Meet Darth Vader's bakkie

Volkswagen South Africa has jumped onto the black-is-the-new-black bakkie bandwagon by introducing, you guessed it, a black-themed derivative of its Amarok double cab.

Known as the Dark Label, this special edition Amarok follows similar blacked-out efforts from the likes of the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu KB.

Its dramatic exterior makeover comprises a locally-sourced MAXE matte black styling bar, door handles and exterior mirrors in matte black, matte black highlight front protection grille with dark chrome lacquered ledges, tinted rear windows, blacked-out B-pillars, black side sills, ’Dark Label‘ decor film on the sides, smoked taillights and new 18-inch ’Rawson‘ alloy wheels.

On the inside, Darth Vader’s Amarok is darkly pimped out with black ’Greenhouse‘ headlining, Vienna leather seats, silk glance chrome air vent borders, and floor mats embroidered with ‘Dark Label' lettering.

The Dark Label kit is available only on the 2.0 BiTDi version, which has outputs of 132kW and 420Nm of torque. The engine is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION permanent four-wheel drive.

Standard features of the Amarok Dark Label include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and rear park distance control, tyre pressure monitor, a multi-function on-board computer, Composition Media infotainment system, app-connect with voice control, and a multi-function steering wheel.

Safety kit on the special edition Amarok includes offroad Electronic Stabilisation Programme and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System which can reduce the chance or severity of a secondary accident in the event of an accident.

Additionally, the Amarok Dark Label can be customised with the following optional features; seat heating (winter package), increased GVM/ heavy duty suspension, rear view camera, climatronic air-conditioning, and a fancier Discover Media infotainment system (including Satnav).

The Amarok Dark Label sells for R674,600 and comes with a 3 year/100 000 km warranty and 5 year/90 000 km service plan.