Frankfurt motor show - The Amarok one-tonner is strikingly unusual by Volkswagen standards in that it came out of South America - where it was developed as a seriously tough workhorse - to create a niche for itself in the European market, not traditionally a happy hunting ground for bakkies.
Now VW is celebrating that breakout performance with an eye-catching 'Euro Edition' - the special-trim Dark Label model.
Based on the Trendline specification, the first things you notice about the Dark Label Amarok are its black-finished 18" 'Durban' alloy rims, set off by dark-tinted side and rear windows, blacked-out B pillars and smoked tail lights.
DISTINCTLY UPMARKET
Door handles, mirror housings, rear bumper and sill tubes are all finished in glossy black, while the front bash-plate is contrasted by its silver finish. A polyurethane load-bed lining - in black, of course - is standard issue.
Cabin trim is distinctly upmarket with alcantara upholstery, velour floor mats with the Dark Label logo, an RCD 310 radio with satellite controls on the multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats and heated windscreen-washer nozzles.
The Amarok Dark Label will only be available as a double cab but can be ordered with either two-litre turbodiesel option (103 or 132kW) and any drivetrain version - rear-wheel drive, switchable all-wheel drive or permanent all-wheel drive. Euro prices start at €36 271 (R481 000) for the 103kW TDI with rear-wheel drive, with first deliveries scheduled for the beginning of 2014.
We're waiting on a reply from VWSA as to whether the Amarok Dark Label will be released in South Africa - but at that price, don’t hold your breath.