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The new Volkswagen Amarok pickup conceals a Ford Ranger and will be manufactured by Ford. But it has its own design, is slightly larger, and has sharper technology than its predecessor. The Volkswagen Amarok is a hit. This VW pickup, released in 2009, has sold over 830,000 copies worldwide. However, for this new generation, Wolfsburg's leaders have collaborated with their competitor Ford, which will also build the Amarok in its South African factory.

This new Volkswagen Amarok is based on the Ford Ranger (FYI: Ford Tourneo Connect is a facelifted Volkswagen Caddy). In the case of pickups, the two models differ more in terms of style, with only the doors appearing interchangeable. Compared to the previous Amarok, the newcomer has a more expressive design, with a strong identity for the Volkswagen model. The previous generation's wheel arches with flattened upper parts have been retained. The C-shaped optical units and the monogram stretching across the entire width of the tailgate are visible at the back. The daytime running lights are also C-shaped but much flatter than on Ford's Ranger.

The new Volkswagen Amarok grows slightly, measuring 5,350 mm longer than its predecessor. Its wheelbase also increased by 173 mm to 3,270 mm. As a result, there is a little more room, especially for rear passengers, and a more favorable approach and attack angles for those who want to do some off-roading with their Amarok. A benefit is obtained by increasing the wheelbase more than the total length, resulting in shorter overhangs. The new Amarok can also cross a ford 800 mm deep instead of 500 mm previously.

However, a pickup truck is primarily used to transport heavy loads. The loading capacity of the new Volkswagen Amarok has increased from 1 tonne to 1.16 tonne. The tipper measures 1,544 mm in length and 1,224 mm in width. As a result, we can fit a euro-pallet between the wheel arches. The Amarok will be available in single and double cab configurations. However, only the latter will be available to us.

The engine lineup consists of four types of diesel (three 2-liters and a 3.0-liter V6). As a result, the lineup includes a 2.0-diesel with 150 or 170 hp, a 3.0 with 241 hp (and 600 Nm), and a bi-turbo with 204 hp (and 500 Nm).

The Volkswagen Amarok also uses the Ford Ranger's 10-speed automatic transmission, but it also gets a 6-speed version and manual transmissions with less powerful engines. In Europe, the Amarok retains all-wheel drive, which can be permanent or intermittent, depending on the engine. It will again be capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes, depending on the engine.

The Volkswagen Amarok lineup will consist of four equipment levels: the basic version, which will go unnamed, and the Life, Style, and Aventura executions. The base model rides on 16-inch steel wheels. However, it still gets LED lighting, electrically retractable mirrors, an 8-inch digital dashboard, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assistant, and reversing radar, and parking cameras, among other things.

The Aventura trim level, which includes alloy rims and IQ adaptive matrix LED headlights, elevates the Volkswagen Amarok to a proper lifestyle vehicle. A distinctive front bumper and chrome accents (also available on the Style version). The touch screen has a diagonal of 12 inches. We received no response during the digital press conference when asked whether the system is VW's own MIB3 or Ford's SYNC4.

The Volkswagen Amarok has many driver assistance systems and modern comfort and safety features. The Volkswagen promises a functional interior with plenty of storage space as well. There are more similarities with the Ranger on the inside. The main things that are different are the steering wheel, the physical controls under the touch screen, and the way the center console is set up.

The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will be unveiled to the public for the first time in September, and it should be available in showrooms by the end of the year.