After a two year gap, VW has launched the new Amarok pickup to a global market. The new model is bigger, more upmarket and features a lot more technology than its predecessor. It will be on sale in the UK next year, but prices have yet to be confirmed.
While the previous model was sizeable, the new model is 96mm longer at 5,350mm, with a wheelbase of 3,270mm, an increase of 173mm. VW says the wheelbase increase gives more room for the second row of seats in the double cab version and has reduced body overhangs, giving improved offroad capability. It is also 96mm longer than its predecessor, at 5,350mm and is 1,910mm wide, so the cargo area can still hold a Euro pallet loaded sideways and now has a maximum payload of 1.16t. A single cab version is available which can carry two pallets. VW says the new Amarok with auto transmission can tow up to 3.5 tonnes.
Four diesel engines will be available globally.
VW says it expects ‘many markets in the world’ to have the 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection which delivers 125 kilowatt (170PS) and 405Nm of torque as its base option, while the top of the range option is a 3.0 litre V6. VW is also offering a petrol version in some markets. It says a new 10-speed auto gearbox will come as standard, replacing the eight-speed auto in the previous model, while a six-speed auto transmission and manual five- or six-speed box for various engines are also available. In many markets, particularly Europe, VW’s permanent all-wheel drive will be supplied as standard.
Five variants are available – the Amarok, Life, Style and the range-topping PanAmericana and Aventura models; VW says these two have ‘offroad’ and ‘exclusive’ styling, respectively.
An array of driver assist systems (more than 20 of which are new to the Amarok) is included in the new model. The entry-level Amarok has cruise control, intelligent speed assist, lane assist, a rear view reversing camera and a parking distance control function.
It also has LED headlights, electric fold-in wing mirrors and the interior includes an infotainment system with a 10 inch touchscreen, DAB radio, online connectivity, and a seating system which has been completely redesigned. VW says the back seat of the doublecab offers plenty of space and comfort for three adult passengers. It also says it has designed a vehicle which “functions like a perfect tool”; it has up to 20 compartments, bins or trays for storage, intuitive controls, USB ports and Android Auto and CarPlay for integrating smartphone apps into the infotainment system.
Externally, it has integrated, narrow LED headlights as standard as part of the straight and upright bonnet, while the previous model’s half-round wheel arches are carried across into the new version. The tailgate has C-shaped rear lights and Amarok embossed across it – as well as above the front number plate. It is available in eight colours, seven of them metallic, with ‘Clear White’ being the only single-colour finish.
VW is launching an extensive range of accessories specifically for the new Amarok, from the usual choices of manual and electric roll covers for the cargo area or a hardtop with windows, to leisure-based options such as a bike rack or a four-person roof tent, thanks to the vehicle’s 350kg roof capacity.
It is the first vehicle to be designed by VW in a joint venture with Ford. The previous model was built by VW in Hannover, in a factory which has now been retooled to build the electric ID Buzz van. The new Amarok is built in South Africa, in a factory which also produces the new Ford Ranger. The models share some components such as its underpinnings, diesel engines and some gearboxes.
VW Commercial Vehicles in the UK is awaiting details of which Amarok models will be available in the UK. They says: “We do not currently have any UK details on specification or pricing, but expect this to be available towards the end of the year with our launch in Spring 2023.”
