ROK 2.0

THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK HAS LANDED AND WE GET A TASTE OF THE HIGH-GRADE PANAMERICANA MODEL

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THE most significant midsize 4x4 ute of 2023 has landed and we've had our first opportunity to spend some time in one. We're in the Amarok PanAmericana, which is the fourth highest of five specification grades available in the new Volkswagen ute.

The Amarok PanAmericana comes exclusively with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time dual-range four-wheel drive system.

The 2023 Amarok marks the second generation of the ute from VW, but in departure from its standard-setting original, the German brand has partnered with Ford on development of the second-generation ute, and the new model shares much of its hardware with the Ford RA Ranger ... and that's not a bad thing.

The Amarok PanAm on test will set you back $75,990 + ORC and options, which include Deep Red metallic paint ($990) and 'Savona' leather interior ($3000), bring the total to just shy of $80K plus on-road costs.

While that's a lot of money for a 4x4 ute, the new Amarok in PanAm spec is a lot of vehicle. Standard equipment includes heated 10-way electric driver and passenger seats covered in 'Cricket' leather; a premium-feel leather-covered dashboard; leather door inserts; black hood liner; a 12-inch portrait format A/V screen; 12-inch digital cockpit pro gauge cluster; 640-Watt HarmanKardon sound system with eight speakers; factory optional electronic brake controller; dual-zone climate control; an eight-speaker audio system; and a leather gear shift selector.