The all-new Volkswagen Amarok has been launched in Ireland, with a choice of four- or six-cylinder diesel engines and a range of trim levels to suit a variety of needs.
Return of 2.0 TDI power
After a couple of years off sale, the arrival of the second-generation Amarok marks a return of the company's upmarket commercial vehicle. The new model is the result of collaboration between Volkswagen and Ford, and the new Amarok is offered with either 2.0 TDI or 3.0 V6 TDI diesel engines.
All versions of the Amarok feature a five-seat, four-door, double-cab body, while 4Motion four-wheel drive is standard across the range with a wide range of electronic assist systems available
The entry point to the range is just called Amarok and features a 170hp/405Nm version of the 2.0 TDI engine connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. Priced at €47,355, the entry-level pickup features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, power folding mirrors, Bluetooth, LED headlights, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8.0-inch driver's display, air conditioning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and a reversing camera.
Upgrade to Life trim, and the price rises to €50,345, while standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an electrically adjustable driver's seat, privacy glass, a leather wrapped steering wheel, an electric parking brake, front parking sensors and auto lights and wipers.
The Amarok Life can be had with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, which is fitted to a 205hp/500Nm version of the four-cylinder diesel. This combination comes as standard in the €64,735 Amarok Style model, which adds 18-inch alloys, a chrome rear bumper, matrix LED headlights, part-suede seat trim, digital dials and a 12-inch portrait touchscreen. Style models can be had with the 250hp/600Nm 3.0 TDI V6 diesel that's standard from the next rung of the trim ladder up.
Lifestyle-focused Panamericana
In an effort to attract non-commercial vehicle buyers, Volkswagen has introduced the Amarok Panamericana, featuring visual changes over the Style model that include black alloy wheels, LED taillights, an 'X' design for the front grille, a matt-black roll bar in the cargo bed, leather, navigation and a high-end Harman Kardon sound system. Prices for this model start from €68,620.
At the top of the range, the Amarok Aventura starts from €70,890 and features 20-inch wheels, more body-coloured trim and extra chrome, too.
Towing and hauling
Volkswagen says that a Europallet can be fitted in the pickup bed sideways or lengthways, and there are lashing eyes around the edge of the bed to help secure items. Payloads of up to 1.19 tonnes are on offer, depending on model, while all Amaroks are rated to tow 3.5 tonnes, too.
Off-road performance includes ramp angles of 30 degrees and 26 degrees front and rear, while there's a wading depth of 800mm - up significantly from the Amarok Mk1's 500mm maximum.
The new Volkswagen Amarok is on sale in Ireland now.