New VW Amarok unveiled – Everything you need to know

VW has finally revealed its new Amarok after months of waiting, and it’s everything we dreamed it would be.

The premium bakkie will go on sale in select markets at the end of 2022 and is being built in Silverton, South Africa.

It will be sold in five trim levels with five powertrains on offer, as well as in both single and double-cab body styles, depending on the market.

The new Amarok is larger than the generation it is replacing, boasts over 20 new driver-assist systems that weren’t available before, and offers high-torque turbocharged engines connected to all-wheel-drive foundations.

Altogether, the improvements make “the new Amarok one of the most versatile and well-balanced pick-ups in the world,” said VW.

What’s new

“Everything is new” in the second-generation Amarok, according to VW, with the bakkie now standing 5,350mm long making it 96mm longer than before.

The wheelbase has grown by 173mm, too, with these extensions translating to more room inside the cabin “especially on the double cab’s second row of seats.”

Another benefit of the substantial increase in wheelbase is shorter overhangs, leading to improved approach and departure angles which make the VW more nimble off the beaten path than ever.

The new bakkie also sports a more curvaceous body than the previous generation with the aggressive X-shaped front flowing into angular LED headlights.

Additionally, the wheel arches are more exaggerated and covered in black plastic claddings, the indent on the side doors is more pronounced, Amarok script now takes centre stage on the tailgate, and up to 21-inch alloy wheels bring rugged or urban personalities, depending on the buyer’s preference.

Moving inside, the interior layout has been designed in partnership with VW’s commercial division to achieve a “very functional” but still stylish appearance.

Five trim levels are on the books comprising Standard, Life, Style, PanAmericana, and Aventura.

The Standard and Life are equipped with an 8.0-inch digital driver’s display next to a 10-inch infotainment screen mounted vertically, whereas on the Style specification and above these panels both size up to 12 inches.

These higher-end trims also get leather upholstery and electric front seats as no-cost add-ons, whereas the top-end PanAmericana and Aventura further see a Harman Kardon stereo.

A wide selection of advanced assist programmes can be fitted, too, with over 20 of these being completely new to the Amarok range. This includes adaptive cruise control and LED Matrix headlights.

Next-generation performance

The new Amarok is powered by a line-up of five turbocharged engines, four diesels and one petrol.

For African markets, the entry-level model is equipped with a 2.0-litre, single-turbo diesel unit generating 110kW, whereas the base configuration in other markets starts at 125kW for the same motor.

Step up to the 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel models and you will have between 150-154kW at your disposal, depending on the region.

Topping off the range of diesel drivetrains is a 3.0-litre, V6 generating a generous 177-184kW.

In the “traditional petrol engine markets” a 2.3-litre, turbo-petrol with 222kW will also be sold, said VW, but we doubt that South Africa qualifies as one of these.

For delivering all this power to the ground the bakkie then gets one of four transmissions, a five-speed or six-speed manual, or a six-speed or 10-speed automatic, however, VW is yet to confirm which of these gearboxes will be made available in which markets.

Similarly, the bakkie will be sold in four-wheel drive as standard in most countries, but depending on where it is sold it will feature either a part-time or full-time 4Motion system.

“The off-road capabilities of the Amarok, which will have all-wheel drive as standard in many markets, are also enhanced by much greater fording depth for driving through watery terrain,” said VW.

“Previously it was 500mm, now it’s 800mm.”

The maximum towing capacity for the Amarok range is now also pegged at 3,500kg, up from 3,300kg, and maximum load capacity at 1.16 tonnes, up from around 1 tonne.