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Volkswagen Amarok (2023) Review
FAST FACTS
Model: Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion
Price: R1 084 600 (June 2023)
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 184 kW/600 Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic gearbox
Fuel consumption: 8.4 L/100 km (claimed)
Payload space: 1 114 litres
Price and after-sales support
The Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion costs R1 084 600 (there are no optional extras), which includes a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan with 15 000 km service intervals. The range starts from R599 000 and goes up to R1 138 200 for the Aventura.
Verdict
While some purists will be upset that the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is based on a Ford product, the development of a new bakkie would have cost VW billions in R&D; bear in mind, a double cab is not a core product in the brand’s line-up. On top of that, most European carmakers are phasing out models powered by internal combustion engines, so Volkswagen was unlikely to green-light an all-new vehlicle that it would not be permitted to sell in many countries after 2030 (due to EU emissions regulations).
By utilising the admittedly good bits of Ford’s top-selling bakkie, Volkswagen Commercial has fashioned an upmarket and competent 2nd-gen Amarok. Cleverly, VW and Ford’s product-planning departments have carefully chosen different grades and trims, to avoid stepping on each other’s toes (too much).
Volkswagen has taken some of the best elements from the already-excellent Ford Ranger Wildtrak and incorporated them in a slightly posher Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion package. The plush look-and-feel of the newcomer’s cabin and aspects such as comfort, smoothness and a quieter, more refined driving experience will win over many fans. But such things come at a premium.
We think the PanAmericana (R1 084 600) and Wildtrak (R996 500, excluding a service/maintenance plan – both prices correct in June 2023) will appeal to slightly different markets; the Volkswagen seems more overtly off-road oriented, but we think it will resonate more with buyers of luxury family cars than its Ford cousin, which may see more action as an outdoor adventurer/workhorse. Make no mistake though, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will be more than up to the task – and just as capable as its “rugged” brother.
www.cars.co.za
FAST FACTS
Model: Volkswagen Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion
Price: R1 084 600 (June 2023)
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel
Power/Torque: 184 kW/600 Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic gearbox
Fuel consumption: 8.4 L/100 km (claimed)
Payload space: 1 114 litres
Price and after-sales support
The Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion costs R1 084 600 (there are no optional extras), which includes a 4-year/120 000 km warranty, 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan with 15 000 km service intervals. The range starts from R599 000 and goes up to R1 138 200 for the Aventura.
Verdict
While some purists will be upset that the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok is based on a Ford product, the development of a new bakkie would have cost VW billions in R&D; bear in mind, a double cab is not a core product in the brand’s line-up. On top of that, most European carmakers are phasing out models powered by internal combustion engines, so Volkswagen was unlikely to green-light an all-new vehlicle that it would not be permitted to sell in many countries after 2030 (due to EU emissions regulations).
By utilising the admittedly good bits of Ford’s top-selling bakkie, Volkswagen Commercial has fashioned an upmarket and competent 2nd-gen Amarok. Cleverly, VW and Ford’s product-planning departments have carefully chosen different grades and trims, to avoid stepping on each other’s toes (too much).
Volkswagen has taken some of the best elements from the already-excellent Ford Ranger Wildtrak and incorporated them in a slightly posher Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion package. The plush look-and-feel of the newcomer’s cabin and aspects such as comfort, smoothness and a quieter, more refined driving experience will win over many fans. But such things come at a premium.
We think the PanAmericana (R1 084 600) and Wildtrak (R996 500, excluding a service/maintenance plan – both prices correct in June 2023) will appeal to slightly different markets; the Volkswagen seems more overtly off-road oriented, but we think it will resonate more with buyers of luxury family cars than its Ford cousin, which may see more action as an outdoor adventurer/workhorse. Make no mistake though, the 2023 Volkswagen Amarok will be more than up to the task – and just as capable as its “rugged” brother.
2023 Volkswagen Amarok: Just a rebadged Ranger?
The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok has gone on sale in SA with hopes of rubbing shoulders with the very best in the segment.
