After two years of hints and teasers, Volkswagen has finally revealed the next-generation Amarok in all its glory. This global effort - designed in Australia and Germany and built in South Africa - adds a premium feel to the pickup as well as improved off-road performance.
“For the new generation we have significantly modified the Amarok’s archetypal design,”
says Albert Kirzinger, head of design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
“It is now unambiguously more expressive and even more impressive.”
On and Off-Road Improvements
This generation of Amarok is roomier than the last, with an extra 96mm added to the length, giving a nose-to-tail measurement of 5,350mm. The wheelbase is bigger too, measuring 3,270mm, a hefty 173mm increase over the outgoing model. This means there’s extra room in the cabin, as well as improved approach and departure angles thanks to the wheels being pushed out further towards the corners.
The wading depth has seen the most significant increase, increasing from 500mm to 800mm. Couple this with the all-wheel-drive system that will be fitted as standard for all UK models, and you’ve got an impressive set of off-road capabilities.
Modern and Spacious Cabin
The increase in wheelbase length and the subsequent improvement in cabin space is most obvious in the rear seats, but the most prominent change is the design and functionality of the interior. A digital instrument panel, with a display up to 12.0-inches across, replaces traditional dials and warning lights and sits front and centre.
The ‘digital cockpit’ is fully customisable and will allow the driver to display navigation instructions directly ahead of them, provide them with information on the status of the all-wheel-drive systems, or check on any other of the myriad systems available.
Alongside that is a ‘floating’ infotainment panel, also measuring up to 12.0 inches, which allows access to the pickup's functions, from the different driving modes to controlling the Harmon-Kardon sound system.
Not everything is through the digital screen though, as pleasingly there are physical switches and rotary knobs giving access to high-level systems, such as volume controls and all-wheel-drive settings.
The dashboard that holds all this is in itself modern and ergonomic. A leather-look aesthetic is available on some models complete with contrast stitching, and ArtVelours or leather-covered ergonomic seats, electrically adjustable and heated on some specifications, add to the premium feel inside.
Powerful Engines and Four Wheel Drive
The new Volkswagen Amarok has been designed for the global market and will be available with five engine choices; four diesel and one petrol-powered option.
Here in the UK, we won’t see the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel, with its 150hp output, but might well receive the 170hp version. It’s most likely that the Amarok range will start with the bi-turbo diesel engine offering a 204hp output, alongside a 241hp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel. UK buyers will, however, miss out on the 302hp 2.3-litre petrol.
All models will be fitted with a new 10-speed automatic gearbox operated by an e-shifter - a discreet gear selector lever in the centre console that isn’t physically connected to the gearbox.
The UK vehicles will be equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, which will ensure that the new Amarok is capable of covering almost any terrain and tow loads of up to 3.5 tonnes - a crucial factor for many pickup owners.
Improved Payload and Practicality
An important improvement is that the cargo box capacity has been increased on the new Amarok, with a maximum payload of 1.16 tonnes on some models. It retains its sizable footprint, a large enough area to accommodate a Euro pallet between the wheel arches, with eye rings around the load area to tie down and secure any load.
An electrically operated roll cover will be available too, providing improved security for smaller loads. This can be opened and closed from the cargo box itself, by remote control via the vehicle key or from inside the vehicle itself.
Towing capacity has increased too, sitting at 3,500kg, meaning the new Amarok has greater flexibility over the previous model. The roof will be able to take a load too, of up to 350kg when static - perfect for weekend camping with a roof tent if you want to get away from it all.
Cutting Edge Safety Improvements
As you might expect, given the age of the outgoing design, the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok comes loaded with new and improved safety systems, including 20 that are entirely new to the pickup.
Lane-keeping, lane-changing, lighting and speed assistants, a 360-degree camera and road sign recognition are all included, depending on trim levels, making every journey less taxing. The adaptive cruise control system reads road signs and adjusts speeds accordingly, adding further security and reassurance.
Nighttime visibility is vastly improved by the addition of LED matrix headlights on some models, which are automatically controlled so you don’t blind oncoming drivers.
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