Volkswagen teases all-new Amarok with Chinese genes, and it’s not for South Africa
Volkswagen has teased a new Amarok for South America, featuring Chinese Maxus underpinnings and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it is unlikely to replace SA’s Ford-based bakkie.
While the Volkswagen Tukan half-tonner stole the show at a rodeo event in South America, the German automaker unveiled another vehicle: a lightly disguised version of its all-new Amarok one-tonner. This new Amarok, however, appears to be tailored for the South American market and is unlikely to be sold in many other regions. Consequently, it's not expected to replace the Ford Ranger-based Amarok bakkie, which is manufactured solely in South Africa for markets like Europe and Australia.
Intriguingly, the South American Amarok will have Chinese influences, as it will share its DNA with China's Maxus Interstellar X bakkie due to Volkswagen's partnership with its parent company, SAIC. This means the Amarok will be the most powerful version ever produced, featuring a plug-in hybrid four-wheel-drive system sourced from Maxus, delivering outputs exceeding 340kW and 800Nm – hence its model designation, '800 TSI'.
The prototype's bodyshell seems to confirm these reports, although Volkswagen has added its own styling elements, possibly including the interior. Notably, South American markets never received the second-generation Ford-based Amarok; instead, an upgraded first-generation model was produced at Volkswagen's Argentinian plant.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
