2024 Volkswagen Saveiro Ute Introduces Five-Speed Manual Gearbox

author: FutureCar Staff    

In the United States, manual pickup trucks are becoming increasingly rare. Only two models, the Gladiator and Tacoma, still offer manual transmissions. However, in other parts of the world, certain brands continue to sell pickups with five-speed manuals.

One such brand is Volkswagen, which has recently updated its long-running Saveiro for the year 2024. Instead of adopting the-A0 platform of the Polo Track for Brazil, the redesigned Saveiro is built on the underpinnings of the Gol, a hybrid between the A04 PQ24 and A05 PQ25 platforms. This means that although the Saveiro has received a facelift, it remains quite old underneath the surface.

The 2024 Saveiro will be available in Brazilian showrooms with a five-speed manual transmission connected to a 1.6-liter engine. This engine, known as the 1.6 MSI, is a three- and four-cylinder powerplant from the Gol EA211 family. Volkswagen do Brasil promises that the four-cylinder engine will deliver 116 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque. The small truck is front-wheel drive and is equipped with 15-inch wheels across all four trims.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2024 Volkswagen Saveiro boasts a much sharper design. It will be offered in five exterior paint colors: Crystal White, Ninja Black, Sirius Silver, Oliver Gray (only available on the mid-range and top-of-the-line trims), and Moonstone Gray (exclusive to the top-of-the-line trim). Standard features for the 2024 model include hill start assist, four-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, and rear bumper parking sensors.

Volkswagen has also increased the ground clearance of the Saveiro by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) compared to the previous model. The automaker claims that over 1.6 million units of the Saveiro have been sold in Brazil since 1982. The Saveiro is available in both single and double cab configurations, with the single cab exclusive to the entry-level Robust grade and the double cab available in the Trendline and Extreme grades.

The Extreme grade of the Saveiro stands out with its rugged appearance. It features compass-like badges on the C pillars, a matte-black tailgate decal, skid plates, diamond-cut wheels, roof rails, and a sport bar. The interior of the Extreme grade is equipped with leather upholstery with Oliver Gray touches, a rearview camera, brushed steel trim, and four audio speakers. The optional Tech Package adds cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and wipers, and an off-road button that engages hill descent control.

The 2024 Volkswagen Saveiro aims to be the most cost-effective and robust affordable pickup on the market. With its updated design, improved features, and versatile configurations, it is sure to appeal to pickup truck enthusiasts in Brazil and beyond.

FutureCar Staff