Fresh Details Revealed About the New Volkswagen Tukan Half-Ton Bakkie

Fresh Details Revealed About the New Volkswagen Tukan Half-Ton Bakkie

Volkswagen has shared new details about its upcoming Tukan half-ton bakkie, which is scheduled to enter production in Brazil from 2027 and could eventually be built in South Africa.

Potential South African Production

The Tukan will initially be produced at Volkswagen's São José dos Pinhais assembly plant in Brazil. However, because it shares its architecture with models linked to Volkswagen's South African production programme, there is potential for future production at the company's Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape.

Engine Options

The new bakkie is expected to feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology.

Additional engine options reportedly under consideration include:

·        1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine (85 kW)

·        1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine

Built for Utility

The Tukan will feature a rigid rear axle with leaf spring suspension, while rear drum brakes are expected to be fitted instead of the all-disc braking system used on many other MQB A0 platform vehicles.

Looking Ahead

Although production is scheduled to begin in Brazil during 2027, Volkswagen has not confirmed whether the Tukan will be manufactured in South Africa. The shared platform does, however, leave that possibility open for the future.