Amarok teased, again

VOLKSWAGEN has teased its Amarok again, this time showing the high-grade model with Matrix LED headlights.

The image provides a better idea of the shape and frontal treatment applied to the Ford Ranger-based utility, which is expected to go on sale in the later part of 2022, or the early part of next year.

The image, which was teased by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles head of design Albert-Johann Kirzinger in a video this week, also reveals a renewed LED daytime running light signature which is clearly different to the C-clamp inspired pattern of the newest Ranger.

As reported by GoAuto, the next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will be more capable both on- and off-road and will be offered with a new V6 diesel engine, as well as “four further engine specifications”, at least one of which is petrol.

The Wolfsburg-based brand says its new utility will be offered with the choice of rear-wheel drive and two different four-wheel-drive systems (on-demand or permanent), suggesting the model will closely emulate the driveline offerings found in its Ranger twin-under-the-skin.

Volkswagen is also promising a greatly expanded array of driver assistance and safety technologies and says the larger new model will offer increased payload capacity (up to 1200kg), and a (standard) 3500kg braked towing limit.

As before, the Amarok will be capable of accommodating a full-size European pallet between its wheelarches.

The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will measure 5350mm in length (+100mm) with a 3270mm wheelbase (+175mm), resulting in greater cabin space.

It will also offer shorter front and rear overhangs than before, ensuring improved off-road performance, which the brand says will be further bolstered by “significantly greater water fording depth”.

With an expanded array of preconfigured driving modes and more than 30 driver assistance systems, the next-gen Amarok will also provide more intuitive controls, a digitised instrument panel and tablet-style central infotainment system.

Compared with its Ford cousin, the Volkswagen will offer a brand-specific audio system, as well as leather-look surfaces (on the instrument panel and door cards) with “distinctive decorative stitching”.

VW says it will offer the Amarok with “comfortable, wide seats”, which can optionally be specified with 10-way electric adjustment in the front row.

Five trim grades will be available, including “Amarok” entry grade, Life and Style mid-tier variants, and top-spec PanAmericana (off-road focused) and Aventura (on-road focused) models. Single- and dual-cab variants will be offered in selected markets.

While the final design of the Amarok is yet to be unveiled, Volkswagen says the model will offer a powerful and charismatic form with a straight, very upright bonnet, horizontal upper radiator grille crossbars and narrow LED headlights, which are standard for all versions.

Optionally – and likely standard on high-grade variants – Volkswagen will offer its IQ.Light LED matrix headlights that “will underline the Amarok’s high-tech look”, and as previewed in the most recent teaser.

In profile, the Amarok’s flat-topped wheel arches and 21-inch alloy wheels are evident and the model is further differentiated from its predecessor by a new-look rear-end with LED taillights and A-M-A-R-O-K lettering across the tailgate.

“For the new generation we have significantly modified the Amarok's archetypal design. It is now unambiguously more expressive and, once again, appreciably more impressive,” said Mr Kirzinger.