Meet the next gen VW Amarok
In 2022, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) will introduce a fully new version of the Amarok bakkie, which will be capable of even more on and off the road. The new Amarok, designed and conceptualised in Germany and Australia will be built in South Africa. This bakkie will have exceptional specifications, a far greater variety of driver-assist features, and a significantly wider selection of drive systems than its forerunner. A few disguised versions of the new Amarok have already been seen throughout Europe.
The luxury design of the all-rounder is both typical of the Amarok and redefined at the same time. A high-quality interior meets a robust, captivating exterior. Despite the disguise, it is already clear how the dimensions have changed: the new model is at least 100 mm longer than its predecessor, measuring 5,350 mm. The increased wheelbase of 3,270 mm equates to a 175 mm increase in interior capacity in the double cab. The cargo capacity has been increased to 1.2 tonnes, and a massive maximum towing capability of 3.5 tonnes is now available across a wider range of engine/gearbox combinations.
As the wheelbase of the new Amarok is growing more than its total length, the bodywork overhangs are getting smaller. This has a favorable impact on off-road capability. The new Amarok’s off-road abilities are further enhanced by a substantially larger fording depth for driving over water than the previous model.
The engines available will be one petrol and up to four distinct diesels with four to six cylinders and cubic capacity of 2.0 to 3.0 litres – potentially with rear-wheel drive, on-demand or permanent all-wheel drive, depending on engine/gearbox variant and market. A wide range of preconfigured driving modes with numerous levels of assistance is available to the driver, even in unusual conditions. Meanwhile, the Amarok has over 30 driver assist systems, with over 20 of them being wholly new to the Amarok.
Design as a statement of power
It’s still buried beneath the camouflage for the time being. However, in the future, the bakkie’s exterior will be stronger and more charismatic. “The Amarok’s classic design has been drastically updated for the latest generation. In summary, it is now unmistakably more expressive and significantly more stunning,” says Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
The redesigned front section makes a bold statement. The sleek and relatively upright bonnet with a distinct brand DNA is striking. The horizontal top radiator grille crossbars with the narrow, tightly integrated LED headlights, which are standard on all variants, are captivating. ‘IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights’ will be available as an option, enhancing the Amarok’s high-tech appearance. The radiator grille unit below the bars merges in a bespoke form, depending on version, into a horizontal division of the front section or into an X-shaped design on the top specification models. The word ‘Amarok’ is embossed here.
The half-round wheel arches from the previous model are particularly prominent in silhouette. Unlike many other bakkies, the top of the arches makes a nearly straight rather than a round line, which is a distinctive Amarok feature. The wings above the up to 21-inch alloy wheels and all-terrain tyres (available for the first time as standard) have a powerful look.
The new bakkie from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also eye-catching from the back. The standard LED rear lights, frame the large tailgate, and the name ‘Amarok’ is engraved across nearly the entire width of the tailgate.
An interior for professional tasks and long trips
The Amarok’s interior is functional and high-quality, with easy controls, a digital cockpit, and a tablet-style touchscreen display. Such elements emphasize the bakkie’s premium status. An exclusive sound system, as well as exquisite leather-look surfaces on the instrument panel and door panels with distinctive decorative stitching, are available as options. The seating matches the vehicle’s premium positioning. It provides Volkswagen comfort to all passengers: drivers and front-seat passengers sit in the new Amarok on pleasant, broad seats that can be set with electric, 10-way adjustment as an option. The back seat has enough room for three adult passengers to enjoy the ride.
The new Amarok will be available in five trim levels, with the ‘Amarok’ being the entry-level bakkie. It is followed by the ‘Life’ and ‘Style’. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer the ‘Panamericana’ (off-road character) and the ‘Aventura’ (on-road character) as equal top options.
Following the example of success
The Amarok has sold over 830,000 units in Europe, South America, South Africa, and Oceania. Superior motor systems, huge load capacities, systematic functionality, and an authentic all-terrain design are the strengths of the successful premium bakkie. With the new generation, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is building on these strengths. The new Amarok will go on sale in the first few nations in late 2022, with a double cab and four doors (DoubleCab) and in a few individual markets with a two-door single cab (SingleCab).
At Beekman Canopies we are already looking forward to designing and fitting canopies for this bakkie.
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Since our humble beginnings in 1972 as a small family–owned business in Krugersdorp, Beekman has steadily grown to become the leading fibreglass bakkie canopy manufacturer in Africa, with well over 60 fitment centres across Southern Africa and export operations throughout the continent.
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