Second Generation Volkswagen Amarok

Germany's answer to the Toyota Hilux, the Volkswagen Amarok, is now in its second generation, and it promises to be the most advanced Amarok ever made. So, what's it all about the all-new Amarok?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok

Priced at 47,122 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Amarok is more expensive compared to the previous model but despite its bourgeois price tag, Germany's answer to the Toyota Hilux is now tougher and more technologically advanced than its predecessor. This is something worth noticing.

Beginning with the design, the all-new Amarok is tougher looking compared to the previous model. From every angle, the evolution really pays off big dividends, although there's one inescapable fact; the evolution of the Amarok happened with the help of Ford Motor Company because it runs on the same mechanicals as the...well, for search query reasons, I can't identify which Ford the all-new Amarok is based from but I will give you a clue; the latest generation of the Ford pickup truck not yet sold in the US. It starts with an R and ends with an R. Rings a bell?

2023 Volkswagen Amarok interior

Although I'm not going to tell you what that is, it's time to focus on the interior and the all-new Amarok is now more advanced compared to the old one. On the driver's side, the all-new Amarok features an ultra-tall touch screen similar to the ones you find on a Tesla. It controls not just the air-con and infotainment features but also the rest of the vehicle with a touch, and it has smartphone connectivity as well so don't ask what.

In terms of comfort, because it's offered only in a four-door double cab, the all-new Amarok is slightly more spacious compared to its predecessor. Asked about the bed space, the new model has a wider track than its predecessor, meaning you can now load a full-sized 'Euro' pallet flat in the bed. Such added dimensions really mean business and pleasure for the all-new Amarok.

Under the hood, the all-new Amarok is powered by a choice of two diesel engines such as the 2.0 TDI and the 3.0L V6 TDI engine. The 2.0L models can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT while the 3.0L V6 TDI engine is mated only to a 10-speed AT. The latter offered in variants such as the ProAmericana and Aventura produces 240PS of power, 600Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 8.8 seconds, a top speed of a Japan-car-beating 190kph, and 10.1L/100km of fuel economy combined.

In terms of dynamics, because it's offered only with a 4MOTION permanent four-wheel-drive system, the all-new Amarok feels bulky and obvious to drive on the city streets but it loves to flex its German muscles offroad. Because the mechanicals are from Ford, the all-new Amarok has the impression of the Leopard and the Abrams flexing its military-grade muscles. No, wait, the presence of an MMA fighter who was born in the US and raised in Germany. Physical.

Because the four-wheel-drive system is permanent rather than part-time compared to the Toyota Hilux and because of the mechanical LSD, the only way to alter its course of driving is the choice of six driving modes. Either way, it's worth fun playing with such modes, whether you're beating through the Berlin traffic or having a weekend at Hannibal's.

Because this is the most technologically advanced Amarok ever made, the new model features up to 25 assistance systems in terms of comfort and driving such as the Park Pilot, Lane Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Active Cruise Control, Park Assist Plus, Light Assist, and more.

When the original Amarok first launched over a decade ago, the pricing would not be able to bring down the Japanese rivals but the performance is the only main advantage for the Amarok. With the second-generation Amarok, although the pricing story remains the same, the added tech and muscular design are next-level stuff, and looks like the Toyota Hilux is out of words facing this one. Despite its Ford connection, the all-new Amarok is ready to take on whatever double dare it comes through. This wolf has turned.

Photo: Volkswagen