The new Volkswagen Amarok pickup has been revealed, but there’s more to look at than just a simple overview of the new design.

For a start, you’re going to need to choose your trim carefully. Globally, Volkswagen will be presenting the Amarok in five different forms, from the entry-level model badged simply as ‘Amarok’ to a pair of luxurious top-of-the-range models focusing on road-based or off-road demands.

Each comes well equipped, with more added to the specification as you move up the range. There are also up to 20 safety systems that are new to Amarok, so there’s a lot to digest. Here’s a brief rundown of the five different Amarok specifications, and what each comes fitted with. Ahead of the UK launch, these might change a little, but the basics will remain much the same.

Amarok Trim Levels: Amarok

The entry point to the Amarok range is simply called ‘Amarok’. Calling it a ‘base’ trim might be unkind, however, as the standard specification will be quite generous.

Every vehicle will receive LED headlights, electric fold-in wing mirrors, tracks with lashing rings in the cargo box and a cab rear wall protector. Externally, the most obvious identifier will be the 16-inch steel wheels.

Inside, the entry-level Amarok will include digital instruments with an 8.0-inch display in the instrument binnacle, an infotainment system with a 10.0-inch touchscreen, a DAB digital radio with four speakers, online connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel and height adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Safety equipment and driver assistance technology will be in place too, with adaptive cruise control with an integrated speed limiter, road sign recognition, a speed assist system that integrates road sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors and a reversing camera all in place.

Amarok Trim Levels: Life

Stepping up a grade, the Life trim will include LED fog lights, a body-coloured front bumper, and heated, fold-in wing mirrors with surrounding area illumination to ensure you don’t step into a puddle when leaving the vehicle. Larger 17-inch wheels will be fitted, this time alloy rather than steel, along with tinted windows.

The interior of the Amarok Life differentiates itself from the base version with eight-way adjustment (including lumbar support) for the front seats, a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, and an increase in speakers for the sound system, up from four to six.

Front parking sensors are added to the specification, while the tailgate is incorporated into the central locking system. Automatic windscreen wipers, automatic light activation and an automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror make daily use easier.

Amarok Trim Levels: Style

Sitting just below the top of the range models, the Style trim specification is boosted by IQ.Light, Volkswagen’s LED matrix headlights. The rear bumper is also clad with chrome elements and the cargo space is lined with robust plastic. Black 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted, too.

Inside, the full digital cockpit is installed, with the 12.0-inch digital instrument panel for the driver being accompanied by a portrait mounted ‘floating’ 12.0-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard. A wireless charge pad for a smartphone sits below, as well as a 230V socket. The seats are covered in ArtVelours, with the gear selector covered in leather.

Added comfort is provided by heated seats in the front, dual-zone climate control, an insulated windscreen, and a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Keyless unlocking and engine start are added for convenience, and further electronic safety systems, such as blind-spot detection, are added.

Amarok Trim Levels: PanAmericana
Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana trim level

Volkswagen has split the top-of-the-range model into two distinct options, the PanAmericana and the Aventura models. The PanAmericana moves towards off-road adventures, separating itself from the rest of the range visually with an ‘X’ design front bumper, LED rear lights, and dark, polished 18-inch alloy wheels. A sports bar and side steps complete the look.

The cabin gains more updates, including an instrument panel upholstered in soft-touch, faux leather with contrast stitching, and 10-way electrically adjustable (and leather-covered) front seats. A Harmon-Kardon sound system is installed, with eight speakers, and there’s an integrated navigation system. Ambient cabin lighting has been added, as well as lighting in the cargo box.

Safety systems are boosted by the addition of adaptive cruise control with automatic speed adjustments; this reads the road signs and changes the vehicle’s set speed according to the limits in place. Park Assist and a 360-degree camera system are also added.

For those venturing off-road, a mechanical limited-slip differential should ensure the Amarok can make it through even the slippiest of terrain.

Amarok Trim Levels: Aventura
Volkswagen Amarok Aventura trim level

Taking a road-based focus, the Aventura trim level matches the PanAmerican for plushness, enjoying the same IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, LED rear lights and X-design front bumper. However, the wing mirror caps, door handles, side steps and rear bumper are treated to a chrome covering, a body-coloured sports bar is installed, and impressive 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted.

As with the PanAmericana model, the instrument panel is also covered in a soft-touch leather-look material with contrast stitching, while the door inserts and seats are covered in real leather. The same Harmon-Kardon sound system is installed, with a navigation system, ambient lighting and cargo box lighting, adaptive cruise control with automatic speed assist, park assist and a 360-degree camera.

The Aventura adds one more piece of safety technology; lane assist with lane centring is included as standard.

Phil Huff
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