Volkswagen has a new bakkie on the way which will replace their ageing but steadfast model which was first released in 2010 and has sold over 830,000 units globally. Here are some facts on the 2023 VW Amarok which will most notably be based on Ford’s updated T6 platform.
Starting with the exterior, we have only seen a lengthy teaser campaign and the latest shots of a heavily camouflaged bakkie shown here. Albert Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has stated: “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.”
Aside from the design description, what we do know is that the newcomer will be stretched in all fronts save for its width meaning that the interior will be more commodious than before. The 2023 VW Amarok now boasts a 5,350 mm length with a double cab wheelbase of 3,270 mm. The standard version we are seeing here will be 1,880 mm tall and measure slightly narrower than before with a 1,910 mm width. The second generation German bakkie is said to have shorter front and rear overhangs which should make it more competent at tackling steep approach and departure angles when adventuring on technical terrain.
For those looking to put the bakkie to work, its payload has been increased to 1,200 kg, which is there or thereabouts when compared to its rivals, while it can tow up to 3,500 kg. The 2023 VW Amarok will once again be offered in single cab spec as well with the range being offered in a selection of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive setups.
Connecting the drivetrain to the ground will be a spectrum of rims, varying in size from 17-inches to 21-inches, dependent on the five trim levels on offer and for the first time include all-terrain tyres as standard. The 2023 VW Amarok will be available in Base, Life, Style, Panamericana and Aventura. The latter two mentioned here being the premium derivatives. Since it shares a platform with Ford’s very own bakkie, it only makes sense that they share a production line and thus the 2023 VW Amarok will be built locally at Ford’s Silverton plant alongside the new Ranger.
One petrol and up to four different diesels ranging between four and six-cylinders will power the newcomer although it is unconfirmed but likely that some of these will be provided by the Blue Oval.
It may be difficult to see with the copious camo but the new model will employ IQ. Light LED matrix headlights. Amarok styling elements will be embossed on the grilles of the top spec models while the rear end have the same embossing treatment across the width of the tailgate.
Information on the interior is equally as ambiguous with important information alluding to a digital cockpit and tablet-style infotainment display although no sizing has been provided.
The model will be officially revealed at the end of 2022 and South Africans can expect to see it on Volkswagen showroom floors in the first quarter of 2023.
