THE new Amarok, under construction in Mzansi at Silverton Ford Plant, is not only going to ruffle feathers in the double-cab segment globally but will also put the country on the map.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles made the reveal of the bakkie, that sold over 830 000 units of the first-generation Amarok, in a premier and this second generation is set to sell even more, judging by its looks.
Head of design Albert Kirzinger said for this new generation, they had refined Amarok’s archetypal design. “It is now unambiguously more expressive and impressive,” said Kirzinger.
Making a statement in itself is the new front section of the pick-up, launching in variants Amarok, Life and Style as well as top spec PanAmericana (off-road styling) and Aventura (exclusive).
The new Amarok, launched with a four-door, double-cab and two-door single cab, looks robust with striking features all-round. In silhouette the wheel arches are especially striking on both top-spec versions.
The wings above the up to 21-inch alloy wheels have a powerful look, with arches clad with robust plastic.
The Amarok is also bigger – now 96mm longer than the previous generation.
Inside, you are greeted by high-quality materials you expect to find in a workhorse like this. These include a digital 8-inch instrument and a modern touch-screen in tablet format for the infotainment system. Expect to get over 30 technological driver assists in the top spec versions and over 20 in the lower versions.
Off-road qualities can be further optimised by a bull bar, underbody protection elements, all-terrain running gear, eye rings for hauling and a snorkel attached on the outside for supplying the engine with fresh air when driving through water.
Four turbo diesel (TDI) engines and one turbocharged petrol (TSI) engine have been developed for the new Amarok. Qualities common to all five engines are efficiency and high levels of torque.
On the African market, it is the base specification engine that is being used – a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TDI delivering 110kW. In terms of power output, the next engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI delivering 125kW. As the third level, Volkswagen commercial vehicles will be offering a four-cylinder TDI engine with 2L of cubic capacity and bi-turbocharging. It develops 150kW or 154kW dependent on the market.
The engine used as the new top TDI is a 3.0-litre V6. It provides power output of 177kW or 184kW, dependent on the market. A 222kW 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine has also been designed specifically for the traditional petrol engine markets. More details, especially on the pricing and local versions, will follow at the end of the year.
