2024 Volkswagen Saveiro Ute Unveils Five-Speed Manual Gearbox

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 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. The Gol is a hybrid between the A04 PQ24 and A05 PQ25 platforms, making the Saveiro quite old-fashioned under the surface.

The 2024 Saveiro is more of a facelift than a complete makeover. It 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 from the Gol EA211 family, offers three- and four-cylinder powerplants. Volkswagen do Brasil promises that the Saveiro's four-cylinder engine 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 offers 18-inch wheels.

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

Volkswagen has also increased the ground clearance of the Saveiro by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches) compared to its predecessor. The German automaker boasts that over 1.6 million units of the Saveiro have been sold in Brazil since 1982.

The Saveiro is available in either a single or double cab configuration. The single cab is offered only on the entry-level Robust grade, while the Trendline and Extreme trims come with double cabs. The Extreme variant stands out with compass-like badges on the C pillars, a matte-black tailgate decal, aluminum-like skid plates, diamond-cut wheels, roof rails, and a sport bar.

The interior of the Saveiro features leather upholstery with Oliver Gray accents, 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 is a rugged-looking pickup truck that combines the practicality of a pickup with the style of a crossover. It is considered to be one of the most cost-effective and robust affordable pickups on the market.

FutureCar Staff