Volkswagen unveils larger and more advanced new Amarok

Volkswagen has also provided the Amarok with a more prominent styling bar, which serves to visually lengthen the cabin, giving the new model an added dash of style compared with its predecessor.

The load bay offers an increased payload of up to 1160kg. It can be secured with an electrically operated roll cover, similar to that offered on the Ranger Wildtrak and operated either from the cargo box itself, inside or alternatively by a remote means via the keyfob. 

A hardtop for the load bay is also planned to be offered in the UK.

Volkswagen says the load bay can accommodate a Euro pallet sideways between the rear wheel arches. New eye rings, each capable of handling up to 500kg of load, are also included.

Among a long list of options is a newly developed bike-holder and what Volkswagen describes as a multi-function carrier system.

The tailgate now features the Amarok name stamped into the metal.

The new Volkswagen is 96mm longer than before, at 5350mm in double-cab form, although its width has decreased by 34mm to 1910mm. Dependent on the wheel-and-tyre combination, its height is increased by 10mm to 1888mm. It's the wheelbase with the biggest change, though, it having been extended by 173mm to 3270mm.

By comparison, the Hilux runs to a length of 5330mm, a width of 1855mm and a height of 1815mm and has a 3085mm wheelbase.

With shorter overhangs, the new Amarok is said to be better suited to off-road driving than its predecessor. Its front and rear approach angles are 29deg and 21deg respectively, while the ramp angle is 21deg.

Launch models are planned to receive 18in wheels as standard, although buyers will be able to specify optional wheels of up to 21in in diameter.

Further options include a factory-fit bull bar, underbody protection elements, eye rings for towing and a snorkel attached to the A-pillar.

Inside, the Amarok shares elements of its dashboard facia, infotainment touchscreen (10.0in as standard, with upper-end models getting a 12in unit) and various controls with the Ranger.

However, Volkswagen has made a concerted effort to give the Amarok an appeal of its own, with features such as a uniquely styled leather-bound multi-function steering wheel, digital instrument graphics, centre console switches and gear lever, as well as different materials to those used by the Ford.

The new model receives its own uniquely upholstered seats to give the Amarok what Kirzinger called “typical Volkswagen properties”. Both the Aventura and Pan-American variants receive seats with 10-way electric adjustment as well as a Harmon Kardon sound system.

The infotainment functions are controlled by Ford's Sync4 operating system but with Volkswagen-specific graphics, while the manual handbrake of the old model is replaced by a new electric hand brake function.

The new Amarok will be produced with three engines in seven different power outputs, some but not all shared with the Ranger.

They include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit developing 148bhp and 228bhp in single turbocharged form, as well as 201bhp and 207bhp in twin-turbocharged guise. 

This is joined by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with either 237bhp or 247bhp depending on the market in which it's sold, both with 443lb ft of torque. 

A turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 298bhp will also figure from the start of UK sales later this year.

There are four different gearboxes: five-speed and six-speed manuals and six-speed and 10-speed automatics. The latter comes as standard with the most powerful 2.0-litre diesel, the V6 diesel and the 2.3-litre petrol.

As with its predecessor, the new Volkswagen pick-up comes with a standard 80-litre fuel tank. Meanwhile, the capacity of the Adblue tank for the diesels has increased by 13 litres to 19.3 litres.

Buyers will also be able to choose between two different 4Motion systems dependent on the engine: one offering part-time properties based on the driving conditions, the other with permanent properties and a two-speed electromechanical transfer case for added traction and ability in off-road terrain.