New Volkswagen Tukan Pickup Makes Global Debut In Brazil

In the Brazilian market, Volkswagen Tukan will replace the ageing Saveiro and primarily challenge the bestselling Fiat Strada

is progressing on its mega product offensive for Brazil and other Latin American markets, with plans to launch 21 products by 2028. One of the upcoming new models is the all-new Tukan pickup, which has now been revealed in Brazil at the Barretos Rodeo Festival. To be offered in both single and double cab versions, the Tukan pickup is expected to be launched in early 2027.

Volkswagen Tukan – Design and features

Styling approach for the new Tukan pickup is based on the brand’s latest design philosophy. Key highlights include top mounted LED DRLs in a connected format, sleek headlamps and a wide, prominent grille in a blacked-out finish. Front fascia is perfectly upright, adding to the pickup’s rugged overtones.

On the side, Volkswagen Tukan pickup has squared wheel arches, body cladding, door trim, side steps and sporty alloy wheels. The single cab version focuses more on utility and is presented with steel wheels. The double cab version has blacked-out pillars and robust grab rails that extend all the way to the cargo bed.

At the rear, Tukan has vertically stacked tail lamps and ‘TUKAN’ stamping on the tailgate. The bumper area has a full-width stepped profile, allowing easy access to the cargo bed. Dimensionally, the Tukan will be larger than the Saveiro. However, detailed specifications of the pickup have not been revealed.

While the single cab version will focus on commercial applications, the double cab version will be targeted at mainstream buyers. Single cab Tukan benefits from a larger cargo area, whereas the double cab version will offer a more comprehensive range of features. Volkswagen Tukan will work as a replacement for the Saveiro, which has been in production since 1982.

Performance

All-new Volkswagen Tukan pickup is built on an architecture derived from the MQB platform. This is already in use with other Volkswagen models like the , Tera, Nivus and . However, the Tukan pickup gets some exclusive features such as a rigid rear axle with leaf springs. This is a common feature seen with cargo vehicles, designed for durability and high load carrying capability. Rival Fiat Strada uses the same suspension setup.

Coming to the powertrain options, entry-level variants could be using a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This could be paired with a manual transmission. This simple and affordable powertrain option will be primarily targeted at fleet operators and small producers. Mid variants of the Tukan could use a 1.0-litre flex engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

This engine could also get the new 8-speed transmission recently introduced with the T-Cross. Top variants of the Tukan could be powered by a new 1.5 TSI Evo2 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This hybrid powertrain could eventually be introduced with other popular Volkswagen models in Brazil. Tukan is built exclusively for Latin American markets and there are currently no plans to introduce it in other locations.

” alt=”” aria-hidden=”true” />