Volkswagen Australia has confirmed pricing for its Amarok range for 2023, with the new-generation utility arriving in the country exclusively as a dual-cab turbo diesel 4×4 with plenty of technology and modern amenities, but with a starting price in excess of $50,990.

The absence of single-cab, space cab and cab-chassis variants from the range as well as cost-conscious 4×2 drivelines and low-output diesel or petrol powertrains is a signal that fleet operators are not really in the Amarok’s crosshairs. Instead, sole-traders and smaller businesses are likely to be knocking on VW’s door for the new Amarok, with those customers putting a greater value on things like comfort, passenger space and mechanical capability.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t variety within the range. Five trim levels are offered in all, spanning from the entry-level Amarok Core to the mid-spec Life and Style grades, with the PanAmericana and Aventura variants sitting at the top. Within that range structure, four engines are available, the bulk of them paired with an automatic transmission by default, with only the base model Core receiving the option for a six-speed manual. The Core’s auto option is a six-speed unit, while all other Amarok variants receive a ten-speed automatic as standard. As mentioned before, every variant is equipped with four-wheel drive, with either a selectable 4×4 or permanent 4×4 system depending on engine.

Standard equipment for all Amaroks includes alloy wheels, (17″ for the Core and Life, 18s for the Style and PanAmericana, and 21s for the Aventura), LED headlamps, a towbar, a large touchscreen infotainment system (10″ for Core and Life, 12″ for Style, PanAmericana and Aventura), digital instrument panel, air conditioning, a mechanical differential lock, cargo box lighting, lane keep assist, active cruise control, a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring.

At the bottom end, the Amarok Core is the only variant to make use of VW’s 2.0L turbo diesel inline four in ‘low output’ 125kW/405Nm form, with pricing starting at $50,990 when equipped with the standard six-speed manual or $52,990 with the six-speed automatic option. Moving up to the Amarok Life nets you the ‘high-output’ version of that 2.0L engine, with a healthy 151kW of power and 500Nm of torque being sent to a ten-speed automatic. The Life also gains foglamps, body-coloured exterior plastics, a leather-upholstered steering wheel, carpets rather than bare vinyl flooring, frontal parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlamps, an electronic parking brake and front tow hooks, and is priced at $56,990 before on-roads.

The mid-strength Amarok Style is expected to be the most popular grade in the line-up, with two powertrains offered – the high-output 2.0L diesel four-cylinder, or a grunty 184kW/600Nm 3.0L turbo diesel V6. Both are equipped with a ten-speed auto, though the V6 variant receives a permanently-engaged AWD system instead of the more conventional selectable 4WD driveline of the four-cylinder. Other features of the Style include special matrix LED headlamps with adapative high-beam, a bed liner, a stainless steel sports bar, ArtVelour upholstery instead of basic cloth, a 12″ infotainment display with built-in satellite navigation, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, park assist and a top-down parking camera view.

With the four-cylinder engine the Amarok Style retails at $66,990, while adding $4000 on top of that will secure the 3.0L diesel V6.

The PanAmericana is a V6-only proposition priced at $75,990, boasting cosmetic tweaks to add a premium touch to VW’s work ute. Black alloy wheels, black door decals and a powdercoated black sports bar are fitted alongside LED tail lights, leather-upholstered seats, dashboard and doorcards. The passenger seat also gains power adjustment, while the audio system adds two more speakers for a total of eight. A black headliner finishes out the interior, while a spray-on bedliner improves durability in the tub.

At the top of the tree is the Amarok Aventura, which is available with the two most powerful engines in the Amarok family with both being priced at $79,990 before on-roads. The Aventura can be had with the aforementioned turbo diesel V6 and ten-speed auto combo, but also introduces a 2.3L turbo petrol four-cylinder dubbed the TSI452. The sole petrol option in the range, the TSI452 generates 222kW and 452Nm and also totes a ten-speed auto and permanent 4WD as standard. In the Aventura, those powerful engines are also paired with a unique front bumper, chrome exterior highlights, an electric roller tonneau cover, bet liner, leather-upholstered interior and gargantuan 21″ alloy wheels.

This article was initially published in July 2023.