Fans of the VW Amarok can look forward to a new model coming very soon.
The Wolfsburg-based carmaker is planning to launch a new variant for its bakkie series, which will feature a petrol engine instead of a diesel.
VW previously confirmed that the double cab is expected to arrive sometime in the second half of 2024, so motorists shouldn’t have to wait much longer to get their hands on it.
Going in a new direction
Petrol bakkies are quite rare in South Africa, as there are only five models that offer such a powertrain – the Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser 79, Jeep Gladiator, Ineos Quartermaster, and Ford Ranger Raptor.
Diesel is the go-to propellant for workhorse vehicles like pickups since it is generally more fuel-efficient and provides a higher torque-to-power ratio, which is ideal for towing and hauling.
However, petrol engines are starting to attract more interest from South African bakkie enthusiasts, as the more refined fuel typically provides better road performance.
For this reason, Volkswagen South Africa is keen to introduce a petrol Amarok to take advantage of the growing demand for premium lifestyle double cabs.
The drivetrain that the automaker has selected is a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol unit, which will be familiar to anyone acquainted with Ford’s roster of vehicles.
This isn’t surprising, given that the current-generation Amarok and Ford Ranger share a platform and are built in the same factory right here in Silverton, Pretoria.
The 2.3-litre plant generates a total of 222kW and 452Nm, which will be mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
As a reminder, the German bakkie is currently with three different diesel engines, which you can see below:
- 2.0-litre turbo-diesel – 125kW/405Nm
- 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel – 154kW/500Nm
- 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel – 184kW/600Nm
The incoming petrol option will therefore have the highest power reading of the group, though this will come at the cost of fuel consumption.
The 2.3l block averages 9.9l/100km, while the thirstiest diesel unit consumes 8.4l/100km.
It’s worth pointing out that the Ranger is also receiving the 2.3-litre engine in the near future, but Ford is taking its double cab in a different direction as the petrol plant will form part of a plug-in hybrid system intended for overseas markets.
VW has yet to announce the pricing or the model selection for the new powertrain, but the expectation is that this will be offered on the Amarok’s flagship trim level.
Considering that the handful of petrol bakkies in South Africa are all rather expensive and that VW has stated that this vehicle will be targeted at enthusiasts; it’s a good bet that the 2.3-litre option will be available on, if not exclusive to the urban-oriented Aventura specification.
This derivative is currently sold with the V6 diesel mill at a starting price of R1,228,100, so expect a seven-figure selling price for the petrol variants.
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