I'm salivating and getting a little bit giddy at the thought of this new Amarok - sorry, I can't help myself!

Since it was launched in December 2016, the Amarok from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been the only pick-up to be offered exclusively with a high-powered 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine. And this powertrain has stood the current holder of the International Pick-up of the Year title in good stead, satisfying customers looking for a luxury double-cab which is as at home on road as it is competent and comfortable on the toughest of off-road terrain.

Adding extra desirability to the range, the multi-award-winning pick-up is now available with 258 PS or briefly even 272 PS (200 kW) when using the overboost function. More torque – 580 Nm instead of the 550 to date – is also now available between 1,400 and 3,000 rpm, with full power on tap from 3,250 to 4,000 rpm. Permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic gearbox come as standard on the Amarok with the new top engine.

The new 258 PS powertrain is offered to UK customers in standard range-topping Highline trim only, and replaces the 224 PS unit that The Mud Life reviewed last year - here. The Amarok remains available with a 204 PS (six-speed manual or eight-speed auto) and 163 PS (manual only) engine.

Highline adds a host of features on top of the standard Amarok’s already generous specification. As well as items including ABS, ESP and automatic post-collision braking system, climatronic air conditioning, Composition Media infotainment system with touchscreen and App-Connect, Highline gains 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights and side bars, front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera and Vienna leather upholstery.

The new 258 PS Amarok can be ordered now. Prices for the new Highline model with 258 PS engine start at £34,325 (basic, excluding VAT and OTR). The entry-level model to the range, the 163 PS Trendline, costs £24,510 (basic).

For more information or to test drive an Amarok, visit your local Van Centre or go to www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.