Volkswagen Amarok – Detail to Ponder

VW’s second-generation dual-cab starts from $50,990 before on-road costs, representing a rise of $5000 into the entry-level Amarok Core.

It fractionally undercuts the starting point for the equivalent version of the Amarok’s twin, the Ford Ranger with which it was co-developed in Australia. A Ranger turbo diesel auto is priced from $53,680 compared with $52,990 for the Core auto.

The mid-range Style, predicted to be the best-selling Amarok, costs from $66,990 for a four-cylinder diesel or from $70,990 for a V6 diesel. It essentially replaces the Highline that was priced from $64,990 and available only with a V6.

The Aventura flagship – until the return of Walkinshaw-badged models – rises from $75,490 to $79,990, with a no-cost choice between a V6 diesel or a 2.3-litre twin-turbo petrol four-cylinder.

The German car maker is pitching the South African-built Amarok as the most premium offering in the 4×4 dual-cab ute segment, despite the ute now being co-developed with the Ford Ranger.

“We’re landing Amarok with the high level of specification that Amarok customers absolutely demanded of us,” said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Ryan Davies.

“It’s the top-of-the-range Amaroks – Aventura, PanAmericana and Style – where demand will be by far the strongest. Apart from an enhanced upholstery option in the Style, the only extra cost for Amarok is for your choice of paint.

“These are standard Amaroks, not special or launch editions. In time, it’s likely that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will decide on limited editions, but we won’t need to rush one to market on the basis that the standard ute isn’t equipped to the level customers require.”

Its mid-range Amarok Style is priced and equipped closer to the Ranger Wildtrak that, not including the Raptor performance ute, is the range-topping model until the May arrival of a Ranger Platinum.

The Style also includes Matrix LED headlights and a larger, 12-inch digital driver display that are standard only on the Platinum in the Ranger line-up.

VW’s Amarok Aventura range-topper has managed to stay below $80,000, if only just, though its $79,990 price tag is $3000 above the Platinum that mirrors many of its new rival’s features.

Life and Style are now-traditional VW variant names that have been introduced to the Amarok range for the first time; the PanAmericana badge is completely new to VW and represents the most off-road focused version of the new Amarok.

The PanAmericana and Aventura will be the first Amarok models available locally, given priority owing to the growing popularity of higher-spec variants.

The Amarok and Ranger share diesel engines, with the Volkswagen alone in offering the Mustang-derived 2.3-litre turbo petrol that’s exclusive to the Aventura.

2023 VW Amarok pricing

2023 VW Amarok fuel consumption

For 2023 Amarok fuel consumption, Volkswagen claims:

• 7.1L/100km for the 2.0-litre single-turbo manual
• 8.0L/100km for the automatic
• 7.2L/100km for the twin-turbo automatic
• 8.4L/100km for the V6 diesel
• 9.9L/100km for the turbo-petrol.

2023 Amarok tray practicality and towing

The Amarok’s tray continues to fit a Euro pallet courtesy of a 1624mm length and 1227mm between the wheel arches.

Six load-lashing rings have a tensile load rating of 400kg, while a track system incorporates four moveable clamps each with a 250kg limit.

LED tray lighting is standard on all Australian Amarok models.

The PanAmericana comes with a tonneau cover; the Aventura features an electronic roll cover.

Maximum payload has also increased, from one tonne to just under 1.2 tonnes – one of the best figures in the segment.

There’s again a 3500kg braked towing capacity, while VW says the permissible total weight of vehicle and trailer has increased from 6 to 6.5 tonnes.

2023 VW Amarok range in detail

Amarok Core spec and price

Amarok Life spec and price

Amarok Style spec and price

Amarok PanAmericana spec and price