Available in single- and double-cab body styles, Volkswagen has officially whipped the wraps off the Tukan half-tonne bakkie.
Including releasing teaser images of the Tukan, Volkswagen revealed fresh details of its upcoming new half-tonne bakkie in May 2026. Fast forward to August 2026, and the German marque has now officially revealed the Saveiro’s replacement in Brazil.
The Tukan will be built at the Wolfsburg brand’s São José dos Pinhais plant in Brazil (for the Latin American market) from 2027. However, depending on the feasibility of such a vehicle in our country, local production at Plant Kariega (for SA) isn’t completely off the cards.
Available as a single or double cab, the Tukan is based on VW’s MQB A0 platform – underpinnings shared with the T-Cross, and locally built Polo Vivo, Polo and upcoming Tengo. As a reminder, the latter is also built in Brazil, where it wears the ‘Tera’ moniker. The carmaker has yet to reveal the Tukan’s exterior dimensions.
VW has also yet to release official powertrain details. However, reports have suggested the Tukan will be offered with the choice of three petrol engine options. The latter includes 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder (1.6 MPI), 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder (1.0 TSI), and 1.5-litre turbocharged four-pot with 48 V mild-hybrid system (1.5 eTSI).
As a reminder, in the Polo Vivo, the 1.6 MPI engine is available with the choice of either a five-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, with the 1.0 TSI-powered Polo Vivo offered with a six-speed manual. The 1.0 TSI Polo in 70 kW state of tune is equipped with a five-speed manual. However, from what we understand, the Tukan in 1.0 TSI guise will produce 85 kW. In the Polo and T-Cross, the higher-output 1.0 TSI is paired with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Yet, reports have mentioned the adoption of an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic unit.
As we reported, the Tukan’s rear suspension is set to feature a rigid axle and leaf springs. Drum brakes will be fitted to the rear.
