Ready to Roc! New VW Amarok will battle for bragging rights with Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux as V6 diesel confirmed

The incoming Volkswagen Amarok has been designed as a load-lugging powerhouse, with the Ford Ranger sibling to carry up to 1.2 tonnes in its tray - and support heavy loads when off-roading, too.

The latest in the drip feed of product news from Volkswagen - which includes a picture of the Amarok's new and name-embossed tray - points to the ute's suitability for work or play, confirming a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and the ability to carry up to 1.2 tonnes.

"Pick-ups are true transportation marvels, which is why in many regions of the world it is unimaginable not to have them around as load carriers – be that in the commercial sector or for people with big hobbies," says Volkswagen.

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"Depending on model and specification, large loads of up to 1.2 tonnes can be accommodated behind the tailgate in the new Amarok’s cargo box. A supreme maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes can now likewise be produced via more engine/gearbox variants."

The Amarok, which will be revealed in July, is expected to be offered in Australia exclusively in dual-cab guise, and we now know it will be offering a beefy V6 diesel, too. A new image released by VW overnight confirms it, showing the Amarok's rear tray with a V6 logo stamped on it.

The VW Amarok's tray confirms its V6 engine

“We have such a history with the V6 - we’re the only one on the market now that has it. We’ve got a lot of buyers out there that will be chomping at the bit to change over to a new V6, or even get the last of the current V6," Volkswagen Commercial director, Ryan Davies, Davies told us recently.

While VW is yet to confirm outputs, Ford's new Ranger Wildtrak, Sport and XLT get a diesel V6, with outputs pegged at 184kW/600Nm, while its flagship Ranger Raptor scores a potent 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6.