New Volkswagen Amarok: larger, more capable and premium

Expectations are high for the new-generation Volkswagen Amarok, which is aiming to match or surpass the success of its predecessor - with more than 830,000 units sold worldwide since 2010 - while taking up a premium position, in the brand’s own words.

It is impossible to discuss the new Amarok without mentioning the Ford Ranger, Europe’s sales leader. As has already been stated on several occasions, the German pick-up’s second generation shares its platform and mechanical components with the latest Ranger, following the co-operation agreement signed by the two brands in 2019.

Although they are technically identical, Volkswagen’s designers have successfully given the new Amarok a distinct exterior and interior identity from its Ranger “cousin”, leaving no room for confusion between the two.

They will also be built at the same manufacturing plant in South Africa. That country will be one of the key markets for the new-generation pick-up, alongside Australia and Asia - regions where pick-ups have a very strong commercial presence - while its European arrival is scheduled for the end of this year.

Larger and more capable

Compared with its predecessor, the new Volkswagen Amarok is almost 10 cm longer, measuring 5.35 m, while its wheelbase has grown by an even greater 17.3 cm to 3.27 m. The front and rear overhangs are therefore shorter, allowing improved approach and departure angles.

Conversely, the longer wheelbase has a negative effect on the breakover angle, although wading capability has made a 300 mm “leap”, now reaching 800 mm in total.

As before, it will be offered in single-cab and double-cab forms, with the increased dimensions benefiting interior space for both occupants and cargo.

In the double-cab Amarok, rear passengers gain the most from the larger dimensions. For the single-cab Amarok, however, the main benefit is the load bed, which can accommodate two Euro pallets.

Payload capacity has also risen to 1,200 kg - 200 kg more than before - while maximum towing capacity remains at 3,500 kg.

The load bed has received particular attention too, with a choice of covers available in either manual or electric form.

Numerous engines, but not all will come to Europe

Volkswagen has announced six engines for the new Amarok - the same units already seen in the Ford Ranger - with most being diesel options, although a petrol engine is also included.

The diesel range begins with a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder offered in three power outputs, starting at 150 PS and rising to 210 PS. Above this sits a 3.0-litre V6, producing between 240 PS in Europe and 250 PS in the rest of the world.

For now, the most powerful option is the petrol engine: a turbocharged 2.3-litre inline four-cylinder delivering a maximum 302 PS. Later on, as will also happen with its Ranger “cousin”, plug-in hybrid and even fully electric variants may be added.

This broad engine line-up enables Volkswagen to offer the right powertrain for the specific needs of individual markets, so not every engine is expected to reach European dealerships. The final Amarok range will be confirmed closer to its market launch.

As with the previous model, the new Volkswagen Amarok will be available with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Every version with 210 PS or more comes as standard with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. A six-speed manual gearbox is the other transmission available.

The Volkswagen Amarok brings no shortage of sophistication and refinement

The premium positioning Volkswagen refers to is perhaps most apparent inside the new Amarok. Although functionality remains a priority, its design would not look out of place in an SUV.

As in many other models, the cabin is dominated by a large vertically oriented central touchscreen, available in either 10 in or 12 in form, yet there is no shortage of storage space - 20 compartments in total.

The display is flanked by air vents, while below it sits a row of smart-looking physical controls for accessing some of the vehicle’s main functions. The instrument panel is also digital, ranging from 8 in in the more affordable versions to 12 in in the best-equipped models.

There is also a selection of features more commonly associated with passenger vehicles, including a Harman Kardon audio system and leather trim for the upper dashboard. On the outside, buyers can choose wheels up to 21 in and the more sophisticated IQ.Light LED Matrix headlamps.

Five equipment lines

The new Volkswagen Amarok range will be arranged across five equipment lines. The first three are familiar from other Volkswagen models - Amarok (entry level), Life and Style - while the remaining two are exclusive to the Amarok: Panamericana and Aventura.

The differences extend beyond the available equipment, as the Amarok Panamericana and Amarok Aventura feature a distinctive front end with an “X” motif linking the upper and lower sections. On the other trim levels, these sections are divided by a coloured strip, creating a horizontal-line design.

The Volkswagen Amarok Panamericana is the more off-road-focused model, fitted with 18 in wheels and off-road tyres. The Amarok Aventura, meanwhile, is the more refined and urban-oriented choice, with several chrome details, 20 in wheels and a “Stylingbar” positioned directly behind the cab.

When will it arrive?

The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok is expected to arrive at the end of this year, although neither the final range nor pricing has yet been announced.