Volkswagen has finally launched the much awaited 2nd generation Amarok which comes as a replacement of first gen model that has been around for 12 years and witnessed 830,000 units sold worldwide.
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Though in terms of visual appearance, Volkswagen says the design cues ensure that it is immediately identifiable as an Amarok, but its completely different than its predecessor. In fact, the latest generation is a fruit of the alliance between the commercial vehicle divisions of Volkswagen and Ford that was formed in 2019, and therefore the 2nd gen Amarok can be called a cousin of 2022 Ford Ranger.
The new VW Amarok is bigger than the outgoing model measuring 5,350 mm long with a wheelbase of 3,270 mm, which is an increase of 96 mm and 173 mm respectively. The width is now 1,910 mm or 2,204 mm including mirrors, and is up to 1,888 mm tall on its tallest wheel-and-tire combination. The increase in dimensions also results in a better interior space for the new Amarok.
The enhanced proportions also benefits the off-road capability, since the approach angle is also improved to 29 degrees, ramp and departure angles are 21 degrees, while water fording depth has grown from 500 mm to 800 mm according to Volkswagen. Cargo carrying capacity has increased from one tonne to 1.16 tonne, while the cargo bed in the Double Cab variants measures 1,544 mm long, whereas that of Single Cab version measures 2,305 mm long. Cargo bed in both versions measure 1,224 mm wide and 529 mm tall.
The new VW Amarok can also be had with an electrically operated roll cover that can be opened and closed from the cargo box itself, either from inside the vehicle or via remote. Meanwhile the Amarok roof can take loads of up to 350 kg, enabling the use of loading accessories.
Under the hood, the 2nd gen VW Amarok gets 5 turbocharged engine options; 4 diesels and one petrol unit. The base specification is 2.0L TDI turbo diesel producing 149 hp and 350 Nm paired with a 5-speed manual and rear wheel drive. Then there is 2.0L TDI that produces 169 hp and 405 Nm of torque, and is paired with rear- or selectable 4-wheel-drive and a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
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The third diesel engine is another 2.0L four-cylinder turbo diesel but comes with twin turbocharging to yield a peak power output of 203 hp of power and 500 Nm of torque. This comes paired with a 6- or 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel-drive through an additional electro-mechanical transfer case.
The range topping one is 3.0L TDI V6 engine, which is offered in either 240 hp or 250 hp states of tune, paired with a 10-speed automatic and permanent 4Motion all-wheel-drive. Depending on region and engine variant, the Amarok is also rated with a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. The only petrol engine is a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder unit that produces 301 hp of power and 452 Nm of torque, and is paired to 10-speed automatic gearbox with permanent all-wheel drive.
Inside, the new Amarok features a portrait oriented infotainment screen that can be specified in either 10- or 12-inches, an 8-inch digital instrument display, digital radio, online connectivity, 4-speaker audio, a multi-function steering wheel and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The Amarok offers up to 6 different driving profiles, comprised of Normal, Eco, Slippery, Snow/Sand, Mud/Rut and Tow/Haul. There are 5 trim specifications namely the ‘Amarok’ (base variant), Life and Style, along with joint-top versions, the off-road accented PanAmericana and the road-biased Aventura. Wheel sizes measures from 16 to 21 inches depending on the variant.
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On the safety front, the top-spec PanAmericana adds adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed assist, park assist and area view, while the permanent AWD 4Motion driveline gains a mechanical limited-slip differential as standard. Meanwhile, the highway-focused Aventura variant gets most of the equipment features from the PanAmericana, with the addition of Lane Assist with lane centering.
Production for the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok will commence in September in Pretoria, South Africa where the Ford Ranger is also manufactured. Volkswagen will be hosting a contingent of press from around the globe towards the end of the year to experience the new Amarok for the first time. Official prices are yet to be announced.
Volkaswagen in Pakistan is making progress with a snail’s pace. In November 2018, Volkswagen AG and Premier Motors signed an agreement for manufacturing and assembling of Volkswagen commercial vehicles in Pakistan. Media was informed that the Amarok pickup and T6 commercial van will likely be the first VW vehicles that will go on sale in Pakistan.
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However the VW plant that is being constructed at Hub area at the outskirts of Karachi is yet to reach completion. Previously it was reported that the plant will begin rolling off locally assembled units in 2021 but the project hit a speed bump with delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic & lockdowns.
In October 2021, Premier Motors announced that locally assembled Volkswagen and Skoda crossovers and SUVs will hit the roads by the mid 2023. Let’s hope the likes of new VW Amarok becomes available in Pakistan by the slated time.
The all new Volkswagen Amarok
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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