Volkswagen unveils all-new Amarok ute

After a lot of teasingVolkswagen has finally given us our first look at the all-new Amarok ute.

While the original Amarok was a full VW work, this time the development is shared with Fordmeaning the new Amarok is based on the same platform as the new Ford Rangeras well as sharing some body panels, interior switches and, of course, engines and transmissions.

This means that the Amarok, like the Ranger, will be launched in several markets with a range of engines, including the 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder diesel that pumps 154 kW and 500 Nm through all four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission.

Less powerful single turbo versions of the 2.0-litre will also be available in a number of models, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, but we wouldn’t expect that here. However, what we will definitely see is the V6 version that will use the same muscle strengthy 184 kW/600 Nm turbo diesel as top specification Rangers.

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While some overseas markets are also queuing up for a petrol Amarok that uses the Ford 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder seen in the Mustang hereand in the US version of the Ranger we wouldn’t expect that anytime soon.

We also wouldn’t expect an Amarok to pack the 292 kW/583 Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 that Ford is going in the Raptor version of the Rangeras Ford probably wants to keep that segment to itself.

Like the Ranger, the new Amarok is larger than the vehicle it replaces: at 5350, the new model is 96mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase of 3270mm also equals an increase of 173mm. The new model is 1910 mm wide and up to 1888 high, depending on the tire and wheel combination.

Volkswagen says its off-road capability has also been improved, with the Amarok’s fording depth increased from 500mm to 800mm, while approach and departure angles have also been improved, now 29 degrees and 21 degrees respectively. The angle of inclination is also 21 degrees.

The Amarok will also come with two 4WD systems – an on-demand part-time system with a two-speed transfer case on lower specification models, while higher specification versions will receive a permanent AWD system.

Inside, the Amarok gets a different interior than the Ranger, but shares some features. Depending on the model, a number of different dashboard displays are available, with lower specification models getting an 8-inch digital instrument display, while higher specification models getting a 12-inch display. Likewise, the infotainment screen is 10-inch on the lower-end models, with upspec variants getting a larger 12-inch version.

Worldwide, the Amarok will be offered in five variants: the entry-level entry-level version will simply be called ‘Amarok’, while the slightly higher specifications will be called ‘Life’ and ‘Style’. Top versions will be called the ‘PanAmericana’ for the off-road-oriented top class and ‘Aventura’ for the more road-oriented luxury topper. Volkswagen New Zealand has so far confirmed PanAmericana and Aventura for our market, but has not yet revealed how far the range will go.

“The all-new Amarok heralds a new era for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in New Zealand,” said Kevin Richards, General Manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand.

“With advanced design and Volkswagen refinement, the new ute brings a new level of safety and driving aids, along with some great features that make it exceptional to drive. We are delighted to see the vehicle for the first time and can’t wait to have them on the roads in New Zealand to prove they are among the very best of the bunch.”

Volkswagen New Zealand says prices of the new line-up will be announced later this year and deliveries in New Zealand would begin early next year, with interested customers now able to register their interest.