Volkswagen has released the first pictures of the next-generation Amarok pickup truck, and this time they’re not just concept art.
Of course, with the release of the Amarok still being some months away, Volkswagen hasn’t revealed all, so the pickup is pictured covered in heavy camouflage.
Next-Gen Amarok: Design
Despite the disguise, much of the basics of the design can be seen clearly. The narrow LED headlights, front wings and door panels are unique to the Amarok, while the lower grille will appear as either a horizontal design or a bold X-shaped version depending on the model.
The parts shared with the Ford Ranger are mostly kept hidden away, out of sight. That said, it shares the same basic cabin structure, so the windscreen, side windows, rear window and roof will be the same on both models.
Volkswagen differentiates itself from Ford further with extended wheel arches and a tailgate stamped with ‘AMAROK’.
“For the new generation we have significantly modified the Amarok’s archetypal design,” explains Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “It is now unambiguously more expressive and once again appreciably more impressive.”
Next-Gen Amarok: Cabin
A longer wheelbase than the previous Amaorik, now measuring 3,270mm, means there’s more space in the cabin.
In the front, a digital cockpit and tablet-style infotainment display will dominate, lending the Amarok a functional, high-quality appearance. An exclusive sound system will be available, as will leather-look surfaces and door panels with distinctive decorative stitching, highlighting the pickup’s premium positioning.
The rear also offers enough space for three adult passengers to sit in comfort.
Volkswagen is also promising a new level of safety technology onboard, including automatic emergency braking and other driving aids. In total, there’ll be more than 30 driver assist systems, over 20 of which are completely new to the Amarok.
Five trim levels will be offered, although not all will necessarily make it to the UK, The entry-level version is called simply ‘Amarok’, followed by higher specification ‘Life’ and ‘Style’ models. The top of the range will be split across two models, the off-road-focused ‘PanAmericana’ and the road-biased ‘Aventura’.
Next-Gen Amarok: Cargo Capacity
Payload capacity has been extended to as much as 1.2 tonnes, while the towing limits remain at 3.5 tonnes.
The cargo bed will be long and wide, with enough space between the wheel arches to accommodate a euro pallet loaded sideways. Robust lashing points ensure loads can be kept secure, too.
Off-road capabilities should be improved thanks to shorter overhangs and greater ground clearance. The maximum wading depth has also been increased significantly and is expected to be 800mm.
Next-Gen Amarok: Engine Options
Exact engine options for UK customers are still something of a mystery, but the Amarok will be offered with one petrol engine and four diesel engines across global territories. That’s likely to result in a 2.0-litre diesel option in the UK, with 213hp, as well as a more powerful 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
All models will be offered with four-wheel drive, and each will be offered with an automatic gearbox. A manual gearbox option is expected for the 2.0-litre model.
Next-Gen Amarok: Availability
The new Amarok will be revealed in full towards the end of 2022, with single and double-cab versions. The UK will receive only the double-cab model, which is expected to arrive with customers in early 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
