Volkswagen has published the first “near-production” sketches of its forthcoming Amarok pickup, giving an indication of what to expect when it launches later this year.

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Published following initial sketches in January, the latest design pictures reveal the bold styling for the third-generation pickup, which is based on a Ford platform that will also underpin the new Ranger under the firms’ global cooperation.

“We emphasise the different, expressive front designs of our pickup with a charismatic Amarok signature that is also found with very large letters on the cargo box at the rear and is sported very proudly by the Amarok,” said Albert-Johann Kirzinger, head of design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

“The styling bar as a visual extension of the double cab in the cargo box once again gives the Amarok’s body dynamic, aerodynamic and very strong proportions.”

Longer and wider than the current version, the new Amarok will bring increased legroom for second-row passengers. Specifications are yet to be announced but Ford has said that a Euro pallet will fit between the wheel housings as before, and loads will of course be able to be safely secured.

The interior will bring enhanced premium styling and the Amarok also promises a number of new-to-segment driver assistance systems that will make driving more comfortable, along with enhanced offroad characteristics thanks to greater ground clearance.

Engine line-up has been confirmed to include a V6 TDI again, expected to win new target groups for the premium pickup.

Since the Amarok was first launched in 2010, more than 815,000 vehicles have been sold. The second-generation Amarok comes with a V6 diesel as standard and has been on the market since 2016.