When it comes to sales, the Amarok is clearly behind the VW vans. However, the pick-up with lifestyle ambitions is important for the brand image. The platform truck, which VW developed together with Ford, is coming to Germany in the spring.
The second generation of the VW Amarok wants to bridge the gap between two opposing requirements – between work and a lifestyle statement. A strong increase in load helps on the one hand, on the other hand a revamped interior with refined infotainment. The flatbed truck, which was developed and built together with Ford, will be launched on the German market in May 2023 at prices starting at just under 40,000 euros.
The fact that the Amarok is essentially a Ford Ranger is only noticeable from the outside at second glance. Or at the latest when you grab the massive door handles, which, like the portals themselves, were taken over from the sister model of the US group. As far as possible, VW has given the other visible sheet metal parts their own look. This is most clearly achieved at the front with the wide, chrome-plated radiator grille, which, especially in the higher-quality “Panamericana” and “Aventura” variants, together with the metal bumper and underbody protection, forms a massive part of the face. At the rear, independent lights and the self-confident name lettering pressed into the metal make it clear that you stand behind an Amarok.
The redesign of the interior is just as effective. The structure provided by Ford is personalized by VW with an independent multifunction steering wheel (with real buttons instead of touch surfaces), a slightly modified layout – for example in the center console – and above all through the use of finer materials. They are not found everywhere, but at least in strategically important places such as the dashboard and door panels. The Amarok wants to set itself apart from the Ranger in terms of ambience in particular – which, based on first impressions, does not seem impossible, even if there is no direct comparison.
In principle, in addition to the standard digital instruments, the large, upright infotainment monitor also goes well with this idea, as it shows fine, high-resolution graphics that illustrate a largely convincing operating concept. In practice, however, the touchscreen concept proves to be disadvantageous – especially on uneven roads, the sometimes very small contact surfaces can hardly be hit with the finger exactly. One would wish for classic controllers, at least for the air conditioning system.
On the other hand, there is nothing to complain about when it comes to handling. The fact that VW continues to rely on leaf springs instead of coil springs on the rear axle is hardly noticeable most of the time. The robust and inexpensive technology has few problems with the axle guide, only on uneven or loose ground the rear sometimes bucks slightly when springing. All in all, depending on the equipment, the wide tires, which can be up to 21 inches in size, with their rather harsh ride comfort, determine the driving behavior in everyday life much more than the rear axle suspension installed in all engine variants without exception. The steering is pleasantly precise and sensitive, and doesn’t require too much cranking even off-road.
Like all the other technology under the sheet metal and cockpit paneling, the diesel engines also come from Ford. The 3.0-liter top-of-the-range unit, which usually does its job in the full-size Ford F-150 pick-up, was available for the first test drives. The 177 kW/240 hp six-cylinder has an easy time with the one size smaller Amarok. He is coupled to a ten-speed automatic, which keeps the diesel primarily in the lower speed range, which meets consumption and refinement.
There are no paddle shifters on the steering wheel, so if you want to change gear yourself, you have to use small switches on the side of the massive automatic selector lever. Alternatively, two 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engines with 125 kW/170 hp and 151 kW/205 hp are available in Germany. The six-cylinder petrol engine available in the Ford Ranger is initially not available for the VW. And plug-in hybrids or purely electric variants are not planned for the time being.
All-wheel drive technology is always standard in the new generation. The four-cylinder models use the high-performance switch-on variant, while the six-cylinder models use the more comfortable and active permanent all-wheel drive. Off-road reduction and differential lock are always on board, there is no longer a model with rear-wheel drive. In addition, larger slope angles at the front and rear prevent bottoming out on difficult terrain.
The pick-up has also upgraded its technical talents. All versions can now take up to 3.5 tons on the hook, the maximum payload increases to 1.19 tons and the roof load increases to up to 350 kilograms, which allows the assembly and use of a family roof tent when the vehicle is stationary.
VW’s pick-up is only available in Germany with a double cab and in five equipment lines, with the “Amarok” variant coming along as a deliberately unadorned commercial vehicle and the next higher model “Life” positioning itself as a price-performance leader. “Style” adds a little more visual chic, while the top versions “PanAmericana” and “Aventura” go the extra mile when it comes to design and comfort features. Both strip off all commercial vehicle flair and present themselves more as an alternative to the lifestyle off-road vehicle. Compared to the predecessor, the significantly longer list of assistance systems is noticeable, which now also includes “Travel Assist” for partially automated driving. VW does not name prices for basic models and options about half a year before the market launch.
More utility, modern infotainment and upgraded assistants: the new generation of the Amarok takes a noticeable step forward. The top variants refined to SUV level are also impressive. Minor flaws in the usability of the touchscreen hardly matter. Rather, that at least initially no electrified drives are available. Hard-hitting pick-up fans shouldn’t mind that much, though.
Specifications VW Amarok
2.0 liter four cylinder diesel
2.0 liter four cylinder diesel
3.0 liter six-cylinder diesel
