2023 Volkswagen Amarok overview | CarExpert

It’s lastly right here, of us.

A whopping 12 years after the first-generation Amarok hit Australia, and 9 months after the its reveal in Germany, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has hit native shores.

It touches down with loads of stress on its crisply-styled shoulders. Volkswagen is anticipating it to be a best-seller in Australia, sitting alongside the T-Roc small SUV atop its gross sales charts, and it’ll be taking up the rampantly widespread Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The Amarok is a really completely different beast to its predecessor. It’s been broadly reported the automotive shares its underpinnings and engine with the most recent Ford Ranger for starters, and the cabin options the form of security and infotainment expertise that its predecessor couldn’t have even dreamed of.

The V6 turbo-diesel lives on, nevertheless it’s backed by a brand new twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel and a brand new 2.3-litre petrol engine that shares its bones with the Ford Focus RS and Mustang efficiency fashions.

That the brand new Amarok will symbolize a giant step ahead from its creaky predecessor is nearly a given. However does it have what it takes to set itself other than the all-conquering Ranger, and to tackle the likes of the HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, and the Mazda BT-50?

How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok value?

The Amarok vary kicks off simply north of $50,000 earlier than on-road prices, and extends to only shy of $80,000.

On the backside finish, the Amarok Core computerized is aligned with an almost-top-spec Mitsubishi Triton GLS 4×4, or an absolute base Ford Ranger XL – albeit one with the extra highly effective Bi-Turbo engine and a 10-speed computerized.

On the high finish, the PanAmericana is a detailed match for the Ford Ranger Platinum on value, whereas the Aventura slots between the Platinum and Ranger Raptor based mostly on its sticker.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok pricing:

• Volkswagen Amarok Core
  • 2.0 TDI405 4Motion guide: $50,990
  • 2.0 TDI405 4Motion six-speed auto: $52,990
• Volkswagen Amarok Life 2.0 TDI500 4Motion 10-speed auto: $56,990
• Volkswagen Amarok Fashion
  • 2.0 TDI500 4Motion 10-speed auto: $66,990
  • 3.0 TDI600 4Motion 10-speed auto: $70,990
• Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana 3.0 TDI600 10-speed auto: $75,990
• Volkswagen Amarok Aventura
  • 3.0 TDI600 4Motion 10-speed auto: $79,990
  • 2.3 TSI452 4Motion 10-speed auto: $79,990

Costs exclude on-road prices

What’s the Volkswagen Amarok like on the within?

The brand new Amarok appears and seems like a Volkswagen behind the wheel.

There are some components anybody who’s pushed a Ranger will recognise, however the design, supplies, and cabin expertise are distinct. Even the mid-range Fashion feels fairly premium, and the range-topping Amarok Aventura is a really good place to spend time.

Volkswagen gives a spread of finishes on supply to make distinctive variants really feel… distinctive. The mid-range type seems like a top quality merchandise, the PanAmericana with its particular stitching and rougher leather-based will enchantment to outdoorsy sorts, and the range-topping Aventura is posh sufficient to justify its $80,000 price ticket.

A lot of the supplies are good to have a look at and contact, though the plastic trim items flowing from the dashboard into the transmission tunnel are fairly scratchy throughout the vary. This can be a business automobile in spite of everything.

The basics are good. The driving place is comfy for lengthy stints behind the wheel, no matter which mannequin you go for, and most of what you should poke or prod is inside simple attain. The steering wheel extends out to satisfy taller drivers, and the touchscreen doesn’t require an excessive amount of stretching.

Talking of the infotainment, it’s principally good. It begins quick, has crisp graphics and identifiable fonts, and has wi-fi cellphone mirroring – however falls into among the traps afflicting different Volkswagen Group merchandise.

There aren’t any dials for the local weather management, for instance, so you should take your eyes off the street and prod the display at twice to alter the temperature, and there are many sub-menus once you begin diving into the motive force help screens.

It’s not far off being wonderful, however greater icons and a wiser structure can be welcome in a couple of locations. It’s additionally lacking the helpful front-facing digital camera that prompts once you flick into one of many off-road modes.

Additionally lacking is the app connectivity you get from the Ranger. Having the ability to check the symptoms and lights on a trailer from the surface of the automotive utilizing an app, for instance, may be very helpful, as is the flexibility to regulate your zone lighting.

The digital instrument show is standout, nevertheless. It appears trendy, and supply the best mix of knowledge and legibility. The splashy graphics once you change drive modes add a touch of aptitude, and the actual fact no Ranger besides the Raptor has the identical full-sized digital dashboard because the Amarok is a tick for Volkswagen.

Storage areas abound up entrance. There are cupholders on the transmission tunnel, a wi-fi cellphone charger below the sprint, and a deep central bin – though the trailer brake controller does make it tougher to place a cellphone in that charger, and means the USB-A and USB-C ports are recessed to the purpose of being laborious to succeed in.

All of our testers featured a neat flip-top storage bin above the glovebox, full with plastic ridges to cease objects sliding round.

As for the rear seats? They’re a significant enchancment on what was on supply within the final Amarok, which Volkswagen says was a key precedence when creating the second-generation automotive.

Legroom and headroom are improved, though they’re par for the category moderately than standout.

The elevated rear bench will do wonders in case your children are susceptible to carsickness, and the inclusion of air vents will little doubt be welcome throughout scorching Australian summers.

ISOFIX factors function on the outboard rear seats, and there’s a trio of top-tether factors for little one seats. There aren’t any rear USB ports, nevertheless.

The tray nonetheless options house for a pallet between the arches, and has as much as six tie-down factors. Naked steel, a plastic tub liner, and a spray-in mattress liner are supplied relying on the mannequin, and the range-topping Aventura has a powered curler cowl that may be operated from the important thing.

The tailgate includes a torsion bar, making it simpler to open than it in any other case would’ve been.

What’s below the bonnet?

The entry TDI405 engine within the Amarok is a 2.0-litre single-turbo four-cylinder diesel making 125kW of energy and 405Nm of torque.

It’s despatched to the street by means of a six-speed guide or computerized transmission, together with a 4Motion four-wheel drive system with selectable 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.

The TDI500 has a bi-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel making 154kW of energy and 500Nm of torque, mated with a 10-speed computerized transmission and selectable four-wheel drive.

The TDI600 packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel making 184kW of energy and 600Nm of torque, mated with a 10-speed computerized and full-time four-wheel drive.

The one petrol possibility is the TSI452, which is a turbocharged 2.3-litre petrol engine making 222kW of energy and 452Nm of torque. It’s mated with a 10-speed computerized and full-time four-wheel drive.

All fashions can have an 80L gas tank, and TDI fashions now have a 19.3L AdBlue tank as an alternative of the 6.3L unit on the outgoing automotive.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok engine specs:

How does the Volkswagen Amarok drive?

We spent most of our time behind the wheel of the V6 diesel, which Volkswagen expects to dominate gross sales.

Round 80 per cent of pre-orders have been for that engine, and even when early adopters have their vehicles and common punters are laying down their hard-earned money, the model expects round 60 per cent of individuals to stump for probably the most highly effective diesel.

As we all know, it’s a very good engine. It fires quietly, with little or no diesel clatter or vibration from behind the wheel at idle, and it’s a easy mover at low speeds thanks in no small half to the 10-speed computerized transmission.

It’s laborious to know what gear you’re in at any given time as a result of they’re stacked carefully – and since for probably the most half you simply get what you want, once you want it. The 600Nm torque peak hits at simply 1750rpm, so it pulls properly from low within the rev vary, and it’s easy and refined once you press tougher.

The final Amarok had fairly a heavy, direct steering rack. The brand new mannequin has lighter steering that makes it fairly wieldy at low speeds, regardless of having an extended wheelbase and physique than the automotive it replaces, and the surround-view digital camera (on the Fashion and above) is welcome once you’re making an attempt to park such a giant beast.

The broader suite of lively driver assists is welcome. Adaptive cruise management is easy and sensible, and the lively lane-keeping help is assured with out feeling prefer it’s making an attempt to wrestle the wheel out of your hand. Mixed with a quiet, refined cabin at freeway speeds, the assists make the brand new Amarok a really succesful cruiser.

There are two suspension tunes on supply. The primary options twin-tube dampers, and is obtainable on the Core, Life, and Fashion, and the second is a tauter setup with monotube dampers supplied on the PanAmericana and Aventura.

The Fashion is extra relaxed on the open street, with extra physique roll within the corners, and extra motion over crests.

You’re nonetheless conscious it’s a business automobile with no load within the again (no nice shock), however you don’t get the sense the tail is wagging the canine once you hit bumps at velocity, and occupants aren’t jiggled relentlessly.

Swapping into the Aventura reveals a distinct character. It’s extra tied down over bumps, with a taut-feeling physique that locations it someplace between the previous-generation Amarok and its sportier W580S sibling, and also you’re extra conscious of smaller bumps because of the usual 21-inch (!!) wheels.

Volkswagen has all the time pitched the Amarok as an ‘SUV with a tray’ moderately than a piece automobile on the high finish, and the Aventura delivers on that pitch – particularly with the two.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

It’s a bit completely different to what we’re used to in dual-cab utes, with no diesel clatter and a revvier character, nevertheless it performs into the almost-luxury-SUV feeling Volkswagen is chasing.

There’s loads of torque on faucet, so it doesn’t really feel sluggish, and it’s a easy mover in the direction of the highest finish of the rev vary. No, you don’t get a Focus RS-style bark, however the best way it drives will really feel instantly acquainted to anybody hopping out of a Tiguan or Touareg.

It’s a disgrace Volkswagen hasn’t put paddles on the steering wheel, as a result of it’d be a enjoyable ute to push if you happen to may hold it within the energy band… if you happen to didn’t have to make use of the silly Ford buttons on the transmission selector.

Though it’s good to have a look at, the Aventura wouldn’t be my decide. That honour belongs to the PanAmericana, which has the identical suspension tune however rides on 18-inch wheels wrapped in additional off-road oriented tyres that take the sting off the trip.

It’s designed to be probably the most succesful Amarok off-road, and dealt fairly effortlessly with every little thing we may throw at it.

As is the case within the Ranger, all of the mode shifts are clearly communicated on the digital dashboard, and the preset Mud and Ruts or Sand modes make life simpler for nervous off-roaders.

The actual fact you don’t have the identical off-road digital camera system (the forward-facing digital camera locks out on the transfer) is a disgrace although, because it’s very useful expertise on tight trails and over blind crests.

Volkswagen factors to the Amarok’s improved floor clearance (235mm), wading depth (800mm), method and departure angles (30 and 25.6 levels) as proof of its off-road means, and the convenience with which it dispatched the off-road course we drove would recommend it’s each bit nearly as good as its dual-cab rivals when the going will get powerful.

What do you get?

Amarok Core highlights:

• Exterior
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Electrical folding mirrors
  • LED headlights
  • Tow bar with trailer brake controller
  • Locking tailgate
  • Mud flaps
  • Cargo mattress lighting and tie-downs
• Inside
  • Material seats
  • Vinyl flooring
  • Single-zone air-conditioning
  • 10-inch portrait touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Digital radio
  • Wi-fi cellphone charging

Amarok Life provides:

• Exterior
  • Physique-colour bumpers, mirrors, door handles
  • LED fog lights
  • Heated aspect mirrors with puddle lamps
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Distant locking tailgate
• Inside
  • Distinctive seat trim
  • 6-speaker stereo
  • Privateness glass
  • Leather-based-wrapped shifter, steering wheel
  • Carpet flooring and mats
  • Auto-dimming rear mirror
• Different
  • Digital park brake
  • Entrance tow hooks
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Computerized headlights

Amarok Fashion provides:

• Exterior
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Chrome rear bumper, steps
  • Matrix LED headlights
  • Tub liner
  • Chrome steel sports activities bar
  • Insulated windshield
  • Keyless entry
• Inside
  • ArtVelour seat trim
  • Energy driver’s seat
  • Heated entrance seats
  • 12-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system
  • 12-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Twin-zone local weather management
  • Ambient lighting
• Different
  • 360-degree digital camera
  • Alarm system
  • Arms-free park help

Amarok PanAmericana provides:

• Exterior
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • All-terrain tyres
  • Black bumpers, mirrors, door handles
  • LED tail lights
  • Black sports activities bar and steps
  • Tender tonneau cowl
  • Roof rails
  • Spray-in tub liner
• Inside
  • Leather-based seats
  • Leather-based-trimmed sprint, doorways
  • 8-speaker sound system
  • Black headliner
  • Powered passenger seat

Amarok Aventura provides:

• Exterior
  • 21-inch alloy wheels
  • Chrome bumpers, mirror, handles
  • Rear sailplane
  • Electrical curler cowl
• Inside
  • Leather-based seats (Savona)
  • Leather-based-trimmed dashboard

Is the Volkswagen Amarok secure?

The Amarok has a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2023.

It scored 86 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 93 per cent for little one occupant safety, 74 per cent for weak street consumer safety, and 83 per cent for security help.

The grownup occupant safety rating for the Amarok is technically increased than what the Ranger obtained, with the Ford receiving a rating of 84 per cent. The Amarok fared higher total in whiplash safety.

How a lot does the Volkswagen Amarok value to run?

The Amarok is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee like the broader Volkswagen vary.

Upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Volkswagen has confirmed the Amarok will value $1800 to service for 5 years or 75,000 kilometres with one in every of its pay as you go Care Plans, undercutting the worth of the equal bundle for a 2022 four-cylinder diesel by $200, and a 2022 turbo-diesel V6 by $400.

Those that don’t go for a Care Plan on the brand new Amarok can pay $329 for the primary, second, and fourth service, $414 for the third service, and $400 for the fifth – equal to the identical value over 5 years, however paid for on the time of service moderately than being bundled into the automotive’s buy value.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Amarok

The brand new Amarok improves on its predecessor in a variety of key methods.

It’s greater and extra trendy inside, lastly includes a aggressive suite of lively security options, and drives with the polish you’d count on of a Volkswagen dual-cab ute developed alongside the present standard-setter from Ford.

Throw in a good-looking exterior design, sharp service pricing, and the actual fact Volkswagen anticipates strong provide, and the Amarok has the makings of a significant participant.

What stands in its approach? It’s on the costly finish of the ute spectrum in Australia, even alongside the Ranger, and a bit extra polish on the infotainment entrance wouldn’t go astray.

It’s additionally a disgrace among the Ford’s smartest touches – the off-road digital camera and tray step – haven’t translated right here.

Volkswagen is anticipating the Amarok Fashion to be the best-seller, and there’s little doubt it represents a candy spot within the vary. However an optioned Fashion is knocking on PanAmericana cash, and the latter is a pointy looker, with a spec sheet that well balances luxurious and functionality.

A comparability with the category leaders awaits.

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