The South African bakkie scene is about to get even more competitive, with Volkswagen’s rugged new Amarok W-Series preparing to make its way onto local roads. Developed by none other than Walkinshaw Automotive — the renowned Australian tuning firm once known for its work with Holden — the second-generation W-Series promises a blend of off-road attitude and refined style.
Walkinshaw Eyes South African Expansion
After years of success in Australia, Walkinshaw Automotive has dropped strong hints about expanding its footprint beyond its home market. The company has confirmed it’s exploring the South African market for the W-Series Amarok, with a potential rollout expected in early 2026.
The W-Series is based on the latest-generation Volkswagen Amarok, which shares its platform with the Ford Ranger. While this new model won’t be a hardcore rival for the likes of the Ford Ranger Raptor, it’s set to go head-to-head with other premium off-roaders such as the Toyota Hilux GR Sport III, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, and Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak X.
A Familiar Recipe with Australian Flavour
The W-Series is not about raw power upgrades, but rather a refined off-road package. The formula, proven successful Down Under, includes cosmetic enhancements, interior tweaks, and rugged underbody improvements — all while keeping the factory Ford-sourced 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which churns out 184kW and 600Nm, unchanged.
While power figures remain stock, Walkinshaw typically enhances the Amarok’s off-road capabilities with modified suspension, upgraded springs, and a wider track, giving the bakkie improved stability and road presence.
Key Features of the VW Amarok W-Series
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-litre V6 Turbo Diesel (Ford-sourced) |
| Power Output | 184 kW |
| Torque | 600 Nm |
| Chassis Upgrades | Uprated suspension, enhanced springs, wider track width |
| Base Model | PanAmericana grade |
| Styling Enhancements | Unique Walkinshaw cosmetic package |
| Interior Tweaks | Exclusive W-Series interior trim and badging |
| Target Rivals | Toyota Hilux GR Sport III, Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, Triton Athlete |
| Market Launch (SA) | Early 2026 (expected) |
| Production | Potential South African local assembly under discussion |
From ‘Amarok R’ Dreams to ‘W-Series’ Reality
Volkswagen had once toyed with the idea of a high-performance “Amarok R” — a bakkie to challenge the Ford Ranger Raptor directly — but that plan never got off the ground, partly due to Ford’s reluctance to share its Raptor blueprints. Instead, the focus shifted to the W-Series, which has proven to be a smart alternative for buyers seeking both capability and comfort.
Now with the Amarok’s global production centered at Ford’s Silverton Plant near Pretoria, the possibility of local assembly for the W-Series is under active discussion. Walkinshaw has acknowledged the potential for setting up production in South Africa, though the company remains cautious about expanding into new regions without a firm business case.
A Strategic Partnership
Speaking on the matter, Walkinshaw Automotive CEO Ryan Walkinshaw emphasized that while the group is open to global expansion, the focus remains on delivering a high-quality product. He noted the company’s interest in South Africa but stressed that any expansion would need to make financial and operational sense.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also weighed in, with CEO Carsten Intra confirming that while VW supports having “halo” models like the W-Series in more global markets, the final call on expansion rests with Walkinshaw.
Arrival on the Horizon
The new Amarok W-Series is expected to build on the PanAmericana grade when it finally hits the road in 2026. Until then, more details about local market specifications, pricing, and possible production plans are likely to emerge as Volkswagen and Walkinshaw fine-tune their strategy.
With the W-Series poised to bolster the Amarok’s appeal, South African bakkie buyers will soon have another rugged, stylish, and adventure-ready option when hunting for their next off-road companion.
Related article: Top 5 Most Expensive Bakkies in SA – Luxury Meets Power at a Price
