Volkswagen has officially unveiled its new half-tonne bakkie in Brazil, confirming the model that will replace the ageing Saveiro. The new Tukan is due to enter production in 2027, with South Africa potentially among the markets in line to receive it.

The German manufacturer will build the Tukan at its São José dos Pinhais plant in Brazil for the Latin American market. Local production at Plant Kariega remains a possibility, depending on the business case for the bakkie in South Africa.

Available in single- and double-cab configurations, the Tukan is based on Volkswagen’s MQB A0 platform, which also underpins the T-Cross as well as the locally built Polo, Polo Vivo and upcoming Tengo.

Volkswagen has yet to disclose the bakkie’s exterior dimensions.

• Also read: Rumoured Toyota Corolla Cross double-cab bakkie spotted in camouflage

The company has also not confirmed its engine line-up. Reports suggest three petrol options are being considered: a 1.6l naturally aspirated four-cylinder, a 1.0l turbocharged three-cylinder, and a 1.5l turbocharged four-cylinder with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

The reported 1.0 TSI is expected to produce 85 kW. While Volkswagen pairs higher-output versions of this engine with a seven-speed DSG in the Polo and T-Cross, reports suggest the Tukan could instead use an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

The bakkie will also use a rigid rear axle with leaf springs and rear drum brakes, reinforcing its focus on practicality and load carrying.

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The post Likely SA-bound VW Tukan half-tonne bakkie officially revealed appeared first on CAR Magazine.

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