Volkswagen has no interest in building an SUV based around the 2023 Amarok, the company’s board member for marketing has revealed.
The new Amarok is based on the same platform as the Ford Ranger, a vehicle that itself has spawned the Everest SUV. While VW would certainly have the capacity to build an SUV based on the Amarok, it is more interested in offering the kinds of accessories demanded by customers.
“It’s always an idea also to set up a robust SUV based on the pickup, but we do think that the setup of the pickup is currently best delivering value to our customers,” Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles board member for marketing, Lars Krause, told Car Expert.
Read More: Bigger, Bolder 2023 Volkswagen Amarok Pickup Truck Has Up to 298 HP
“That means we are also offering accessories like like a hardtop [canopy] – this will be available also from the beginning. So we are delivering extra customer value, and this is why we are focusing on the pickup.”
The new body-on-frame Amarok offers up a towing capacity of 7,716 lbs (3,500 kg) and maximum payload of 2,557 lbs (1,160 kg). As an example of VW’s focus on developing accessories for the pickup, the roof has a static load capacity of 772 lbs (350 kg), allowing the carmaker to offer it with a four-person roof tent.
Available engines depend on the market. Among the powertrains on offer include a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 148 hp, a 168 hp version of this same engine, a bi-turbo 2.0-liter diesel with 206 hp, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 with 238 hp or 247 hp depending on the market. The flagship engine takes the form of Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 298 hp. Most models are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission but those with under 200 hp are available with a manual.
