Volkswagen teases 2022 Amarok, gets inspiration from Ford Ranger

KUALA LUMPUR: Leading German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen, yesterday, revealed a teaser image of the next Amarok pickup truck during a media presentation at the company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg. The image, which was briefly shown, revealed a rather aggressive-looking vehicle which is expected to be introduced in 2022. The picture also suggests that Volkswagen is likely to stick to the crew cab design of the vehicle’s current version. The traditional body-on-frame, double-wishbone suspension truck was introduced by Volkswagen in 2010.

The redesigned Amarok will be co-developed by Volkswagen and Ford, as part of a wide-ranging alliance. The two carmakers joined hands in this regard in 2019. The new Amarok could be redesigned or tweaked Ford Ranger which is also due in 2022.

The new pickup which Volkswagen and Ford are expected to build has been announced for the African, South American and European markets for the time being.

The real 2022 Amarok, however, may not completely resemble the revealed picture. Manufacturers usually have a tendency to exaggerate the details of a future car while releasing its sketches. The picture of the pickup truck reveals giant wheels, a bulging hood, chunky off-road tyres, and no door handles. The actual production model could be a far departure from what Volkswagen has teased.

Volkswagen, last month, announced a 508S Special Edition version to the existing Amarok series. Production of the 508S will be limited to just 200 units. The new model will retain the turbocharged V6 motor which hauls the top-level Amarok. The engine outputs around 259PS maximum power and 580Nm peak torque. The motor is mated to an 8-speed torque converter transmission. The 580S gets a new moulded ‘styling bar’ on the tray, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a roof-mounted LED bar. The car is positioned between the Highline V6 Black and the Ultimate V6 models.

Volkswagen sells six different car models in Malaysia. The Polo compact hatchback, at RM 75,730, is the lowest priced car. The Golf premium hatchback, at RM 305,562, commands the highest price. The company is slated to introduce the Arteon, European-style, five-door crossover hatchback in April.

Amarok, meanwhile, remains an important product in Volkswagen’s portfolio The company sold 68,010 units in 2019.

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