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EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

  • Handsome design
  • Upscale interior (on up-spec grades as tested)
  • Good to drive and ride in

Dislikes

  • Steering too light for some tastes
  • Not cheap
  • Fiddly console controls
Byron Mathioudakis
Contributing Journalist
15 May 2023
2 min read

This is the wildest looking version of the new-generation Amarok, and it's taking aim at the hot-selling Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

Starting from $75,990 before on-road costs, the Amarok PanAmericana's greater off-road focus is immediately obvious by its more-rugged looks, blacked-out trim and all-terrain 18-inch wheel/tyre package. Further to that end, it also includes a monotube damper set-up for better ride control. 

Plus, the PanAmericana builds on the Style's long list of standard kit like matrix LED headlights, keyless entry/start, an insulated windscreen, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, stitched leather-like dashboard cover, powered/heated front seats, a 12.0-inch touchscreen and a 360-degree area-view camera, by ushering in a unique front-bumper treatment, upgraded leather, premium audio, darkened cabin highlights and other luxuries.

Matching its tough looks is strong performance, thanks to a 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel known as TDI600 in VW-speak. It's paired to a 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. There's also a permanent 4WD system dubbed 4MOTION with selectable low and high ranges – just like in the old Amarok.

The PanAmericana is heaving with safety features too, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), as well as nine airbags (including a front-centre item), adaptive cruise control with full stop/go, a blind-spot monitor, lane keep/departure, swerve-steer assist, traffic sign recognition and rear-cross traffic alert.

For looks and attitude, the Amarok PanAmericana has its crosshairs firmly on off-road rivals with quite varying degrees of off-road prowess, from the thematically similar Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain and Mazda BT-50 Thunder to the more-serious Ranger Wildtrak X and Nissan Navara PRO4X Warrior.

This should be another popular grade in the Amarok's armada.

Read the full 2023 Volkswagen Amarok review

Volkswagen Amarok 2023: Panamericana TDI600 4Motion

Engine Type Diesel Turbo V6, 3.0L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 8.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $69,630 - $80,080
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$64,435
Based on 295 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$39,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$106,990
Byron Mathioudakis
Contributing Journalist
Byron started his motoring journalism career when he joined John Mellor in 1997 before becoming a freelance motoring writer two years later. He wrote for several motoring publications and was ABC Youth radio Triple J's "all things automotive" correspondent from 2001 to 2003. He rejoined John Mellor in early 2003 and has been with GoAutoMedia as a senior product and industry journalist ever since. With an eye for detail and a vast knowledge base of both new and used cars Byron lives and breathes motoring. His encyclopedic knowledge of cars was acquired from childhood by reading just about every issue of every car magazine ever to hit a newsstand in Australia. The child Byron was the consummate car spotter, devoured and collected anything written about cars that he could lay his hands on and by nine had driven more imaginary miles at the wheel of the family Ford Falcon in the driveway at home than many people drive in a lifetime. The teenage Byron filled in the agonising years leading up to getting his driver's license by reading the words of the leading motoring editors of the country and learning what they look for in a car and how to write it. In short, Byron loves cars and knows pretty much all there is to know about every vehicle released during his lifetime as well as most of the ones that were around before then.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$39,990
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2023 Volkswagen Amarok
See Pricing & Specs

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