VOLKSWAGEN'S capable Amarok pick-up truck is to get an injection of muscle.

The Amarok set to gain a bigger ‘heart' and enhance its performance potential thanks to the latest generation of Volkswagen's 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines.

Drivers of the Amarok can look forward to an additional litre of displacement offered by the 3.0-litre engine, while the pick-up will continue to boast impressive on as well as off-road capability.

The new engine will deliver 550 Nm of torque and has an output of 224ps.

The new V6 diesel for the Amarok meets the requirement for high torque at low engine speeds. The powerful top-of-the-line six-cylinder engine produces its maximum torque at only 1,500 rpm. At 550 Nm, the maximum torque is also 130 Nm higher than in the previous model.

The highest gear's long ratio in the manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox reduces revs and fuel consumption during brisk driving, helping to ensure low noise levels and COemissions.

The combined NEDC fuel consumption of the new V6 Amarok auto is expected to be around 37 mpg.. This corresponds to a new top level CO2 figure of 199g/km.

The new Amarok V6 diesel will also be available in two lover power levels of 163ps and 204ps.

All comply with the latest Euro 6 emissions standard and the most powerful 224ps variant will be offered first, arriving in September.

Three different drive-systems 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 automatic gearbox.

A new Servotronic steering system will be fitted as standard equipment. and the truck has 17-inch brake discs on the front axle and 16-inch discs at the rear.

VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System - designed to stop a vehicle careering out of control following an impact - is also included as standard.

The more powerful diesel is being introduced as the same time as the Amarok gets a major facelift with sharper lines and a redesigned interior complete with ergonomic seats to offer greater support.