Volkswagen, a leader in the hatchback and SUV segments, is expanding its presence into the pickup truck sector with the launch of the new Tukan. This compact model aims to replace the Saveiro and compete directly with the Fiat Strada, which is the best-selling vehicle in the segment and holds the highest number of registrations in Brazil.
The unveiling of the new Volkswagen Tukan took place during the Festa do Peão de Barretos in São Paulo. However, the launch schedule has been extended, being planned only for the first quarter of 2027. The vehicle will be offered in single-cab and double-cab configurations, ranging from basic work-focused versions to more sophisticated models intended for leisure.
Tukan's competitive advantages
A significant difference between the Volkswagen Tukan and the Fiat Strada lies in its rear suspension. Unlike the Saveiro, which uses a torsion beam with helical springs, the Tukan will adopt a rigid axle with leaf springs, similar to its competitor. Although the load capacity has not yet been disclosed, this configuration is preferred by professional users due to its greater robustness and less deflection under weight. This model represents the first vehicle built on the MQB platform to incorporate this type of suspension.
In terms of powertrain, entry-level versions will use the 1.6 MSI engine, while the better-equipped models will feature the new 1.5 TSI Evo engine, which includes a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The manufacturer plans to offer a wide variety of options, having already announced that the top-of-the-line version will be named Extreme and the entry-level one, Robust.
Volkswagen informed that the pickup will be developed based on the T-Cross SUV, but it will maintain a distinct visual identity, breaking with the tradition of the Saveiro replicating the front end and interior of the Gol hatchback. The Tukan's design incorporates elements from the new generation of the Amarok, sold in Europe, Africa, and Australia. Specifically, the Extreme model features the central part of the bumper painted in glossy black, and the taillights follow a C-shape. The main headlights are full-LED, similar to those used in the Nivus, and the Tukan will have fog lights, something absent in other national models from the brand. Furthermore, the Extreme version has a glossy black roof and roof rack, and the entire line will have a textured side cladding.
Information about the cabin has not yet been released, and the manufacturer is expected to disclose details sporadically until the 2027 launch. The vehicles displayed in Barretos had their windows sealed to prevent photographic records. The Tukan project was developed entirely in Brazil, and the prototypes have already accumulated 2 million kilometers in testing. Production will take place at the São José dos Pinhais factory in Paraná, where the T-Cross, Virtus, and Audi vehicles are also manufactured. A highlight emphasized by Volkswagen is that the Tukan will arrive with 76% localized parts.
Currently, the Saveiro registers annual sales of approximately 5 thousand units, with fewer than 200 registered in retail. The Tukan has the potential to increase this volume, attracting customers from the higher versions of the Fiat Strada, Chevrolet Montana, and possibly capturing some sales from the intermediate Toro.