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'Wolf' Returns As New Amarok Revealed

The new generation Amarok will be more spacious and even more capable off-road.

Volkswagen vehicles for sale

The new generation Amarok will be more spacious and even more capable off-road. First introduced in New Zealand in 2011, the Amarok – which means ‘wolf’ in the Inuit language – was launched as a game-changing ute that challenged the category norm of a workhorse with premium refinement, supreme drive systems, high load capacities, and functionality with an authentic all-terrain design.

Volkswagen says the new double cab ute’s comprehensive set of features, which includes over 20 new driver assist systems, mobile online services, engines that are both efficient and high in torque, two all-wheel drive technologies, and tailor-made accessories make the new Amarok one of the most versatile and well-balanced utes in the world.

Volkswagen sold over 830,000 units of the first-generation Amarok in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, North Asia and South and Central America. Now comes the second generation, where everything is new.

The new Amarok is being launched globally as a four-door double cab and two-door single cab. The ute’s long wheelbase enhances its proportions and off-road qualities. At 5,350mm, the new Amarok is 96mm longer than its predecessor, with its wheelbase of 3,270mm representing an increase of 173mm.

The longer proportions provide more room, especially on the double cab’s second row of seats. The wheelbase has thus grown much more than the total length, shortening the body overhangs. The result is a sharper proportioned truck with improved off-road capability thanks to better approach angles. The off-road capabilities of the Amarok are also enhanced by much greater fording depth: previously 500mm, now increased to 800mm.

With its digital displays, the interior has been configured by the Volkswagen design team in a functional and high-quality way. The spectrum of display units is made up of digital instruments in the cockpit and a highly modern touchscreen in tablet format for the infotainment system.

A mix of digital functions and ergonomically configured buttons and/or push/rotary switches in the Amarok are intuitive to use. The infotainment system’s volume and all-wheel drive system’s settings are, for instance, controlled via hard keys. Dependent on specification, these both robust and premium-looking features are framed in aluminium.

Further features such as the sound system from Harman Kardon – as standard in the Amarok PanAmericana and Ventura grade utes – continue the high-quality detail. The vehicle’ s premium positioning is also matched by new seating: the Amarok’s driver and front-seat passenger sit on ergonomically designed seats, which in the higher specifications can be electrically adjusted into multiple positions. The rear of the double cab also offers plenty of space and comfort for three adult passengers to enjoy the journey.

There is ample room in the tray for payloads of up to 1.16-tons. 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 single cab version can even take two pallets loaded in sideways. The load is strapped down via eye rings on the cargo bed, which can each take a load of up to 500kg. The tray can also be secured using an electrically operated roll cover which can be opened and closed from the tray itself, inside the vehicle, or by remote control via the vehicle key.

“With cutting edge design and Volkswagen refinement the new Amarok ute brings with it a new level of safety and driver-aids along with some great features that will make it exceptional to drive,” says Kevin Richards, General Manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand.

“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”.

Available with either a 125kW four-cylinder or powerful 177kW 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesels, Kevin confirms there will be a model to suit every need. The line-up will include the all-new ‘PanAmericana’ grade with a tough exterior and the ‘Aventura’, where power meets refinement and sophistication.

Further local specification and pricing information will be announced later in 2022.