We won’t be seeing it in the UK until 2023, but Volkswagen keeps teasing the new Amarok with the manufacturer now showing design sketches of both the exterior and interior.
Developed in cooperation with Ford, the Amarok’s chassis and suspension will be broadly similar to that of the new Ranger, but Volkswagen is putting its own spin on the aesthetic.
The exterior sketches show the bold horizontal grille leading to headlights with LED running lights borders. A heavily contoured bonnet and wide wheel arches suggest strength, although expect both of these features to be more restrained on the final vehicle.
“The striking front, and above all the defining X design clearly distinguish the new Amarok and emphasise its claim to be leading the way,” says Albert-Johann Kirzinger, head of design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.”
Step inside and there are more clear differences between the Ford and Volkswagen. While the Amarok appears to share the distinctive vertical infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard, it’s surrounded by an entirely different cabin. Rocker switches sit underneath the screen, with a centrally-mounted gear selector below ahead of side by side cup holders.
The instrument panel appears to show an analogue dial (although this could simply be a digital display showing a traditional dial) and the switchgear looks to be similar to that found in other Volkswagen products. Even the air vents are of a different design, suggesting that the cabin will be the work of Volkswagen’s designers and not simply a rebadged Ford effort.
Volkswagen is also promising ‘more extensive equipment on board’ which could mean anything. It’s certainly pushing the rugged nature of the truck in each of its releases to date.
“The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives”, says Dr Lars Krause, of sales and marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.”
The new Volkswagen Amarok will be built alongside the Ford Ranger at the American firm’s Silverton factory in South Africa. While the model will be revealed in full in 2022, UK deliveries won’t start until 2023.
- Ford Ranger PHEV onboard power is cleaner and cheaper than a generator
- Pickup market slumps for ninth straight month after tax changes
- Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster cleared for UK blue-light use
- JAC Hunter PHEV points to faster-moving electrified pickup market
- Urban builds the Defender pickup Land Rover won’t sell
