km. The 0 to 60 acceleration is 8.4 seconds - faster than its automatic counterpart at 9.1 - and a top speed of 119mph compared to 117 for the auto.

However, the automatic is more fuel efficient with emissions of 114g/km and an official return of 36.2mpg.

Weight-wise, the manual 204ps Amarok is slightly lighter and tips the scales at 3,200 kg with a braked trailer weight of 3,000 kg and a payload of 1,050 kg.

The new Amarok is due to be on the road in February 2018 and VW has also announced that a 163ps manual model will be joining the pick-up range early next year.