Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles launched the all-new Amarok to global markets on July 7 and New Zealand buyers can register their interest with a local dealer for vehicle delivery in 2023.
While Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand (VWCVNZ) is yet to confirm specification and pricing, it is more than likely that it will import the top of the line 3-litre V6 4Motion PanAmerica and Aventura models which both offer 3.5 tonne towing capacity.
The Amarok PanAmerica is aimed at buyers wanting a tough truck for off highway driving, while the Amarok Aventura is targeted towards city slickers who want a more comfortable on highway experience.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer more trade focused four-cylinder turbocharged petrol or diesel 4×2 and 4×4 models in other markets but it is unlikely we will see them in New Zealand as buyers preferred the V6 engine with all-wheel-drive an and upmarket luxury specification.
First introduced to New Zealand in 2011 the name Amarok means wolf in Inuit, which is the language of the indigenous people of northern Alaska, Artic Canada, Greenland and Eastern Siberia.
‘”The all new Amarok is set to usher in a new era for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in New Zealand. With cutting edge design and Volkswagen refinement the new Ute brings with it a new level of safety and driver-aids along with some great features that will make it exceptional to drive,” VWCVNZ general manager Kevin Richards says.
We’re thrilled to see the vehicle for the first time and can’t wait to have them on New Zealand roads to prove that they’re up there with the very best of the bunch,” he says.
Originally designed and conceived in Germany and Australia, the new Amarok is a collaborative result between Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and the Ford Motor Company, ensuring road-ready suitability to meet the challenges of South Pacific terrains.
Enhanced off-road qualities
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says a longer wheelbase of 3270mm, an increase of 173mm over the predecessor vehicle provides more room inside the cabin of the new Amarok, particularly for occupants in the second row of seats.
More importantly the wheelbase has grown longer than the total length of the vehicle (5350mm) and therefore the shorter body overhangs have increased the Amarok’s off-road capability with improved front and rear departure angles. Wading depth has increased from 500mm to 800mm
High-quality interior
The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles design team have configured the Amarok interior to be both high quality and highly functional. It offers both a digital cockpit and a touchscreen for the infotainment system.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has implemented a mix of digital functions and ergonomically configured buttons and/or push/rotary switches in the Amarok that are intuitive to use. The infotainment system’s volume and all-wheel drive system’s settings are, for instance, controlled via such hard keys. Dependent on specification, these both robust and premium-looking features are framed in aluminium.
The Amarok PanAmericana and Aventura models feature a Harman Kardon sound system as standard as well as a leather-look instrument panel with elegant contrast stitching. Both vehicle’s premium positioning is also matched by the new leather upholstered seating: the Amarok’s driver and front-seat passenger sit on ergonomically designed seats, which can be electrically adjusted into multiple positions.
Payload up to 1.16 tonnes
As was the case on the predecessor model, the cargo bed between the wheel arches has enough room for a Euro pallet loaded in sideways.
The load can strapped down via eye rings on the cargo bed, which can each take a load of up to 500 kilograms. Maximum payload has gone up from 1 tonne to 1.16 tonnes. The cargo box can also be secured using an electrically operated roll cover. This roll cover can be opened and closed from the cargo box itself, from inside the vehicle or by remote control via the vehicle key.
New range of accessories
To complement the new Amarok’s capability as a leisure and lifestyle vehicle, a static roof load capacity of 350 kg is sufficient for a four-person roof tent which will be available as an optional accessory.
A comprehensive range of option accessories include alloy wheels up to 21-inch in size, all-terrain tyres (up to 18-inch) and a diverse array of trailer mounts.
Further optional accessories for the cargo box will include a bike holder, a multifunction carrier system, a manual version of the roll cover and a diverse range of styling bars. There will be also be a factory canopy for the cargo bed to provide the load capacity of a van.
Off-road accessories include a bull bar, underbody protection elements, all-terrain running gear, eye rings for hauling, and a snorkel attached on the outside to the left-side A-pillar for supplying the engine with fresh air when driving through water.
Prices of the new line-up to be announced later this year.
