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Aesthetically, the Amarok sports a front end with a horizontal design with two chrome lines which go from one wing to the other with the lights (IQ.LIGHT LED matrix). The shield draws an X shape that we have already seen in the Mitsubishi L200 for example. The rest is classic with wheel arches that tend towards the square, with black plastic “protections”. The very high belt line and the “smooth” doors oblige VW to put a fold at mid-height.
The rear is the dumpster, with hook-style lights that frame the whole thing and visually widen the tailgate. On the models in the photos, there is the roll bar made up of large diameter tubes (PanAmericana version) or the more discreet trim panels behind the cabin. It’s simple in features and keeps the bulky style of the Amarok.
To access the vehicle, there are two versions: DoubleCab with 4 doors, or SingleCab with two doors. Inside, it remains utilitarian with clean lines and angles. A 10-inch screen on base trims, or 12-inch on taller trims provides infotainment display. The on-board instruments are displayed via the 8-inch “digital cockpit”. A large part of the commands remains analog.
Larger, for passengers
Technically based on the Ford Ranger, the Amarok grows by 96 mm, which completely benefits the wheelbase which grows from 173 mm to 3,270 mm. All good for the passengers and aesthetically it reduces overhangs. In off-road, this improves the angles of attack and departure. The vehicle is 5,350mm long. For those who like to splash around with their pickup, the Amarok can now pass through fords 800 mm deep (compared to 500 mm on the previous model).
We are on a utility so let’s talk about utility. The payload can go up to 1.16 tonnes! The tipper can accommodate a euro-pallet between the two wheel arches. The pallet is loaded directly and secured using the eyelets placed everywhere. The single cabin version can even accommodate two side pallets. You can pick up your pallet of wood pellets without worry! The dumpster has a lockable electric rolling shutter that can be operated from the “Cargobox” (the dumpster), inside the vehicle, or on the key. In the options, you can take a hard-top for the dumpster which transforms the pickup into an SUV. On the roof, you can put up to 350 kg load!
We are dealing with a real 4×4 and among the options, there is a bullbar, protective skirts, a “short” box, a snorkel (the snorkel that is fixed along the windshield to have a grip air high). Less adventurous, we have the bike rack, a multifunction transport system, etc.
Up to 306 gasoline horsepower
France will not be entitled to all motorizations officially. Europe requires we can still order them. 4 diesel engines and 1 petrol engine are available. The African market, for example, is offered the basic engine: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engine that develops 110 kW (150 hp). Next in power, available in many countries, is a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder that develops 125 kW (170 hp). Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles then offers a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder TDI engine that develops 150 kW (204 hp) or 154 kW (209 hp) depending on the market. The most powerful TDI version is a 3.0-litre V6 engine that delivers 177 kW (241 hp) or 184 kW (250 hp) depending on the country. Finally, a 2.3 liter turbo petrol engine developing 222 kW (302 hp) has also been designed for markets expecting a conventional petrol engine.
The lower engines will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission. The large engines will be mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market, the standard transmission is the new 4Motion transmission (activatable or permanent depending on the case). Obviously, VW has upgraded the electronic equipment with different driving modes, around twenty driving aids including the ACC+ adaptive regulator (which reads the signaling to adapt on its own).
VW has sold more than 830,000 copies of the first generation Amarok worldwide. This new Amarok is frankly offbeat in Europe, even more so in these “green” times.
to summarize
The new Amarok is here. Volkswagen does not revolutionize its pickup but evolves it and makes it catch up in terms of technology. Remains a big baby a little offbeat in Europe and even more in France.
On the program a V6 Diesel of more than 240 horsepower and a turbo gasoline engine of 306 horsepower. The price of fuel? Boah!
