Fresh teaser images of the new Volkswagen Tukan small bakkie – a version of which has been earmarked for production in South Africa – have been released in Brazil…
- New teaser images of VW Tukan bakkie released
- Tukan set to employ rigid axle and leaf springs
- Localised version earmarked for SA production
Volkswagen’s division in Brazil has released fresh teaser images of its upcoming Tukan small bakkie (in double-cab form), while also revealing new details about the model that will be built at its São José dos Pinhais factory from 2027.
As a reminder, the German firm dropped the first teaser shot of the Tukan in February 2026, shortly before Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, confirmed to Bloomberg that a localised version was earmarked for production at the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape, potentially from 2029.
So, what do we know about the new Tukan (which could, of course, end up wearing an entirely different name should it eventually appear here in Mzansi)? Well, Volkswagen in Brazil has confirmed this will be the first pick-up truck – shown here wearing camouflage – built on the ubiquitous MQB unibody platform.
Interestingly, however, the Wolfsburg-based company also revealed that “specific improvements” have been made to this architecture, including the adoption of a rear suspension set-up with a rigid axle and leaf springs. Though VW has yet to confirm payload targets, it promises this arrangement will result in “excellent load capacity”.
Of course, the MQB platform also underpins the upcoming Tengo small crossover, which is scheduled to start rolling off the Kariega production line – alongside the Polo and Polo Vivo hatchbacks – by around 2027 (though is already being built over in Brazil, where it’s badged as the Tera).
Back in October 2024, Biene told Cars.co.za the planned SA-built small bakkie that was to be spun off the new Tengo had hit something of a roadblock. Still, Biene didn’t rule out the possibility of eventually building some sort of pick-up at the Kariega plant, calling on South Africans to make their voices heard should they be keen to buy such a vehicle.
Then, earlier this year, Biene told Bloomberg that VW’s head office in Wolfsburg had already approved a plan to build a small bakkie in South Africa, though suggested the ultimate decision on this potential investment would hinge on long-awaited policy action from South Africa’s government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Volkswagen Tukan and where will it be produced?
A: The Volkswagen Tukan is an upcoming small, unibody bakkie developed by VW’s Brazilian division as a modern replacement for the aging Saveiro. Built on the MQB platform, it is scheduled to enter production at the São José dos Pinhais factory in Brazil in 2027. While it is heavily tipped for South African production, a local version has been earmarked for the Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape potentially around 2029 or 2030.
Q: What are the unique mechanical features of the Tukan bakkie?
A: Despite being based on the car-like MQB unibody architecture, Volkswagen has heavily adapted the platform for commercial durability. The Tukan will uniquely adopt a robust rear suspension setup featuring a rigid axle and traditional leaf springs, ensuring a significantly high payload and load-carrying capacity compared to standard unibody crossovers.
Q: What is holding back the official green light for the Tukan’s local production in South Africa?
A: While VW’s Wolfsburg head office has seemingly already approved the product plan for a light bakkie in South Africa, the final investment decision rests on policy action from the South African government. Leadership at Volkswagen Group Africa has noted that urgent reforms (including tax break improvements and adjustments to export rebates) are needed to secure the long-term economic sustainability of the project.
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