The Volkswagen Amarok arrives in September
The second generation of the Volkswagen Amarok has just been officially unveiled. The new VW Amarok pickup actually resembles a Ford Ranger, and Ford will produce it. But it has a design of its own. Compared to its predecessor, it is a bit larger and has sharper technology.
The VW Amarok is a success. Launched in 2009, this pickup has sold more than 830,000 copies worldwide. However, for this brand new generation, the leaders of Wolfsburg have chosen to join forces with their competitor Ford, which will also build the Amarok in its factory in South Africa (for all markets).
The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is actually based on the Ford Ranger, following the reversed example of the new Ford Tourneo Connect, which is actually a facelifted Volkswagen Caddy. In the case of pickups, the two models differ more in terms of style, even to the point that only the doors seem interchangeable. Compared to the previous Amarok, the newcomer is distinguished by a more expressive design, with a strong identity for the Volkswagen model. The wheel arches flattened on their upper parts in the previous generation have been retained. At the rear, we notice the C-shaped optical units and the monogram stretching over the entire width of the tailgate. Up front, the daytime running lights also adopt a C-shaped design, but they're much flatter than on Ford's Ranger.
The Volkswagen Amarok grows slightly: at 5,350 mm, it is 96 mm longer than its predecessor. Its wheelbase is also stretched by 173 mm to reach 3,270 mm. The result: slightly more outstanding roominess, especially for the rear passengers, and a more promising approach and attack angles for those who would like to do some off-roading with their Amarok. A gain is obtained thanks to a wheelbase that increases more than the total length, with reduced overhangs. The new Amarok can also cross a ford 800 millimeters deep, compared to 500 mm previously.
But a pickup is mainly used to transport heavy loads. Good news: the loading capacity is also changing, going from 1 tonne to 1.16 t for the new Amarok. The tipper has a length of 1,544 mm and a width of 1,224 mm. Between the wheel arches, we can therefore accommodate a euro-pallet. The Amarok will be offered in a Single Cab and a Double Cab. But with us, only the latter will be available.
The engine range comprises four types of diesel (three 2-liters and a 3.0-liter V6). The 2.3 Ecoboost supercharged gasoline engine with 302 hp will not be marketed here either. The offer, therefore, ranges from the 2.0 D of 150 or 170 hp to a 3.0 of 241 hp (and 600 Nm) via a bi-turbo of 204 hp (and 500 Nm).
The Volkswagen Amarok also uses the 10-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Ranger, but it also receives a 6-speed version and manual transmissions with the less powerful engines. In Europe, the Amarok still has all-wheel drive, which will be permanent or not depending on the engine. Depending on the engine again, it will be able to tow up to 3.5 tonnes.
The Volkswagen Amarok range will be based on four equipment levels: the basic version, which does not have a specific name, and the Life, Style, and Aventura executions. The entry-level car is parked on 16-inch steel rims, but it is still entitled to LED lighting, electrically retractable mirrors, a digital dashboard with an 8-inch screen, infotainment with a 10-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assistant, reversing radar and parking cameras, among others.
The Aventura version, topping the range, makes the Amarok a real lifestyle pickup, notably with alloy rims and IQ adaptive matrix LED headlights. Light (also present on the Style version), a specific front bumper, and chrome accents. As on the Style, the touch screen displays a diagonal of 12 inches. We did not get an answer during the digital press conference when asked whether it was VW's own MIB3 system or Ford's SYNC4.
The Volkswagen Amarok can also count on a series of driver assistance systems and modern comfort and safety equipment. Volkswagen also promises a functional interior with plenty of storage space. Interiorly, there are more similarities with the Ranger. The main differences are in the steering wheel, the physical controls housed under the touch screen, and the layout of the center console.
The new Volkswagen Amarok will be presented to the public for the first time in September and should arrive in showrooms before the end of the year.
