The wait is over. This is the all-new Volkswagen Amarok 2023 which will be locally assembledin SA and go on sale in the first quarter of 2023.

Following a long string of teasers, the global premiere has finally taken place and we can get our first official look at the Ford Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok.

Yes, that’s right. The brand-new 2nd-generation 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will share a platform with the Ford Ranger and both will be assembled right here in South Africa at Ford’s plant in Silverton, Pretoria. Globally, it appears that both single cabs and double cabs will be made, but it’s too early to tell what body styles and engines the SA market will be getting.

What’s new on the 2023 VW Amarok?

In terms of size, the new Volkswagen Amarok is 96 mm longer than the outgoing model and its wheelbase has been extended by 173 mm. The longer wheelbase translates to more cabin space. The growth in size has resulted in sharper proportions and better 4×4 capability due to improved approach angles. It now boasts a wading depth of 800 mm.

Inside, there’s a fresh and modern cabin with digital displays galore. Depending on trim level, the digital instrument cluster measures either 8 or 12 inches. Higher-spec models gain a 12-inch infotainment screen, while the lower grades use a 10-inch unit. A premium Harman Kardon audio system is also offered. Internationally, there will be Style, Aventura and PanAmericana levels of trim, aimed at different audiences.

Despite bakkies becoming less workhorse and more lifestyle, they still needto retain some functional traits. There’s big space in the loadbay for up to 1.16 tons and there’s enough space for a Euro pallet loaded sideways. There’s also an electrically operated roll cover available.

SA’s best-selling bakkies for the first half of 2022

Accessories will seemingly play a big role in the Amarok’s positioning and Volkswagen has confirmed a vast array of goodies such as larger wheels, tents, styling kits, bike racks and so on.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok Engines

Volkswagen has confirmed there will be 5 turbocharged engines (all from Ford, of course), which will be tailored to individual markets. There will be 4 turbocharged diesel motors and 1 turbocharged petrol. The powertrain range starts with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel with 110 kW / 350 Nm. This engine is also available in a higher-spec 125 kW / 405 Nm output.

The 3rd engine is a 2.0-litre biturbo diesel with 150 kW or 154 kW and 500 Nm, market dependent. The flagship engine is a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 and is available in outputs of 177 kW or 184 kW and 600 Nm, depending on the market. The petrol engine is a 2.3-litre 4-cylinder with 222 kW and 452 Nm.

Customers will be able to choose from manual 5- or 6-speed gearboxes, while automatic options range from 6-speed to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Depending on the market, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will feature permanent 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard or selectable all-wheel drive with low range.

The new Amarok will also boast advanced technology. There’ll be over 30 driver assistance features offered in the new Amarok (20 of them are new) when it goes on sale in early 2023.

This is the international reveal, so we’re looking forward finding out South African details (and confirming which engines we’ll be getting) soon. Watch this space!

Buy a Volkswagen Amarok on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Epic Overlanding in the V6 Amarok across Oman – Saying goodbye to the VW Amarok

10 best-selling bakkies in South Africa: June 2022