By Xolile Hopa

Volkswagen has unveiled its all-new Tukan half-tonne bakkie in Brazil, introducing a modern replacement for the long-running Saveiro and potentially bringing a small Volkswagen bakkie closer to South African shores.

The Tukan has been developed for the increasingly competitive compact bakkie market in South America, where it will face established rivals including the Fiat Toro and Strada, Chevrolet Montana and Ford Maverick.

Volkswagen plans to offer the new bakkie in both single-cab and double-cab configurations. The company recently showcased the double-cab in flagship Extreme specification, alongside the entry-level Robust single-cab, which features unpainted bumpers as part of its more utilitarian design.

Unlike the Saveiro, which was never seriously considered for South Africa because of the expense involved in converting it to right-hand drive, the Tukan could have a better chance of making its way onto local roads. Volkswagen Group South Africa has previously suggested that a compact bakkie could potentially be produced locally, possibly alongside the Tengo compact SUV, which is scheduled to enter production at the Kariega plant from 2027.

Volkswagen has not yet confirmed whether the Tukan will be built in South Africa, and it remains unclear how closely it is related to the upcoming Tengo. Both models, however, are based on Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform.

The Tukan does feature a significant mechanical difference from other MQB-based vehicles. It uses a specially developed rear suspension with leaf springs, making it the first MQB model from Volkswagen to adopt this setup. The configuration is intended to improve its ability to carry heavy loads.

Volkswagen has yet to publish an official payload figure, although reports from overseas suggest that the company is targeting a capacity of more than 700 kg.

Details of the engine range are also still to be confirmed. Current speculation suggests that higher-specification models could receive Volkswagen’s 1.5-litre Evo turbopetrol engine, while more affordable versions may be powered by either a 1.0 TSI turbocharged unit or a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine.

Production of the Volkswagen Tukan is scheduled to begin in 2027 at the company’s São José dos Pinhais facility in Paraná, Brazil.

Should Volkswagen give the model the green light for South Africa, local reports suggest that the Tukan could arrive around 2029. For now, however, Volkswagen Group South Africa has yet to officially confirm a local launch.