VW’s Amarok returns – with V6 power

VW reveals rugged new Amarok

Dean Gibson

Dean _ Gibson@autovia.co.uk @DeanGbsn

IT’S been away for two years, but the Volkswagen Amarok has finally returned as an all-new model focusing on the premium end of the pick-up market.

The new Amarok has been co-developed with the Ford Ranger, but the two models are very distinct in terms of their style; everything bar the windscreen and roof is different, even the doors.

The VW’s exterior styling is still chunky, like its predecessor, while inside, the Virtual Cockpit digital dash and portrait-style touchscreen are shared with the Ranger, but other areas of the cabin have been given a premium edge. The steering wheel is similar to that found in VW’s passenger cars, while the Amarok will use VW’s own infotainment system, which includes climate controls within the large touchscreen.

Volkswagen has said there will be two bodystyles, five engines and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes, although which versions will come to the UK will be confirmed closer to launch in early 2023.

The Amarok measures 5,350mm long and 1,910mm wide, with a 3,270mm wheelbase, all an increase over the old model’s, so there’s more room in the cab and in the bed, too. The new Focus ST. We’ll have more information on which engines will be sold in the UK closer to the truck’s launch here.

All units with more than 206bhp are paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, while lower-spec cars have a choice of sixspeed manual and auto transmissions. As before, VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel-drive setup is available, with European-spec trucks featuring permanent 4WD as standard.

Standard safety kit has been uprated significantly, with VW claiming that 20 new driver-assist systems have been fitted.

Pricing and trim details, as well as efficiency info, will be revealed before the Amarok goes on sale at the start of 2023.

Amarok will be able to take payloads of up to 1.16 tonnes, while heavy-duty lashing eyes are fitted. VW is also offering an electrically operated roll-top load cover to keep items in the bed hidden from sight. A 3.5-tonne towing weight is confirmed.

As well as offering a five-seat double-cab pick-up, VW has taken advantage of the tie-up with Ford to sell a single-cab model with a longer load bed, too. This can take two Europallets compared with the single item that can be fitted in the bed of the double-cab model. As well as two bodies, VW will also offer a range of accessories, including load covers, towing equipment, cycle racks and even a four-berth roof tent – the roof is rated to carry up to 350kg.

The engine range kicks off with a 148bhp 2.0 TDI four-cylinder diesel, then there’s a 168bhp version of that unit and a BiTDI twin-turbodiesel with 201bhp or 206bhp, depending on market. At the top of the range, the 3.0-litre V6 TDI has 238bhp or 247bhp, again depending on market.

In certain countries, VW will also offer a 298bhp 2.3 TSI four-cylinder petrol, which is a rebranded version of Ford’s EcoBoost four-cylinder engine from the Mustang and DISTINCT pop

Amarok was developed with Ford Ranger and shares its dash, but pair are styled very differently

“VW has taken advantage of the tie-up with Ford to offer a single-cab model as well as a five-seat double-cab truck”

Custom Renault 5 is in the pink

CELEBRATING the success of its iconic 5 supermini – and before the new Renault 5 EV goes on sale in 2024 – Renault has revealed a new electric restomod concept car called 5 Diamant, featuring a recycled marble steering wheel and hand-woven horsehair fabric for the dashboard.

The car’s powertrain has been replaced with a battery and an electric motor, while the styling has also been subtly updated with features such as new gem-like lights that sit proud of the bonnet, plus a three-layer paint job, made up of golden pigments on a pink base with frosted varnish on top. The concept also features a fingerprint scanner to unlock the doors.