VW Amarok Ranger version revealed

csv8 · 26-04-2022, 02:58 PM

https://www.news.com.au/technology/m...d3fd040a2ed789
Aussie ute buyers are about to be spoiled for choice.

Volkswagen is preparing its new Amarok workhorse for its assault on the Aussie market later this year.

The new Amarok shares its underpinnings with the Australian designed and engineeredFord Ranger that goes on sale locally in the coming months.

Ryan Davies, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Australian brand director, said the Amarok was due to make its global debut on 7th of July.

Final specification for the Australian market hasn’t been confirmed but globally there will be one petrol engine and up to four diesel options.

Headlining the range will be a big 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

The Amarok will have a healthy 1.2 tonne payload and can tow up to 3500kg.

It’ll be available in five specification grades including a new off-road focused “PanAmericana” and tarmac biased “Aventura”.

Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive and permanent or on-demand all-wheel drive.

FROM NEWS.COM.AU

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VW is packing the Amarok with hi-tech features including a digital cockpit, tablet-style infotainment display and a high-end stereo.

The German brand is promoting the Amarok’s big leap in safety with 30 active driver systems included, which is 20 more than the current version. VW hasn’t revealed if the new Amarok gets airbag cover for the rear seats, a major drawback of the current version.

Volkswagen Australia is also looking to continue its partnership with Walkinshaw, according to Davies.

“We are looking at that at the moment, and the partnership has been incredibly successful,” he said.

VW is exploring a Walkinshaw version of the new Amarok.

“We’ve got to have a competitive edge with what we’ve got with the new Amarok and partnering with Walkingshaw or someone like that will give us something unique in the market and continues to give us the uniqueness of the W580. We are certainly looking at its successor.”

Davies said they wouldn’t be chasing the Ranger Raptor with the Walkinshaw Amarok but instead would be looking to carve out their own niche.

“We think we’ve got something as a concept that could work quite well and suit the Australian market,” said Davies.