Kumbi-M on Cars

On March 18, 2023, the new VW Amarok will formally go on sale in South Africa. The first-generation Amarok was sold in over 830,000 units worldwide by VW Commercial Vehicles. The current Volkswagen Amarok was introduced in South Africa in 2010 and has so far racked up 42 450 local sales. South Africa will be the site of the new VW Amarok's construction. It was designed in Germany and Australia.

The new Volkswagen Amarok range will be offered in South Africa in the following trim levels: the entry-level Amarok, Life, Style, PanAmericana, and the top-of-the-line Aventura.

Exterior

The new Amarok is 96 mm longer than the outgoing model, measuring 5 350 mm. A 173 mm increase in wheelbase results in extra space, especially in the second row of seats in the double cab. Due to superior approach and departure angles, the wheelbase has expanded significantly more than the overall length, shortening the body overhangs and producing sharper proportions and greater off-road capability. Also, the Amarok's substantially deeper wading depth, which has increased to 800 mm, improves its off-road capabilities (previously it was 500 mm).

It is unquestionably more expressive and much more striking. A statement in and of itself is made by the new, charismatic front section. The highly erect and straight bonnet has unmistakable VW DNA. The bars that span the radiator grille horizontally and have the condensed LED headlights that come standard on all models are analogous. The IQ.LIGHT LED headlights, new to the Amarok line-up, are utilised on the Amarok PanAmericana and Amarok Aventura. They offer interactive lighting and produce a distinctive light pattern. Depending on the version, the radiator grille unit merges into a subsequent horizontal level of the front section or, in the case of the PanAmericana and Aventura, into an X-shaped design below the transverse bars. The name "Amarok" is embossed above the number plate holder on both top variants. The LED fog lights are to its left and right (included as standard on the Amarok Life and above).

The half-round wheel arches on the side are a distinctive Amarok design element. In contrast to many other bakkies, this one has a fairly straight line for the upper termination of the wheel arches rather than a curved one. The wings above the up to 21-inch alloy wheels also offer a distinctive appearance, and strong plastic is used to cover the wheel arches. The tail lights, which extend far into the silhouette, create the outside frame of the rear part. They have a C-shaped design and come standard with LED in the PanAmericana and Aventura variants.

There is sufficient space in the loading bay for payloads up to 1.16 tonnes. The cargo bed of the new Amarok is remarkably roomy. The load bed in between the wheel arches has enough for a Euro pallet loaded in sideways, just like the prior model did. Even two pallets loaded sideways can be accommodated in the single cab type. Eye rings built into the load bed are used to secure the cargo load; each eye ring can support a load of up to 500 kilos. The maximum payload has grown from a tonne to 1.16 tonnes to reflect this high load capacity. An electrically controlled roll cover can also be used to secure cargo in the load bed. This roll cover can be opened and closed remotely using the car key, within the vehicle, or from the load bed itself. The maximum towing capacity of the new Amarok is an astonishing 3 tonnes. Also, the Amarok now offers a wider variety of wheel options (ranging from 16 inches to 21 inches). Depending on the derivative, the bakkie will also be available with ex-factory all-terrain tyres for 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

The new Amarok's interior features a high-quality, practical appearance with its simple controls, digital cockpit, and tablet-style infotainment display. A clearer view and a wide range of control options are provided by the new digital cockpit and a display unit with a 10 or 12-inch screen that is vertically positioned. The inside has been designed in a very practical and high-quality manner, with self-explanatory and digital displays. Digital instruments with a size of 8.0 inches or 12 inches and a contemporary touchscreen with a size of 10 inches to 12 inches for the infotainment system make up the range of display units. Moreover, VW Commercial Vehicles added a combination of ergonomically designed push/rotary controls and digital features to the Amarok. For example, these hard keys can be used to adjust the four-wheel drive system's settings and the infotainment system's volume. Depending on the specification, the frames for these durable and upscale-appearing components are made of aluminium.

Safety

Several new driver assistance technologies, including those that are exclusive to the new Amarok model range, are included in the new Amarok model line. Area vision 360° camera, adaptive cruise control, rear traffic warning, electronic parking brake, blind spot detection, lane assist, park assist, light assist, evasive steering, and front assist are just a few of the contemporary driver assistance systems available across the range. Up to six different driving profiles (Drive Modes) can be selected to help the driver in a variety of circumstances, such as when navigating slick roads or difficult off-road terrain.

Propulsion

The new Amarok will be offered in South Africa with four turbo diesel (TDI) engines. High levels of torque and efficiency are characteristics shared by all engines. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI engine with the base specification produces 110 kW. The following engine produces 125 kW at a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder TDI displacement. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will provide a four-cylinder TDI engine with a 2.0-liter cubic capacity and bi-turbocharging that generates 154 kW of power at the third level. The 3.0 litre V6 engine, which produces 184 kW of power, is the new top TDI engine.

The new 10-speed automatic gearbox with shift-by-wire service will be standard on all Amarok models with a power output of 154kW and higher. The preceding model's 8-speed automatic transmission is replaced by the new 10-speed gearbox. There will also be a 6-speed automatic gearbox, 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions, and more.

Pricing

The new VW Amarok now comes standard with a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, a 5-year/100 000 km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan, and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty as a further value offering to consumers. The service interval is 15,000 kilometres.

The launch of the new Amarok Single Cab retail is anticipated for Q2 2023. Closer to the time of general release, prices for the Amarok Single Cab range will be disclosed.