2024 Volkswagen Saveiro Ute Introduces New Manual Transmission

author: FutureCar Staff    

In the United States, manual transmission pickup trucks are becoming increasingly rare. Currently, only two models, the Gladiator and Tacoma, offer manual options. However, in other parts of the world, certain brands are still selling pickups with five-speed manuals.

One such brand is Volkswagen, which has recently updated its long-running Saveiro for the 2024 model year. 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 between the A04 PQ24 and A05 PQ25 platforms. Essentially, the Saveiro remains an older model beneath its new exterior.

The 2024 Saveiro will be available in Brazilian showrooms with a five-speed manual transmission paired with a 1.6-liter engine. This engine, known as the 1.6 MSI, produces 116 horsepower and 116 pound-feet of torque. Despite not being a turbocharged engine, it belongs to Volkswagen's three- and four-cylinder powerplant family.

As a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the Saveiro rides on 15-inch wheels across all four trims, including the range-topping Extreme. In comparison, other compact-sized pickups like the Maverick and Santa Cruz offer larger wheels as standard.

The 2024 Saveiro features a more modern and aggressive design compared to its predecessor. It will be available in five exterior paint colors: Crystal White, Ninja Black, Sirius Silver, Oliver Gray (exclusive to the mid-range and top-of-the-line trims), and Moonstone Gray (exclusive to the Extreme trim). Standard features 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 boasts 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. The single cab is exclusive to the entry-level Robust grade, while the Trendline and Extreme trims come with double cabs. The Extreme trim, inspired by crossovers, stands out with compass-like badges on the C pillars, a matte-black tailgate decal, skid plates, diamond-cut wheels, roof rails, and a sport bar.

Inside, the Saveiro offers leather upholstery with Oliver Gray accents, a rearview camera, brushed steel interior trim, and four audio speakers. The optional Tech Package adds features like 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 and various trims and features, it certainly looks the part, especially in the Extreme variant.

FutureCar Staff