In South Africa, the Volkswagen Amarok double-cab range includes 4 engine options, each catering to a specific taste. Here’s how the powerplants compare…
In October 2025, Volkswagen Group Africa added a new engine option to its Amarok range. The move, which increased the number of powerplants in the double-cab bakkie line-up up to 4, marked the local debut of turbopetrol power in the 2nd-gen version of the Wolfsburg-based brand’s bakkie.
As a reminder, while the original Amarok was based on a VW platform, the 2nd-gen model has much in common with the “T6.2” iteration of the Ford Ranger. In fact, the Amarok rolls off the same production line as its American cousin at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa’s facility in Silverton.
Watch Ciro De Siena compare the 2024 Ford Ranger with its cousin, the Volkswagen Amarok:
Of course, this means the latest Amarok’s engines are all sourced from Ford. Customers can decide between turbopetrol and turbodiesel power, with both 4- and 6-cylinder options available.
So, how do these powerplants compare? Here we’ll examine their respective peak outputs, available transmissions and Volkswagen Group Africa’s claimed fuel-economy figures. This information should help you decide which engine is best suited to your needs.
Volkswagen Amarok Engines: Peak Outputs
The base engine in the Volkswagen Amarok line-up is the 2.0TDI unit. This 4-cylinder turbodiesel mill displaces 2.0 litres and features a single turbocharger. Peak power of 125 kW arrives at 3 500 rpm, while maximum torque of 405 Nm is on tap between 1 750- and 2 500 rpm.
| ENGINE | POWER | TORQUE |
| 2.0-litre TDI | 125 kW at 3 500 rpm | 405 Nm from 1 750- to 2 500 rpm |
| 2.0-litre BiTDI | 154 kW at 3 750 rpm | 500 Nm from 1 750- to 2 000 rpm |
| 3.0-litre V6 TDI | 184 kW at 3 250 rpm | 600 Nm from 1 750- to 2 250 rpm |
| 2.3-litre TSI | 222 kW at 5 900 rpm | 452 Nm from 1 750- to 2 000 rpm |
The 2.0TDI is the most prevalent mill in the Amarok range, accounting for half of the 14 derivatives, at the time of writing.
Next up is the 2.0BiTDI oil-burning motor, which powers a further 3 variants. This engine gains a 2nd turbocharger, with its outputs increasing to 154 kW (at 3 750 rpm) and 500 Nm (from 1 750- to 2 000 rpm). Ford will axe this motor from its line-up in 2026, so it will probably leave the Amarok portfolio, too.
Ash Oldfield presents our findings of a 10 000-km test of the Volkswagen Amarok:
Then there’s the 3.0TDI V6 option, which delivers 184 kW at 3 250 rpm and 600 Nm from 1 750- to 2 250 rpm. What about petrol power? Well, the latest engine to join the VW Amarok range is the 2.3TSI motor, which delivers 222 kW at 5 900 rpm and 452 Nm from 1 750- to 2 000 rpm. Interestingly, this motor will become available locally in the Ranger only at some point in the first half of 2026.
Which Engines are Available for Each Body Style?
In South Africa, the Volkswagen Amarok single cab is available only with the 2.0TDI engine. By contrast, all 4 engine options are included in the double-cab range. The 2.0TDI can be ordered in both base and Life specifications, while the 2.0BiTDI is available in the Life, Style and PanAmericana trim levels.
Meanwhile, the 3.0TDI V6 is offered in the Style, PanAmericana and flagship Aventura grades. Finally, the 2.3TSI motor is exclusive to the PanAmericana trim level.
Transmissions for VW Amarok Engines
In South Africa, 5 of the 14 Volkswagen Amarok derivatives are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, all in conjunction with the 2.0TDI engine. Life derivatives offered with this powerplant, however, can be optionally specified with a 6-speed automatic cog-swapper.
Meanwhile, the 2.0BiTDI, 3.0TDI V6 and 2.3TSI ship standard with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Which Amarok Engine is Most Fuel Efficient?
So, which Volkswagen Amarok engine offers the most wallet-friendly fuel economy? Well, VW’s claimed figures for the 2.0TDI engine range from 6.9- to 7.7 L/100 km, depending on the transmission, driven wheels and body style.
Available only in 4Motion guise, the 2.0BiTDI motor has a listed figure of 7.5 L/100 km. Finally, the 2.3TSI is, unsurprisingly, the thirstiest of the bunch, sipping unleaded at a rate of 9.7 L/100 km, VW claims.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – VW Amarok Engines
Q: How many engine options are available for the Volkswagen Amarok in South Africa, and which one is the newest?
A: The Volkswagen Amarok range in South Africa includes a total of four engine options. The latest engine to join the range, debuting locally in October 2025, is the 2.3-litre turbopetrol (2.3TSI) motor, which also marked the introduction of petrol power for the 2nd-generation Amarok.
Q: What are the peak power and torque outputs for the four available Amarok engines?
A: The peak outputs for the Volkswagen Amarok engines are: 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel (2.0TDI) at 125 kW and 405 Nm; 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel (2.0BiTDI) at 154 kW and 500 Nm; 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (3.0TDI V6) at 184 kW and 600 Nm; and the 2.3-litre turbopetrol (2.3TSI) at 222 kW and 452 Nm.
Q: Which transmissions are paired with the Volkswagen Amarok engines in South Africa?
A: The base 2.0TDI engine is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox (standard on five derivatives) or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The remaining engines—the 2.0BiTDI, 3.0TDI V6, and 2.3TSI—all ship standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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VW Amarok 2.3 TSI (2025) Price & Specs
