Volkswagen's all-new Tukan pickup breaks cover in Brazil
What's the story
Volkswagen has unveiled its latest model, the Tukan pickup, at the Barretos Rodeo Festival in Brazil. The launch is part of the company's larger strategy to introduce 21 new products by 2028 for Brazil and other Latin American markets. The Tukan will be available in both single and double cab configurations, with an official launch expected early next year.
Aesthetic appeal
It features Volkswagen's latest styling language
The Tukan pickup's design is based on Volkswagen's latest styling language.
It features top-mounted LED DRLs in a connected format, sleek headlamps, and a wide blacked-out grille.
The front fascia is perfectly upright, enhancing the pickup's rugged look.
The side profile includes squared wheel arches, body cladding, door trim, side steps, and sporty alloy wheels for an aggressive stance.
Design details
Vertically stacked tail lamps are available at the rear
The rear of the Tukan features vertically stacked tail lamps and 'TUKAN' stamping on the tailgate.
The bumper area has a full-width stepped profile for easy access to the cargo bed.
The Tukan will be larger than its predecessor, the Saveiro, but detailed specifications of this new model have not yet been revealed.
Market strategy
Single cab version to cater to commercial applications
The single cab version of the Tukan will be aimed at commercial applications, while the double cab version will cater to mainstream buyers.
The single cab offers a larger cargo area, while the double cab promises a more comprehensive range of features.
The Tukan is set to replace the Saveiro, which has been in production since 1982.
Engine specs
Entry-level variants could use a 1.6-liter petrol engine
The Tukan pickup is built on an architecture derived from the MQB platform, already used in other Volkswagen models like Polo, Tera, Nivus, and T-Cross.
It features a rigid rear axle with leaf springs for durability and high load carrying capability.
Entry-level variants could use a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a manual transmission, while mid-variants could use a 1.0-liter flex engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or a new eight-speed transmission recently introduced with the T-Cross model.
Advanced features
Top variants could be powered by a new hybrid system
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.
The Tukan is specifically designed for Latin American markets, and there are no current plans to bring it to other regions.