The original Volkswagen Amarok made its debut 13 years ago, and South Africans had mixed feelings about it. Criticisms were levelled at the "small" 2 l engine, and some even chided the bakkie's comfortable ride with the mindset "Buy a car if you want comfort."
Over time, these opinions changed, and other manufacturers eventually followed the Amarok's lead in terms of engine size and carlike ride quality.
What do we have here?
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok was introduced earlier this year, and this time around, those very same South Africans found a different point to critique: the fact that it's built by Ford.
Indeed, the latest Amarok is manufactured at Ford's Silverton plant in Pretoria and shares the new Ranger's platform, thanks to a collaboration agreement between the two auto manufacturers.
Its bodywork and interior differ from that of the Ranger and were designed under the supervision of Gu-Han Kim, head of Volkswagen's design studio in Melbourne, Australia.
The new Amarok is available in both four-door double cab and two-door single cab variants. It's 96 mm longer overall than its predecessor, with a wheelbase of 3 270 mm - an increase of 173 mm - making for a more spacious interior, especially in terms of legroom for the rear passengers. The wading depth has also increased from 500 mm to 800 mm, allowing you to confidently drive through shallow rivers.
There are five trim levels available; the entry-level model is simply called "Amarok," followed by the Life and Style models. Two flagship versions round off the range, known as the Pan-Americana with its off-road styling, and the Aventura targeting city slickers.
This story is from the October/November 2023 edition of Go! Drive & Camp.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October/November 2023 edition of Go! Drive & Camp.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Carry me, tow me
The Obiqua is a rare example of an off-road trailer that can transform into a camper shell and sleeps up to four people.
Tankwa down the road
The R355 is South Africa's longest uninterrupted gravel road one that isn’t crossed by any other road. It's a delightful indulgence to set aside a few hours and drive it from end to end.
The new Tuff Cats cub
The Katsi, Tuff Cats’fourth and latest model, is a basic trailer that can easily transform into various camping setups, says Leon Botha.
Serenity served with a side of wild
Many people believe the best balm for the soul is camping by the water or in the bush. Why not have both at these two campsites in KwaZulu-Natal?
From Ingolstadt, with Love
The Audi Q7 recently underwent a second facelift. Cyril Klopper explores what's new.
Along Namibia's coast
Discover the freedom of the open road as you journey from LUderitz on Namibia's southern coast to Torra Bay in the north, en route to Kaokoland.
A father a son and South Africa's borderland
Few things are better for a father-and-son relationship than a trip all around South Africa, says Kobus Boshoff from Modimolle.
Compact, with attitude
The Viking is Adventure Xtreme's newest baby ready for your next dirt road adventure.
Bushy gets a shiny new inner
The Bushy Rhino now boasts a body made of stainless steel. But that's not all, says Leon Botha.
Big in Japan
The new Mitsubishi Triton is finally here, ready to take on its competitors in the South African market
