Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has expanded its Amarok line-up in South Africa with the launch of a brand-new mid-range model, the Amarok Life 2.0 TDI 125kW 4×2. This latest addition is designed to provide an ideal balance between practicality, performance, and pricing, giving customers a compelling alternative to both the base and premium Amarok derivatives.

Contents

The VW Amarok: A Leader in the Bakkie Market

The new Amarok Life 4×2 comes with a price tag of R704,700, positioning it neatly between the 2.0 TDI 4×2 double cab priced at R664,400, and the 4Motion version which costs R736,600. It stands out not only for its affordability within the automatic bakkie market but also for offering a more feature-rich package than entry-level models.

This variant is particularly significant as it is the most affordable automatic Amarok currently available, offering greater driving convenience without the price premium of all-wheel-drive models.

Powertrain and Performance

At the heart of the Amarok Life 4×2 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. This unit delivers a respectable 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the base models, which rely on manual gearboxes, this model channels its power exclusively to the rear wheels, ensuring smoother urban and highway driving.

Despite being a 4×2, it remains a capable workhorse with a towing capacity of 3,500kg and a payload limit of 1,080kg in the load bed. Its fuel efficiency is also commendable, with a combined consumption rate of 6.9 litres per 100km.

Comprehensive Features Package

The Amarok Life is based on Volkswagen’s mid-spec “Life” trim level, ensuring a well-rounded blend of utility, technology, and comfort. Below is a table summarizing the standout features included in this model:

Category	Feature
Exterior	17-inch “Combra” alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED DRLs
Utility	Electric tailgate lock, load bed tie-down hooks, load box lighting
Towing	Built-in towing hitch
Interior	Durable fabric seats, 8-inch portrait touchscreen display
Infotainment	Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity
Steering Wheel	Leather multifunction steering wheel
Comfort & Convenience	Manual air conditioning, cruise control, speed limiter
Driver Assistance	Reverse camera, front & rear parking sensors
Safety	ESC, driver & front passenger airbags
Wipers	Rain-sensing wipers

This generous set of features makes the Amarok Life a solid option for both private and commercial users who demand modern amenities without venturing into luxury price ranges.

Full Range Pricing for South Africa

Here’s how the new Amarok Life fits into the broader Amarok pricing structure in South Africa:

VW Amarok 2.0TDI single cab – R588,500
VW Amarok 2.0TDI single cab 4Motion – R660,500
VW Amarok 2.0TDI double cab – R664,400
VW Amarok 2.0TDI double cab Life Auto (New) – R704,700
VW Amarok 2.0TDI double cab 4Motion – R736,600
VW Amarok 2.0TDI double cab Life 4Motion manual – R758,600
VW Amarok 2.0TDI double cab Life 4Motion Auto – R798,600
VW Amarok 2.0BiTDI double cab Life 4Motion – R871,200
VW Amarok 2.0BiTDI double cab Style 4Motion – R966,500
VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Style 4Motion – R1,071,100
VW Amarok 2.0BiTDI double cab PanAmericana 4Motion – R1,081,500
VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab PanAmericana 4Motion – R1,176,800
VW Amarok 3.0TDI V6 double cab Aventura 4Motion – R1,237,400

Each Amarok model is sold with Volkswagen’s 5-year/150,000km warranty and a standard Easy Drive maintenance plan, giving owners peace of mind and controlled running costs over the long term.

With its solid engine performance, robust towing ability, user-friendly features, and competitive pricing, the new Amarok Life 2.0 TDI 125kW 4×2 is poised to be a popular choice in South Africa’s bakkie market. It delivers a welcome mix of utility and comfort without pushing into the higher-end territory, making it a smart buy for both business users and lifestyle customers.