Volkswagen has announced that the long-awaited second-generation Amarok pickup will be available to order in the UK in the middle of June, with four different levels to choose from.
Initially available as a four-door double-cab model, the new Amarok is the successor to the German brand’s original pick-up of the same name that first arrived in the UK in 2011, and shares its foundations and much of its design with the popular Ford Ranger.
Several different turbocharged diesel engine options with varying power outputs will be available at launch, starting with the entry-level 170hp 2.0-litre version paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. A more powerful 205hp variant of this 2.0-litre engine will also be offered, which makes use of a ten-speed automatic transmission.
The range-topping powertrain also uses this ten-speed transmission – a turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel V6 that delivers an output of 240hp. A 300hp 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine was also announced as part of the upcoming Amarok range last year, but it is currently unknown if or when this model will go on sale in the UK.
The new Amarok is slightly longer than the old model that was taken off sale in 2020, but also has a shorter overhang behind the rear wheels, which Volkswagen says makes the new iteration better suited to off-road driving than its predecessor. Towing capacity has also been increased to a maximum of 3500kg.
While the original Amarok could handle a cargo box payload of 1,030kg, the next-generation model increases this figure to 1,160kg, which trumps the Hilux payload maximum of 1,000kg. Volkswagen says that the eye rings fitted to the cargo box floor can hold 500kg each. The roof rack bars, which are slightly longer than those found on the Ford Ranger, can hold a maximum weight of 350kg, which is 150kg more than the old Amarok.
Four trim levels will be on offer from June onwards, starting with the lead-in ‘Life’ trim. 17-inch silver alloy wheels and LED headlights come as standard, as does a ten-inch infotainment screen on the centre of the dashboard which allows the driver to view the feed from a rear-view parking camera.
Opting for the ‘Style’ trim grade brings a few upgrades, including larger 18-inch silver alloy wheels and the 12-inch infotainment screen with Volkswagen’s navigation software shown below. This trim also includes a surround-view parking camera, some extra exterior chrome and black side steps for easier entry.
The ‘PanAmericana’ trim is said to focus on off-road ability, with the addition of rear locking differential for added traction on rough terrain and a more comfortable suspension setup. A black front bumper and 18-inch black alloy wheels also feature.
Key trim level features
Lead-in ‘Life’ (from £33,000)
- 17-inch silver alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Ten-inch infotainment screen
- Rear-view parking camera
‘Style’ (from £41,450)
- All ‘Life’ features that are not replaced
- Chrome bodywork inserts
- Black side steps
- 18-inch silver alloy wheels
- 12-inch infotainment screen with navigation
- 360-degree parking camera
‘PanAmericana’ (from £46,200)
- All ‘Style’ features that are not replaced
- Rear locking differential
- Suspension upgrade
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
- Black front bumper
Top-spec ‘Aventura’ (from £47,000)
- All ‘PanAmericana’ features that are not replaced
- 21-inch silver alloy wheels
- Chrome door mirrors and door handles
- Silver front bumper
Sitting at the top of the trim list is the Amarok ‘Aventura’, which Volkswagen says stands out thanks to its exterior design. The model’s large 21-inch alloy wheels and front bumper are finished in silver, and the package also includes chrome-plated exterior mirror and door handles.
The new Amarok range will be available to order from the 14th June 2023, with the first customer deliveries arriving later this Summer. Pricing starts at £33k (excluding VAT), rising to £47k for the range-topping model.
