Ahead of its final reveal on 7 July, Volkswagen has given us a preview of the next-generation Amarok pickup with close-up photos and detailed highlights.
To be launched via an online live stream at 9am, giving pickup users worldwide a first look at the new medium pickup, the new Amarok will be built alongside the Ford Ranger at the American firms’ Silverton factory in South Africa.
While the Amarok shares a lot of components with the new Ranger, the Amarok will be significantly different from the Ford, with a series of unique details highlighting the premium nature of the next-generation Volkswagen pickup truck.
Next-Gen Amarok: LED Lights
A bold light signature is often the first thing anybody sees on a vehicle, so Volkswagen will be fitting the Amarok with distinctive LED headlights, while higher-specification models (which may be all we get in the UK) will benefit from the firm’s IQ.Light setup.
These LED matrix headlights make nighttime driving easier, automatically controlling the output of the headlight in the face of oncoming traffic or well-lit urban areas. Static cornering lights will illuminate tighter corners providing improved safety and comfort.
Next-Gen Amarok: Wheels to Wow
Wheels maketh the truck, somebody presumably once said. Volkswagen has taken that and created the Amarok with elegant but bold oval wheel arches surrounding new and dramatic alloy wheels shod with all-terrain tyres. UK models will be fitted with wheels as large as 21-inches, ensuring plenty of presence, whether on or off-road.
Next-Gen Amarok: Bold Back End
Volkswagen wants to make the Amarok every bot as iconic as the Toyota Hilux, at least visually. Embossing the rear tailgate with AMAROK ensures there’s no doubt to other road users what pickup they’re following.
With a payload of up to 1.2 tonnes, the bold lettering highlights the cargo-carrying capability of the new Amarok, which will be backed up by a 3.5-tonne towing limit.
Next-Gen Amarok: Digital Dashboard
Step inside the Amarok and you’ll be presented with a cabin that’s light years ahead of the outgoing model. Standing proud in the centre will be a vertically aligned infotainment display measuring up to 12-inches from corner to corner.
The screen will allow easier access to the various controls in the pickup, but won’t be relying solely on digital technology; a series of physical switches will back up the ‘floating’ screen.
As well as offering a clear view of the pickup’s systems, it’ll also allow the driver to configure over 30 driver assist systems, inducing lane-keeping and lane-changing assistants, lighting and speed assistants, and also surrounding area view and road sign recognition.
Next-Gen Amarok: Analogue Controls
While the swish LED lights and oversized infotainment display will highlight the high-tech nature of the new Amarok, there’s still room for tradition. Alongside the floating digital panel will be a series of analogue switches, buttons and rotary controls.
Parking, air conditioning, hazard warning lights and driving modes important for on- and off-road driving can be directly controlled in this way, ensuring that drivers of the one-tonne pickup can focus on what’s ahead rather than trying to contend with menus and touchscreens for essential options.
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