Leader in the hatchback and SUV segments, Volkswagen is now targeting the lucrative pickup sector. Its offensive begins with the new Tukan, a compact model that comes to succeed Saveiro and brings attributes to bother the Fiat Strada – which in addition to being the best seller in the segment is the most licensed car in Brazil.
The new Volkswagen Tukan was unveiled during the Cowboy Party in Barretos (SP), but the launch is only scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. It will come in single-cab and double-cab versions, including simpler models geared toward work and more equipped for leisure.
The design was inspired by the new Amarok sold in other markets (Photo: Felipe Boutros | AutoPapo)It is derived from the T-Cross, but has its own identity (Photo: Felipe Boutros | AutoPapo)The larger size can be a differential against the Strada (Photo: Felipe Boutros | AutoPapo)
A great asset of Volkswagen Tukan to challenge the Fiat Strada is in the rear suspension. It abandons the torsion shaft with coil springs from Saveiro for a rigid shaft with leaf springs, just like its rival.
The load capacity was not informed, but this configuration is preferred by those who use the pickup at work because it is more robust and yields less when loaded. It is the first vehicle made on the MQB platform with this type of suspension.
At the rear, a rigid axle with a leaf spring is used, abandoning the coil springs used since the first Saveiro (Photo: Felipe Boutros | AutoPapo)The high ride height is part of the SUV side of the model (Photo: Felipe Boutros | AutoPapo)
The engine in the entry-level versions should be the 1.6 MSI, while more equipped models will have the new 1.5 TSI Evo with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. VW wants to offer an extensive range to Tukan, it has already said that the top of the line will be called Extreme and the entry will be Robust.
According to Volkswagen, the pickup will be derived from the T-Cross SUV, but with its own visual identity. This breaks the tradition of Saveiro, which has always brought the front and interior of the Gol hatch.
The Tukan design brings elements of the new generation of Amarok sold in Europe, the African continent and Australia. The front has the central portion of the bumper painted in glossy black on the Extreme model and the taillights are C-shaped.
Top-of-the-line model will be the Extreme, with a more sophisticated look (Photo: Volkswagen | Disclosure)The engine should be the new 1.5 TSI Evo with a 48-volt mild hybrid system (Photo: Volkswagen | Disclosure)This configuration will rival the top models of the Fiat Strada, the Chevrolet Montana and may steal some customers from Toro’s intermediate (Photo: Volkswagen | Disclosure)Production will be in São José dos Pinhais (PR), with 76% of national components (Photo: Volkswagen | Disclosure)
The full-LED main headlights are similar to those used by the Nivus and the Tukan has front fog lights, unlike other national models of the brand. In the Extreme model there is also a glossy black roof and roof rack, throughout the line there is a textured rubber on the side.
The cabin has not yet been revealed, the brand should release information sporadically until the launch in 2027. The cars on display in Barretos had sealed windows to avoid photos.
Tukan’s project was 100% made in Brazil and the prototypes have already traveled 2 million kilometers in tests. Production will be at the plant in São José dos Pinhais (PR), where the T-Cross, Virtus and Audi cars are already made. Another item that Volkswagen highlights is that Tukan will arrive with 76% of nationalized parts.
Currently, the dated Saveiro sells about 5 thousand units annually, with less than 200 of them being sold at retail. Tukan promises to increase this value with attributes to steal customers from the top versions of the Fiat Strada, the Chevrolet Montana and perhaps pinch the sales of the intermediate Toro.
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