Volkswagen shows the Tukan pickup, under strong camouflage and without access to the interior, but makes it clear that after decades, the brand will adopt Fiat's solution
Volkswagen unveiled the Tukan, the brand’s new pickup truck that replaces Saveiro and is another one that arrives with a clear mission – where all other competitors failed: to try to hook the public of the Fiat Strada and Toro. Her life will not be easy as she will soon be joined by BYD Mako, Renault Niagara and Toyota’s Corolla Cross truck. Before, Renault Oroch and Chevrolet Montana, for example, were unsuccessful.
SEE ALSO:
VW has a history of arriving late in some segments, but still managing to achieve good results. This was the case with the T-Cross, Nivus and Tera SUVs. Now, with Tukan, the German automaker hopes to repeat this formula. The model appeared with heavy camouflage during and had few technical details confirmed by the brand.
As usual in launch strategies, the revelation is homeopathic and will drag on drop by drop of information until the date of release. An effective way to keep the topic hot in the news and social media discussions. Neither engine, gearbox or interior were revealed. The cabin remained fully sealed during the show.
The main technical aspect confirmed was the rear suspension, which adopts a solution similar to that used by the Fiat Strada. The new pickup uses a rigid axle with a variable thickness leaf spring, a configuration aimed at supporting greater load capacity without giving up comfort in urban use.
The future pickup also marks an important milestone for the MQB architecture: it will be the first utility vehicle of its kind developed on this modular Volkswagen platform. According to information revealed during the presentation, it will also be the model with the largest wheelbase ever produced with this structural base, although the manufacturer has not released official figures.
Estimates point to approximately 2.70 meters of wheelbase and about 4.52 meters of total length. The dimensions put the novelty in a range close to that of the Fiat Toro, indicating that Volkswagen intends to compete for space in the intermediate segment between compact and medium pickup trucks.
Even without revealing mechanical details, the brand is already showing signs that the project will play a strategic role for Latin America. The use of the MQB platform suggests sharing components with models already sold by the manufacturer, which can facilitate regional production and reduce industrial costs. Thus, we can expect engines such as the 250 TSI 1.4, with 150 hp and 25,5 kgfm of torque, which equips the T-Cross, as well as the new 1.5 turbo block, which equips the restyled Taos.
The official debut of the new pickup should take place in the coming months. Until then, Volkswagen will continue with the “prescription” of information pills, such as interior, equipment, engine, transmission, to keep Tukan on the lips of the people.
