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-litreV6 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