Volkswagen reveals all-new Amarok ute

Friday, 8 July 2022

After much teasing, Volkswagen has finally given us our first look at the all-new Amarok ute.

While the original Amarok was an all-VW effort, this time around development has been shared with Ford, meaning the new Amarok is based on the same platform as the new Ford Ranger, as well as sharing a number of body panels, interior switchgear and, of course, engines and transmissions.

This means that, like the Ranger, the Amarok will launch in various markets with a range of engines that includes the 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder diesel that pumps 154kW and 500Nm through all four wheels, via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Less powerful single-turbo versions of the 2.0-litre will also be available in a number of models, hooked up to a six-speed transmission, but we wouldn't expect to see those here. What we will definitely see, however, is the V6 version that will use the same brawny 184kW/600Nm turbo diesel as top-spec Rangers.

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While some overseas markets are also in line for a petrol Amarok that uses the Ford 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder seen in the Mustang here, and in the US version of the Ranger, we wouldn’t expect to see that here any time soon.

Neither would we expect to see an Amarok packing the 292kW/583Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that Ford will be jamming into the Raptor version of the Ranger, as Ford will likely want to keep that segment for themselves.

Also like the Ranger, the new Amarok is bigger than the vehicle it replaces: at 5350, the new model is 96mm longer than its predecessor, while its wheelbase of 3270 mm also equates to an increase of 173mm. The new model is 1910mm wide and up to 1888 tall, depending on tyre and wheel combination.

Volkswagen says off-road capability has also been improved, with the Amarok’s wading depth increased from 500mm to 800mm, while approach and departure angles have also improved, now being 29 degrees and 21 degrees respectively. The ramp over angle is also 21 degrees.

The Amarok will also come with two 4WD systems – an on-demand part-time system with a two-speed transfer box on lower-spec models, while higher-spec versions will get a permanent AWD system.

On the inside, the Amarok gets a different interior to the Ranger, but shares a number of features. A number of different dash displays will be available, depending on model, with lower-spec models getting an 8-inch digital instrument display, while higher-spec models will get a 12-inch display. Likewise, the infotainment screen is 10-inches on the lower models, with upspec variants getting a larger 12-inch version.

Globally, the Amarok will be offered in five variants: the basic entry level version is just called ‘Amarok’, while slightly higher-spec models will be called ‘Life’ and ‘Style’. Top-spec versions will be called the ‘PanAmericana’ for the off-road oriented range-topper and ‘Aventura’ for the more road-oriented luxury range-topper. Volkswagen New Zealand has so far confirmed PanAmericana and Aventura for our market, but hasn’t revealed how far down the range it will go yet.

“The all new Amarok is set to usher in a new era for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in New Zealand,” said general manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand, Kevin Richards.

“With cutting edge design and Volkswagen refinement the new ute brings with it a new level of safety and driver-aids along with some great features that will make it exceptional to drive. We’re thrilled to see the vehicle for the first time and can’t wait to have them on New Zealand roads to prove that they’re up there with the very best of the bunch.”

Volkswagen New Zealand says prices of the new line-up will be announced later this year and that New Zealand deliveries would start early next year, with interested customers able to register their interest now.