Volkswagen Tukan Pickup Challenges Fiat Strada in Brazil
Volkswagen's new Tukan pickup is set to replace the ageing Saveiro and challenge the bestselling Fiat Strada in the Brazilian market.
The Volkswagen Tukan pickup has made its global debut in Brazil at the Barretos Rodeo Festival. The Tukan will replace the ageing Saveiro and primarily challenge the bestselling Fiat Strada in the Brazilian market.
The Tukan pickup is expected to be launched in early 2027 and will be offered in both single and double cab versions. The styling approach for the new Tukan pickup is based on Volkswagen's latest design philosophy, featuring top-mounted LED DRLs, sleek headlamps, and a wide, prominent grille in a blacked-out finish.
The single cab version of the Tukan focuses on utility and is presented with steel wheels, while the double cab version has blacked-out pillars and robust grab rails that extend all the way to the cargo bed. The rear of the Tukan features vertically stacked tail lamps and 'TUKAN' stamping on the tailgate.
The Tukan will be larger than the Saveiro, but detailed specifications of the pickup have not been revealed. The single cab version will focus on commercial applications, while the double cab version will be targeted at mainstream buyers.
The Tukan pickup is built on an architecture derived from the MQB platform, which is already in use with other Volkswagen models. The Tukan gets some exclusive features, such as a rigid rear axle with leaf springs, designed for durability and high load carrying capability.
The powertrain options for the Tukan include a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0-litre flex engine, and a new 1.5 TSI Evo2 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The Tukan is built exclusively for Latin American markets and there are currently no plans to introduce it in other locations.
Design and Features
The Volkswagen Tukan pickup has a rugged design, with a front fascia that is perfectly upright. The side of the Tukan features squared wheel arches, body cladding, door trim, side steps, and sporty alloy wheels. The single cab version has a more utilitarian design, while the double cab version has a more comprehensive range of features.
Performance
The Tukan pickup is built on an architecture derived from the MQB platform, which is already in use with other Volkswagen models. The Tukan gets some exclusive features, such as a rigid rear axle with leaf springs, designed for durability and high load carrying capability.
The powertrain options for the Tukan include a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.0-litre flex engine, and a new 1.5 TSI Evo2 with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The Tukan is built exclusively for Latin American markets and there are currently no plans to introduce it in other locations.
The Tukan pickup will be launched in early 2027, and Volkswagen is planning to launch 21 products in Brazil and other Latin American markets by 2028. The Tukan will be a key part of this product offensive, challenging the bestselling Fiat Strada in the Brazilian market.
