Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA) has officially revealed local pricing for its most powerful Amarok yet the 222 kW PanAmericana. Priced at R1 099 000, this performance-focused double cab now goes head-to-head with other high-end rivals like the Toyota Hilux GR-S (R999 000) and Ford Ranger Wildtrak (R1 087 000).
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Under the bonnet, the new Amarok PanAmericana packs serious punch. It’s powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine sourced from the Ford Mustang and Focus ST, delivering 222 kW and 452 Nm. Power is sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission, making it one of only two mainstream petrol double cabs on the local market the other being the Ford Ranger Raptor.
While it doesn’t quite match the 292 kW/583 Nm of the Ranger Raptor, the PanAmericana still delivers rapid performance for a bakkie. VWSA claims a 0–100 km/h sprint of just 7.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h.
That’s enough to comfortably outpace the 165 kW Toyota Hilux GR-S and 184 kW Ford Ranger Wildtrak in a straight-line drag, making it the fastest bakkie in South Africa outside the Raptor league.
Petrol Power Comes at a Price
Of course, this level of performance has a trade-off at the pumps. Volkswagen claims 9.9 L/100 km, but overseas testing suggests real-world consumption closer to the 12 L/100 km mark. That makes the Hilux GR-S and Ranger Wildtrak’s turbodiesel engines more efficient options for everyday use.
Within VW’s own line-up, the 222 kW PanAmericana is positioned between its siblings.
- 2.0 BiTDI (154 kW/500 Nm) – R1 094 500
- 3.0 V6 TDI (184 kW/600 Nm) – R1 190 900
- Aventura V6 – R1 252 200
This pricing puts it right in the sweet spot for buyers looking for performance without jumping to the very top of the Amarok range.
Key Features of the 222 kW VW Amarok PanAmericana
| Category | Feature Details |
|---|---|
| Engine & Power | 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol, 222 kW and 452 Nm |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.9 L/100 km (claimed), approx. 12 L/100 km (real world) |
| Exterior | LED matrix headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tyres, styling bar, power roller shutter |
| Interior | 12-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Harman Kardon sound system, digital cluster, 10-way electric seats |
| Safety & Driver Aids | 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring |
| Price | R1 099 000 |
A New Benchmark for Bakkie Performance
With its bold design, high output petrol engine, and premium features, the 222 kW VW Amarok PanAmericana redefines what a performance double cab can be. While it won’t dethrone the Raptor for ultimate power, its blend of speed, refinement, and everyday usability sets a new benchmark in South Africa’s competitive bakkie segment.
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