The next-gen Volkswagen Amarok pickup, teased relentlessly for more than two years, has finally been revealed in full. Designed in Germany and Australia, and built in South Africa, the new Amarok promises to be a premium pickup that brings an impressive ambience to the cabin alongside improved off-road performance.
“For the new generation we have significantly modified the Amarok’s archetypal design. It is now unambiguously more expressive and even more impressive”, says Albert Kirzinger, head of design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Next-Gen Amarok: Improved On and Off-Road
Measuring 5,350mm from nose to tail, the new Amarok is 96mm longer than its predecessor. An appreciably longer wheelbase of 3,270mm, an increase of 173mm over the outgoing model, not only provides more room in the cabin but pushes the wheels closer to the vehicle’s extremes, improving approach and departure angles.
The Amarok’s off-road capabilities, aided by all-wheel drive fitted as standard across the UK model range, are boosted further by a significant increase in wading depth from 500mm to 800mm.
Next-Gen Amarok: Cutting Edge Cabin
The increased wheelbase length improves space within the cabin, especially in the rear seats, but it’s the changes to the design and usability of the Amarok’s interior that stands out. The updates stare the driver in the face, with a digital instrument panel with up to a 12.0-inch display replacing traditional dials and lights.
Fully customisable, the ‘digital cockpit’ will allow the driver to display navigation instructions directly ahead of them, keep themselves informed on the status of the all-wheel-drive systems, or check on any other of the myriad systems available.
That’s joined by a ‘floating’ infotainment panel, again measuring up to 12.0 inches, allowing access to the pickup’s functions, from driving modes to controlling the Harmon-Kardon sound system.
Pleasingly, physical switches and rotary knobs allow immediate and tactile access to high-level systems, including volume controls and all-wheel-drive settings.
It’s all wrapped up in a dashboard that’s modern and ergonomic, with a leather-look aesthetic on some models complete with contrast stitching. ArtVelours or leather-covered ergonomic seats, electrically adjustable and heated on some specifications, add to the premium feel inside.
Next-Gen Amarok: Engines and Drivetrain
Designed for markets around the globe, the new Volkswagen Amarok will be available with five engine options, four of them diesel and one petrol-powered choice.
The UK won’t be getting the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel with its 150hp output, but might well receive the 170hp version. While it’s unconfirmed, it’s most likely that the Amarok range will start with the bi-turbo diesel engine offering a 204hp output, alongside a 3.0-litre V6 diesel developing 241hp.
As entertaining as the 302hp 2.3-litre petrol engine might be, it’s not likely to be available to UK buyers.
All models will be fitted with a new 10-speed automatic gearbox operated by an e-shifter – a discreet gear selector lever in the centre console that isn’t physically connected to the gearbox.
The UK vehicles will also be equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. The drive system ensures that the new Amarok is capable of covering almost any terrain and, crucially, tow loads of up to 3.5 tonnes.
Next-Gen Amarok: Payload and Practicality
The cargo box capacity has been improved on the new Amarok, with a maximum payload of 1.16 tonnes on some models. As before, it’s got a large enough area to accommodate a Euro pallet loaded sideways between the wheel arches, with eye rings around the load area available to tie down and secure any load.
For improved security of smaller loads, an electrically operated roll cover will be available. This roll cover can be opened and closed from the cargo box itself, from inside the vehicle or by remote control via the vehicle key.
Towing capacity will sit at 3,500kg, extending the abilities of Amarok over the previous model. For those keen to maximise their load, the roof will be able to take a load, when static, of up to 350kg – perfect for a weekend camping with a roof tent.
Next-Gen Amarok: Safety Improvements
Befitting a new vehicle developed some ten years after the original, the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok comes loaded with safety systems, including 20 that are new to the pickup.
The adaptive cruise control system reads road signs and adjusts speeds accordingly, while LED matrix headlights allow for vastly improved visibility at night – without blinding oncoming drivers. These are joined by lane-keeping and lane-changing assistants, lighting and speed assistants, and also 360-degree camera views and road sign recognition.
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