The Amarok is locally build by Ford with the VW Amarok and the new Ford Ranger basically the same vehicle with only different trim levels, grilles and light clusters.

Although the previous generation Amarok never saw the kind of monthly sales like Hilux, Ranger or Isuzu, it was nevertheless popular in its own right, especially in the leisure market.

VW sold over 830 000 units of the first-generation Amarok globally. The outgoing Volkswagen Amarok was launched in South Africa in 2010 and has sold 42 450 units in the local market to date.

What’s new?

Everything.

At 5 350 mm, the new Amarok is 96 mm longer than its predecessor. A wheelbase of 3 270 mm represents an increase of 173 mm, which provides more room, especially on the double cab’s second row of seats.

The wheelbase has grown much more than the total length, which also shortens the body overhangs and results in sharper proportions and improved off-road capability thanks to better approach and departure angles.

The off-road capabilities of the Amarok are also enhanced by much greater wading depth, which has increased to 800 mm (previously it was 500 mm).

All models have LED headlights with the range-topper PanAmericana and Amarok Aventura equipped with IQ.LIGHT LED headlights.

The outer frame of the rear section is formed by the taillights, which reach far into the silhouette. In the PanAmericana and Aventura versions they are in a C-shaped design and LED as standard.

On the inside, you will find a digital cockpit and tablet-style infotainment display unit with a 10 or 12-inch screen. VW has also implemented a mix of digital functions and ergonomically configured buttons and/or push/rotary switches in the Amarok that are intuitive to use.

Equipment:

The new Amarok model range comes equipped with a multitude of new driver assistance systems; some of which will be found in the new Amarok range for the first time. Modern driver assistance systems across the range include an Area view 360° camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear traffic alert, electronic parking brake, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Assist, Park Assist, Light Assist, Evasive Steering and Front Assist. Up to six different driving profiles assist the driver in a variety of situations.

Trim levels and models:

The new Amarok range is available in the following trim lines: Amarok (Single Cab and Double Cab base models), Life, Style, PanAmericana and the top-of the-range Aventura.

Pricing for the Amarok Single Cab range will be available closer to the retail date, which will be in the second quarter of 2023. The new Amarok Single Cab will be available in the following derivatives: Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 110 kW (Low Rider) 5-MT, Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 125 kW 6-MT and Amarok Single Cab 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4MOTION 6-MT.

The double cab range consists of 16 models.

The only optional feature available in the new Amarok range are the exterior paint colours. The new Amarok model range is available in the following exterior colours: Clear White, Midnight Black, Bright Blue, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Deep Red, Bright Beige and Mid Blue.

Engines:
Four diesel engines and a new 10-speed automatic transmission as well as an eight speed automatic gearbox, a five- and a six-speed manual transmission will form the backbone of the powertrain options.

The base specification engine is a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TDI delivering 110 kW (350 Nm) followed by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI delivering 125 kW (405 Nm). At the third level, VW will be offering a four-cylinder TDI engine of 2.0 litres and bi-turbocharging with 154 kW (500 Nm). The new top TDI engine is the 3.0-litre V6, which develops a power output of 184 kW and 600 Nm.

Prices:

* Amarok:

2.0 TDI 110 kW 5-MT (R599 000), 2.0 TDI 125 kW 6-MT (R650 500) and the 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4MOTION 6-MT (R721 500).

* Amarok Life:

2.0 TDI 125 kW 6-MT (R683 500), 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4MOTION 6-MT (R738 000), 2.0 TDI 125 kW 4MOTION 6-AUTO (R760 000) and the 2.0 BiTDI 154 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (R825 500).

* Amarok Style:

2.0 BiTDI 154 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (R900 000), 2.0 BiTDI 154 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO Comfort Package (R919 500), 3.0 TDI V6 184 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (R966 000) and the 3.0 TDI V6 184 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO Comfort Package (R985 500).

* Amarok PanAmericana:

2.0 BiTDI 154 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (R987 000), 2.0 BiTDI 154 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO Comfort Package (R1 017 000), 3.0 TDI V6 184 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (R1 053 000) and the 3.0 TDI V6 184 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (Comfort Package (R1 083 000).

* Amarok Aventura

3.0 TDI V6 184 kW 4MOTION 10-AUTO (R1 105 000).

(Pictures: 23VWamaroks1 – 3)