South Africa is clearly spoiled for choice with an extensive bakkie selection and now, the new Volkswagen Amarok is here to re-enter the fray. Under the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles division, Volkswagen says that the Amarok is coming in with class-leading assistance systems and controls, and will be a multi-faceted, “can do” and capable vehicle.
The new VW Amarok shares its T6.2 platform with the Ford Ranger – in fact, both vehicles are manufactured at Ford SA’s upgraded production facility in Silverton, Gauteng. There will be quite a few engine variants on offer, namely four turbo diesel engines and a turbo petrol engine, and their outputs will vary dependent on the market. There are also over 20 new assistance features, such as automatic cruise control system (‘intelligent speed control assistant’), a parking assistant for assisted maneuvering into and out of parking spaces, a 360-degree all-round view (‘Area View’), a lane change assistant and the road sign recognition system, to name a few.
The exterior of the Amarok is highly attractive and bold, encompassing Volkswagen DNA whilst being very striking to the eye. A notable feature is the light design of the vehicle, the IQ. LIGHT – LED headlights, which we have seen quite a bit on their passenger vehicles. The design culture does extend across the vehicle, with the large AMAROK nameplate engraved onto the rear tailgate of the vehicle with the badge sitting above it, giving it a striking look from both front and rear angles.
Moving inside the vehicle, you will be met by an 8.0-inch Digital Cockpit on the Style model, but as you go up and opt for the PanAmericana and Aventura models, it will a 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit. Additionally, there is a portrait format touchscreen infotainment system and Harman Kardon comes standard in the top-of-the-range PanAmericana and Aventura models. What is also impressive is the 3.5tonne towing capacity, and the payload of 1.19 tonnes.
You will be happy to know that the Amarok will be locally produced in South Africa, and local specifications and pricing is set to be announced in the first quarter of 2023.