By Otsile Kadiege

Volkswagen released fresh teaser images of a heavily camouflaged Amarok prototype along with new details of the next-generation VW bakkie. The new information sheds light on the new Amarok’s exterior and interior design, its dimensions, its new powertrains, drivetrains and numerous other ground-breaking technologies.

Exterior

According to the Wolfsburg-based automaker, the exterior design of the new Amarok will have a powerful and charismatic form that’s also striking thanks to its straight and very upright bonnet, upper radiator grille crossbars with the concisely integrated, narrow standard LED headlights (IQ.Light – LED matrix headlights will be optional), a pronounced silhouette, and up to 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped with all-terrain tyres. Its rear-end is said to be equally striking thanks to a wide tailgate framed by standard LED taillights, and the word ‘Amarok’ embossed across the full width of the tailgate.

At a good 5,350 mm, the new model is at least 100 mm longer than its predecessor. A wheelbase of 3,270 mm equates to an increase of 175 mm – as a result there is more space in the double cab. The payload is also increasing to up to 1.2 tonnes and an imperious maximum towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes is now possible across more engine/gearbox variants.

Interior

Inside, the new Amarok will feature a digital instrument cluster, a tablet-style infotainment display and an exclusive optional sound system. Volkswagen adds that the new Amarok will make use of wider seats which can optionally be configured with electric, 10-way adjustment as well as leatherette on the instrument and door panels.

New Amarok grades

There will be five trim versions of the new Amarok: the entry-level version is the ‘Amarok’. It is followed by the ‘Life’ and ‘Style’. To be offered by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as equal top versions will be the ‘PanAmericana’ (off-road character) and the ‘Aventura’ (on-road character).

Performance

Dependent on engine/gearbox variant and market, the engines available will be one petrol and up to four different diesels with four to six cylinders and cubic capacity of 2.0 to 3.0 litres – optionally with rear-wheel drive, or on- demand or permanent all-wheel drive. A great array of preconfigured driving modes with multiple levels assists the driver, including in non- everyday situations. Enhanced safety, meanwhile, is provided by more than 30 driver assist systems, over 20 of which are completely new to the Amarok.

Availability

The new Amarok will launch at the end of 2022 in the first few countries with double cab and four doors (DoubleCab), and in some individual markets with a two-door single cab (SingleCab).