Volkswagen unveiled the second generation of the Amarok. Designed in collaboration with Ford, the German pick-up takes up the technical basis of the Ranger. Its dimensions have been revised upwards, while its equipment has been modernized. The Amarok should be marketed in Europe at the end of 2022.
Twelve years and more than 830,000 copies later, Volkswagen has finally decided to lift the veil on the second generation of its Amarok pick-up. The newcomer has nothing to do with its predecessor. Technical cousin of the Ford Ranger, the German utility was designed in collaboration with the Australian branch of the manufacturer to the blue oval and will be produced in South Africa.
The Amarok has grown
The new Amarok has lengthened by almost 10 cm (9.6 cm to be precise) and now reaches 5.35 m in length. The wheelbase does the same, climbing to 3.27 m (+ 17.3 cm) in favor of interior space. The pick-up reduces its overhangs and thus improves its off-road qualities thanks to revised angles of attack (29° at the front, 21° at the rear). In width, mirrors included, the new version measures 2.20 m.
The second-generation Amarok will be available in single-cab and crew-cab versions. The depth of the skip will vary accordingly, reaching 2.30 m and 1.54 m respectively. Volkswagen points out that two Euro-standard pallets (1,200 × 800 mm) can be loaded without problems. In this regard, the German utility can now carry 1,160 kg of payload, against 935 kg previously, and has a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg depending on the engine.
In the double cabin version, the tipper is 1.54 m deep. It increases to 2.30 m in single cabin.
What engines under the hood?
Volkswagen leaves the choice between four diesel engines and a gasoline engine depending on the market, for powers ranging from 150 to 302 hp. In Europe, these are two diesel blocks which should appear in the catalog : a 2.0 twin-turbo four-cylinder engine with 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque, as well as a 3.0 V6 developing 241 hp and 600 Nm of torque. The transmission will be done to the four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission. On the four-cylinder, the choice is between a manual or automatic transmission, both with six reports.
The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system has four different modes, selectable by means of a dial. The default profile sends power to all four wheels, the 4H mode allows better circulation on slippery surfaces, the 4L is suitable for off-road and favors torque at low speed, while the 2H allows lower consumption in sending power to the rear wheels only. Rumors of a 100% electric Amarok have not yet been confirmed.
A more expressive look
To accompany these increases in size, Volkswagen wanted to give its pick-up a more assertive face. ” For the new generation, we have significantly changed the design of the Amarok. Undoubtedly, it is now more expressive and even more impressive says Albert Kirzinger, head of design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It must be said that there has been a change in the visual identity of the brand in ten years. Slimmer LED headlights are positioned between C-shaped daytime running lights.
On the two most chic finishes, the bottom of the grille joins the shield, thus forming an X. On the other versions, the mesh is simply horizontal. The wheel arches, with their flat upper part, have been retained and are accentuated by the same line a few centimeters higher at fender level. At the rear, positioned under the manufacturer’s coat of arms, the inscription “AMAROK” occupies the entire tailgate. The lights – LED on the top-of-the-range finishes – hug the corners of the pick-up bed.
Premium and functional
The new Amarok is presented as a pick-up “ premium and functional “. Inside, there is an 8-inch digital instrumentation, which can stretch to 12 inches from the third trim level, Style. The central screen in tablet format is also available in two sizes: 10 inches as standard, 12 inches from the aforementioned finish. Volume control and selection of transmission modes are provided by physical buttons, which is not the case with the air conditioning. On the PanAmericana and Aventura liveries, the upholstery is in leather and the audio system is Harman Kardon. There is no shortage of storage compartments since there are twenty, including two glove boxes! In addition, the German pick-up incorporates more than thirty driving aids, the majority of which are standard according to Volkswagen, which has not yet detailed the range. The driver can also rely on six driving profiles: Normal, Eco, Slippery, Snow/Sand, Mud/Rock and Tow/Haul. In the double cabin version, three people can take place in the back.
Five trim levels will be offered on all markets (the detail for France has not yet been delivered): Amarok, Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura. The two most upscale versions are presented as equivalent, the PanAmericana being more connected off-road and the Aventura more road. The new Amarok will go on sale at the end of 2022.
