Volkswagen has pulled the covers off the latest rendition of its half-tonne Saveiro bakkie. This is all you need to know about their latest bakkie – one that won’t be coming to South Africa.
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First and foremost, we have previously reported on the Automotive giant’s Brazilian bakkie and received confirmation that due to its driving orientation, it will be unavailable for local roads.
“The Saviero is only available as a LHD model which technically rules it out for SA since development costs for an RHD model are excessive and low volumes in SA don’t make business sense for VW.” – Volkswagen South Africa
Related: Official: Nissan is Putting the NP200 Bakkie to Pasture After 16 Years
Nonetheless, the Volkswagen Saveiro is offered in single-cab and double-cab configurations. The single cab has a payload capacity of 664 kg, while the double cab variant has a slightly lower 638 kg payload capacity. The Saveiro range consists of the following models (in order of entry-level to range-topper):
- Robust Single Cab
- Robust Double Cab
- Trendline Single Cab
- Extreme Double Cab
The range-topping Extreme derivative is distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels with a Paino Black colourway, leather upholstery finished in Oliver Gray, a Composition Touch multimedia system and a slew of exterior elements aligned with its Extreme nameplate.
The 2023 iteration of the Saveiro has a tweaked frame compared to its generational predecessor. The front features a taller bonnet flanked by marked lines leading to the front bumper. That same front bumper is now characterised by a redesigned grille accentuated by chrome trim and flanked by two Tiguan-Esque headlights.
The rear features darkened taillights seemingly connected via a horizontal matte black stripe. Aiding the half-tonne bakkies’ departure angle is the redesigned rear bumper. The Saveiro now stands at 4 474 mm in length, 1 521 mm in height, 1 893 mm in width and is founded on a 2 752 mm wheelbase. Although slightly shorter and slightly wider than Nissan’s NP200, the Saveiro’s wheelbase is nearly 200 mm shorter than the NP200.
Related: All Terrain Volkswagen Amarok emerges from Delta4x4 Garage
At the core of the Saveiro is VW’s petrol 1,6-litre naturally aspirated EA211 engine. The longstanding powerplant delivers 85 kW and 157 N.m to the front wheels and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The front suspension has been increased by 10 mm to aid ground clearance.
With the half-tonne bakkie segment’s mainstay, the NP200, now dead and gone, VW’ Saveiro may have been the next best thing.
