VW’s Ford-built 2022 Amarok comes into focus as a nip and tucked Ranger
When Volkswagen confirmed that the next 2022 Amarok bakkie will be built alongside the Ford Ranger for the world market out of Pretoria, initial spy images suggested the VW would be rather different to the Ford. It had strongly flared wheel arches, plenty of ground clearance and a double cab. And of course a face peppered with lots of chrome that borrowed from current VW SUV cues.
2022 AMAROK WILL BE CLOSE TO NEW RANGER
However, as Auto predicted, these spy shots now suggest otherwise. Amarok will get its own VW cued nose and tail. But, it will be the same vehicle as the Ranger between their differentiating nose and tail brightwork. It is also becoming clear that technical differences, if any, will be marginal. And that they will share the same double cab bodywork, wheel arches and even the shape of their taillights.
German sources also confirm that the 2022 Amarok will use Ford engines. Including a new to the platform 185 kW 600 Nm single-turbo 3-litre diesel. And a 230 kW 540 Nm 2.7-litre biturbo petrol, both likely to spark a new V6 bakkie war. Also expect Ford’s 157 kW 500 Nm 2-litre four-pot biturbo diesel and 130 kW 420 Nm single-turbo 2-litre four-pot units. Expect a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol plug-in hybrid to join the range coupled to at least one electric motor.
Amarok will share Ranger’s existing six-speed manual and 10-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes and 4×4 drive in those models. The new bakkie will of course share the Ranger’s much revised current-generation platform dubbed T6.2. It is now clear that Amarok will carry a more traditional albeit next-level VW style. Rather than the Ranger’s more butch Ford F-150 like design. Also expect an expanded suite of advanced driver-assist systems chasing five-star safety ratings
BUILT IN PRETORIA FOR THE WORLD
The Amarok and Ranger bakkies will be built together. And exported around the world from the Ford Motor Company’s Silverton, Pretoria plant. It is in the final throes of a billion dollar investment to modernise and grow the facility. To underpin increased production, advanced technologies and systems. The previous, exclusively VW-built Amarok was made in Argentina. — Michele Lupini
