Volkswagen has finally unveiled the all-new
Amarok bakkie, which replaces the previous-generation model that is still on sale here in
South Africa. The new vehicle will be available from dealerships countrywide as of the first quarter of 2023. As one might probably know by now, the
Amarok shares its underpinnings – platform, some engines and some body parts – with the new
Ford Ranger. In fact, the
Amarok and
Ranger are manufactured right alongside each other at
Ford’s plant in
Silverton, Tshwane.
Designed in Germany and Australia, the new
Amarok is said to be a fulfilment of customer feedback from the current model. Some of the features and characteristics have been retained, such as the bold face, large rear load box that can absorb a Euro pallet, and upmarket interior. The
Amarok is 5.3 metres long – longer than the BMW X7 – and has a 3.27m wheelbase. Depending on the market, it will also be offered in single cab configuration.
Volkswagen designers really went to town with the front end, drawing big
LED headlights and daytime running lights, a big
VW grille with the badge, and an X-shaped lower front grille. Side profile shows more size, with wide wheel arches, a raised suspension, longer inside cabin for better passenger legroom, roof rails that enable the roof to handle up to 350kg of load, some side steps and wheels from 16 to 21-inches in diameter. An electrically operated roll cover is new for
Amarok.
Volkswagen says the car has an 800mm wading depth, as well as better approach and departure angles than previous designs.
At the rear we see C-shaped
LED tail lights, a strong bumper, tow bar in some models, and embossed
AMAROK lettering on the door. Volkswagen executive were at pains to explain that of the features on the outside of the car, only the side mirrors, roof rails and door handles are common with the
Ranger.
Inside we see a largely premium interior for the top
PanAmericana and
Aventura double cab range, 25.4cm to 30.5cm infotainment touch screen at the centre console,
VW’s Digital Cockpit display, as well as physical switches and buttons to augment the touch screen. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is controlled by these buttons, ensuring that the Amarok is as connected as any new
Volkswagen product.
For the
Amarok,
Volkswagen will be offering customers a choice of four turbo diesel and one turbo petrol engine. We don’t yet have any information as to how many of these will make their way to
South Africa as yet. The baseline 2.0-litre TDI (110kW) is confirmed for SA, while the 125kW TDI and 150kW TDI biturbo are under consideration. At the top of the diesel chain is a 184kW, 600Nm V6. The petrol model is powered by a 2.3-litre turbo making 222kW. However, for
SA it would be detuned to 199kW.
Again, depending on the markets and models, Amarok will be offered with 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic or 10-speed automatic. Some models will not have 4Motion AWD, and will rely on rear-wheel-drive.
The new
Volkswagen Amarok looks great and offers plenty. The local outfit will have its hands full pricing it in these times of Chinese competitors and high input costs. Though, seeing as it is manufactured in this country, this should go a long way towards mitigating these challenges.