UK Car Guide ›› Pickups ›› VW Amarok Pickup Truck
Volkswagen Amarok Models
It's obvious that the focus of attention for the new Amarok pick-up by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is modern technology and a redesign of the styling.
This information and data spotlights the history of the Volkswagen Amarok and timeline of the variants from 2010 through to the present day.
The History of VW Amarok Pick-Up Trucks
The launch of the revolutionary Volkswagen Amarok occurred in 2010 and here's what's happened since:
- VW built more than 100,000 in the first year of production (8 October 2011) and it has continued to shine ever since.
- It's a vehicle with smooth handling and serious off-road capabilities in difficult terrain.
- Take a look inside this smartly-designed package and you will find the reasons behind its global success.
We are also looking around the corner for the all-new Volkswagen Amarok model. So, in anticipation of the arrival, let's take a look back at the exciting history of this award-winning off-roader from the same stable as the VW 4x4 SUV models.
Amarok Timeline: 2010 to 2024
2010: First Generation
It is fair to say light-duty pickups built by "Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles" have improved immeasurably since the VW Golf Mk1 Caddy released back in 1979.
The present day Amarok uses the ladder on frame chassis with independent suspension design at the front and leaf springs fitted at the rear.
Plus, the range includes a choice of single cab and double cabs that combine rear-wheel or 4motion™ four-wheel-drive options. The power comes from either the turbocharged petrol or a turbocharged common rail direct injection (TDI) diesel engine.
Here's the thing:
The general public got their first look at the Amarok in Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2010. They also used the VW truck as a key support vehicle for the 32nd running of the Dakar Rally in the same year.
Even so, the Amarok (named after a gigantic Amaroq wolf) is competing with several other mid-size pickup trucks, in particular:
Most of the production takes place at the Volkswagen Group plant in General Pacheco, Argentina. Last time we checked, VW is exporting around 70% of these vehicles to Mexico, South African, Russia, and Europe - among others.
2012 Model Year
Two more engine configurations became available from 2012. Thus, buyers could choose between the 2.0L TDI 90 kW motor upgraded to 103 kW of power and the 2.0L Bi-TDI (with optional 8-speed ZF engineered automatic transmission).
VW introduced a limited edition "Amarok Dark Label" model in September 2014. It used the 178 bhp (180 PS; 133 kW) 2.0-litre BiTDI engine. As a result, it could generate up to 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft) of torque and it offered a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kilograms (7,100 pounds).
2017 Model Year
A facelifted Amarok arrived for the 2017 model year, with a new engine replacing the "outdated" 4-cylinder version. Put another way, the VW 3.0L TDI V6 became the new engine of choice for Amaroks.
Why?
In a nutshell, the 3.0-litre V6 TDI can generate up to 23% more power and something close to 28% more torque. In addition, it delivers lower emissions and it can help to decrease fuel consumption (compared to the previous 2.0 BiTDI engine).
Volkswagen also started producing a more powerful version of the 3.0 V6 TDI (the 190/200 kW & 580 Nm) in 2018. It seems they wanted to deliver a vehicle that could compete with the Mercedes Benz X Class V6 CDI.
Pro Tip: Another section explains more about what causes high fuel consumption in diesel engines with 9 expert tips for improving fuel efficiency.
2022: Second Generation
The release of the second-generation Amarok took place in July 2022. Despite being designed in Germany and Australia, the Ford Motor Company built it at the South African assembly plant. Hence, the latest Ford Ranger generation models share the same platform.
The 2022 generation features a 4-door double cab and a 2-door single cab body style. As a result, it is 9.6 cm (3.8 inches) longer than the previous model.
Plus, because the wheelbase is 17.3 cm (6.8 inches) longer, there is more space on the second row seats (e.g. for passengers sitting in the rear).
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok pickup truck has five variants:
- Amarok (the base version)
- Life
- Style
- PanAmericana (styled for off-road driving)
- Aventura (on-road-oriented styling)
Pro Tip: If you enjoy driving through river beds, they also increased the fording depth to eighty (80) cm (31.5 inches).
2022 Amarok Powertrain
Buyers get to choose between the turbocharged petrol (TSI) and four turbo-diesel (TDI) engines. But, the base specification version is the engine offered for some African markets.
The most powerful option is the 3.0-litre Ford-Jaguar Land Rover-developed AJD-V6 engine. It can provide 177 kW (241 PS; 237 hp) or 184 kW (250 PS; 247 hp).
VW uses the standard 10-speed automatic gearbox paired with the "shift-by-wire" automotive concept for the Amarok diesel. Other versions get a choice of a 6-speed automatic transmission or a choice of 5 or 6-speed manual gearboxes.
Pro Tip: Check out our pickup models comparison guide for a list of the key features and technical specifications available in the new models reaching the showroom forecourts this year.