2024 Volkswagen Saveiro Ute Introduces New Manual Gearbox

author: FutureCar Staff    

In the United States, it is becoming increasingly rare to find a brand-new pickup truck with a manual transmission. Currently, there are only two trucks available with manual transmissions, namely the Gladiator and Tacoma. However, in other parts of the world, certain brands still offer 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, which is a hybrid of the A04 PQ24 and A05 PQ25 platforms. In essence, the Saveiro retains its older technology beneath its new exterior. The 2024 model will be available in Brazilian showrooms with a five-speed manual transmission paired with a 1.6-liter engine. Although it is not a turbocharged engine, the 1.6 MSI of the Gol EA211 belongs to the three- and four-cylinder powerplants from this engine family. Volkswagen do Brasil promises that the four-cylinder engine in the Saveiro will deliver 116 ps and 16.1 kgfm of torque, equivalent to 114 horsepower and 116 pound-feet.

The Saveiro is a front-wheel drive truck that rides on 15-inch wheels exclusively. All four trims, including the range-topping Extreme, come equipped with 15-inch wheels. In comparison, the compact-sized Maverick comes with 17-inch wheels as standard, while the Hyundai Santa Cruz has 18-inch wheels as standard. The 2024 Volkswagen Saveiro features a more refined design compared to its predecessor and will be available in five different exterior paint colors. These colors include Crystal White, Ninja Black, Sirius Silver, Oliver Gray (only available on the mid-range Trendline and top-of-the-line Extreme), and Moonstone Gray (exclusive to the Extreme trim).

Standard features for the 2024 Saveiro include hill start assist, four-wheel disc brakes for the rear wheels instead of drums, electronic stability control, and parking sensors in the rear bumper. Volkswagen has also increased the ground clearance of the Saveiro by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) compared to its highly successful predecessor. According to the German automaker, over 1.6 million units of the Saveiro have been sold in Brazil since 1982.

The 2024 Saveiro draws inspiration from crossovers and is available in either a single or double cab configuration. The single cab is exclusive to the entry-level Robust grade, while the Trendline and Extreme trims come with double cabs. The Extreme trim, in particular, stands out with compass-like badges on the C pillars, a matte-black tailgate decal, skid plates that resemble aluminum, diamond-cut wheels, roof rails, and a sport bar. The interior of the Extreme trim features leather upholstery with Oliver Gray accents, a rearview camera, brushed steel interior trim, and four audio speakers. The optional Tech Package adds additional features such as cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, automatic headlights and wipers, and an off-road button that engages hill descent control, similar to off-road cruise control.

FutureCar Staff