Introduction
The all-new 2023 VW Amarok hit dealerships recently, and there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding its close ties to the Ford Ranger. Does this mean it’s a badge-engineered truck, or does it offer something unique? In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the new Amarok, including price, practicality, features, models, and the question everyone’s asking: is it worth it?
Models and Pricing
The 2023 Amarok arrives with five trim levels offering a range to fit your needs and budget. Here’s a breakdown:
| Model | Engine | Price (South African Rand) |
|---|---|---|
| Amarok | 2.0L Diesel | From R599,000 |
| Life | 2.0L Diesel | From R688,700 |
| Style | 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel or 3.0L V6 Diesel | From R900,000 |
| Pan Americana | 3.0L V6 Diesel | From R1,084,600 |
| Aventura | 3.0L V6 Diesel | From R1,105,000 |
Practicality
The Amarok has always been known for its workhorse capabilities, and the 2023 model is no different. Here’s how it stacks up practically:
- Load bed: While exact dimensions weren’t provided, it does come with a standard chrome-style bar. Higher trim levels get features like a power roller shutter.
- Interior Space: The new Amarok has more rear legroom than the outgoing model, a welcome improvement. However, there are no USB ports in the back, only a 12-volt socket.
Features
Here’s a look at what you get depending on the trim level you choose:
- Standard and Life models: Fairly basic with cloth seats but still cover the essentials.
- Style Model: This is where things get interesting, offering Savona leather seats, electric adjustments, heated front seats, push-to-start, a digital instrument cluster, reversing camera, and a 12-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- PanAmericana & Aventura: They add even more tech including blind-spot monitoring, fatigue detection, 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
Driving Experience
The reviewer had the chance to drive the 2-liter bi-turbo diesel model and found it practically drives like a Ford Ranger. The suspension is softer and more comfortable than the Ranger though giving the Amarok a slight edge in ride quality.
Safety
The Style model upwards offers a suite of driver-assistance features, including:
- Lane-keep assist
- Tire pressure monitor
- Autonomous emergency braking
Top-end models add more safety tech enhancing the overall package.
Cost of Ownership
Here’s an example of the estimated cost of ownership for the top-of-the-line Aventura trim:
| Category | Costs (South African Rand) |
|---|---|
| Monthly Installment (estimate) | R21,033 (at 11% interest) |
| Fuel (per tank) | R1,901 |
| Insurance | R4,000 |
| Total | R26,934 |
The Verdict – Is it Worth It?
The 2023 VW Amarok is a capable and well-equipped truck. Here’s what you need to consider before making the leap:
- It’s a Ford Ranger at Heart: If the shared platform and components are a major sticking point, then look elsewhere.
- Pricing: The Amarok is generally slightly more expensive than its Ranger counterparts. The included maintenance plan does offset this slightly.
- Competition: The Ford Ranger Raptor remains a fierce competitor, especially for those seeking raw power.
Final Thoughts
The 2023 VW Amarok is a worthy contender in the bakkie market. If you like the styling, want the comfort and refinement, and aren’t bothered by the shared Ford DNA, it could be the perfect truck for you.
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