The new affordable Volkswagen pickup is ready. And no, I’m not talking about a new Saveiro; I’m talking about its replacement. The Volkswagen Tukan is being introduced to the world as a multipurpose pickup truck: it will have versions focused on work as well as variants intended for personal use. It will become the brand’s most affordable commercial vehicle and is expected to arrive in Mexico in 2027.
Its design clearly reflects Volkswagen’s DNA. There are plenty of robust features, contrasting elements, and squared-off lines, but also lights reminiscent of other models from the brand, such as the Nivus. In fact, to keep costs competitive, the headlights may be the same.
Volkswagen has not revealed many specifications, but at first glance we can say that it will be considerably larger than the Saveiro, reaching dimensions close to those of a Renault Oroch or a Chevrolet Montana, meaning approximately 4.7 meters in length. There will be single-cab and double-cab versions.
Its interior remains a mystery. Volkswagen has not shown any images or allowed the interior to be seen during its unveiling in Brazil. Considering the similarities between the Polo, Nivus, Virtus, and T-Cross/Taigun, it is very likely that its dashboard will adopt a similar design and follow the same technological trends, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central display featuring the VW Play infotainment interface.
As for its mechanics, the new Volkswagen Tukan finally allows the outdated Saveiro platform—which was shared with the discontinued Gol—to be retired and instead adopts a much more modern architecture: the well-known MQB A0 platform found in models such as the Polo and Nivus. It will have greater ground clearance and specific suspension tuning to support its pickup-truck concept, without becoming an off-road vehicle as such.
Volkswagen will reveal the engines available for the Tukan at a later date, but we can almost guarantee that there will be three options: the most affordable versions will feature a robust 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine producing around 110 hp and paired with a manual transmission. Next will be a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine producing approximately 115 hp and paired with a Tiptronic automatic transmission. The range-topping version, according to rumors, will feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing approximately 150 hp. Everything will be confirmed in the coming months.
The Volkswagen Tukan was developed in Brazil and is aimed exclusively at the Latin American market. Production at the São José dos Pinhais plant in Brazil will begin soon. Sales will start in Brazil during the first half of 2027. During that same year, it is expected to arrive in Mexico, replacing the long-running Saveiro.
Source: motorpasion
