{"id":579977,"date":"2026-08-25T15:30:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T15:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/579977\/"},"modified":"2026-08-25T15:30:14","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T15:30:14","slug":"volkswagen-unveils-the-ute-australians-need-but-will-never-get","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/579977\/","title":{"rendered":"Volkswagen unveils the ute Australians need, but will never get"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Volkswagen
\n Volkswagen Tukan single- and dual-cab<\/p>\n

Volkswagen\u2019s South American division has revealed the Tukan as its latest ute, joining the Amarok on sale in the region.<\/p>\n

Where the Amarok is like many of Australia\u2019s best-selling utes in being underpinned by a body-on-frame chassis \u2013 shared with the Ford Ranger \u2013 the Tukan shares most of its platform with the Volkswagen T-Cross, utilising the MQB architecture.<\/p>\n

Available in single- and dual-cab layouts, its front-end setup is understood to largely be identical to the T-Cross, while at the rear it has adopted leaf springs in a far more conventional setup for a ute.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Replacing the ageing Saveiro which debuted in 2009 and has received minor updates since, the Tukan\u2019s far newer bones translate to a raft of relatively new technologies, such as LED lights at the front and rear.<\/p>\n

Volkswagen hasn\u2019t yet detailed what powers the Tukan, though it\u2019s likely the powertrains from the local market T-Cross will carry across, consisting of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder (96kW\/200Nm) and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder (112kW\/250Nm).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s expected as well that the Tukan, like the T-Cross, will remain front-wheel drive, while it could also offer the choice of a six-speed manual transmission alongside a six-speed automatic.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Due to go on sale in Latin America early next year, the Tukan will be built in Brazil, though it\u2019s expected to only be made in left-hand drive, effectively ruling it out of an Australian berth.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s one of many car-based utes on sale in the region, with Toyota also understood to be soon entering the market with a pickup based on the Corolla Cross.<\/p>\n

\"Jordan<\/p>\n

\n Published<\/p>\n

August 25, 2026<\/p>\n


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