The long-awaited VW Amarok is finally on sale in South Africa, bringing with it a selection of four different engines and five trim trim levels.
This time around, the bakkie has two range-topping models to choose from in the form of the Aventura and PanAmericana – the latter of which is meant to be the serious off-roader, while the latter is more city-oriented.
The Aventura, which is the most expensive model in the Amarok line-up, is only available in a single specification, while the PanAmericana can be had with one of two powerplants, meaning the price difference between the two 4x4s can range from R52,000 to R118,000.
These are the biggest differences between Volkswagen’s top-of-the-line pickups.
Performance
The PanAmericana is offered with either a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel drivetrain, or a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel unit, while the Aventura is only available with the V6.
You can find a breakdown of the two different engines in the following table:
| Engine | 2.0-liter bi-turbo diesel | 3.0-litre turbo diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 154kW | 184kW |
| Torque | 500Nm | 600Nm |
| Fuel consumption | 7.5l/100km | 8.4l/100km |
| 0-100km/h | 11.7 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Top speed | 180km/h | 180km/h |
The two Amaroks also share the exact same body with a near identical set of attributes.
This includes a ground clearance of 235mm, water wading depth of 800mm, approach and departure angles of 30 and 26 degrees, respectively, and identical dimensions coming in at 5,350mm long, 1,910mm wide, and 1,884mm tall.
The biggest differentiator is that the PanAmericana can carry up to 172kg more than the Aventura in its load box – 1,114kg vs 942kg – and it’s also the heavier of the two vehicles, weighing 160kg more than its sibling due to its model-exclusive metal underbody protection and bespoke suspension that can handle more demanding off-roading scenarios.
Both bakkies also come with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, a 10-speed automatic gearbox, hill descent control, a lockable rear differential, and driving modes for Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts, and Snow/Sand.
Features
As the highest-spec models in the Amarok catalogue, both the off-roader and the city-goer come with an extensive features list.
This includes IQ.Light LED headlights, daytime running lights, a leather multifunction steering wheel, front and rear park distance control, an area-view camera, wireless charger, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control, ambient cabin lighting, 10-way electric and heated front seats, an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, a 12-inch digital cockpit, and a 12-inch vertical infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The VWs also have a number of assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, driver-fatigue detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and Park Assist for semi-autonomous parallel, rear, and perpendicular parking.
The PanAmericana sets itself apart with 18-inch Amadora alloy wheels, “Cricket leather” seats, a dark matte grey finish on exterior components like the door mirrors, metal underbody protection, load box bed-liner, and modified suspension.
The Aventura, on the other hand, sports 21-inch Varberg alloy rims, perforated Savona leather upholstery, an electric roller cover as standard for the load bed, premium floor carpets, and chrome finishes on the mirrors, door handles, and side steps.
Pricing
The VW Amarok double cab PanAmericana 4Motion has a South African starting price of R987,000 for the 2.0Bi-TDI, and R1,053,000 for the 3.0TDI V6.
The VW Amarok double cab 3.0TDI V6 Aventura 4Motion has a local starting price of R1,105,000.
Each purchase includes a 4-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/100,000km maintenance plan.
VW Amarok PanAmericana
VW Amarok Aventura
