New Volkswagen Saveiro Bakkie Revealed

author: FutureCar Staff    

Volkswagen has unveiled the latest version of its half-tonne Saveiro bakkie. However, this new model will not be available in South Africa. Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the Saveiro will not be sold in the country due to its left-hand drive orientation and the high development costs of creating a right-hand drive model.

The Saveiro is offered in both single-cab and double-cab configurations. The single cab has a payload capacity of 664 kg, while the double cab variant can carry slightly less at 638 kg. The Saveiro range includes the Robust Single Cab, Robust Double Cab, Trendline Single Cab, and Extreme Double Cab models.

The top-of-the-line Extreme derivative of the Saveiro features 15-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a Composition Touch multimedia system, and various exterior elements that match its Extreme nameplate.

The 2023 iteration of the Saveiro has a redesigned frame compared to its predecessor. The front of the bakkie has a taller bonnet, redesigned grille with chrome trim, and Tiguan-Esque headlights. The rear of the Saveiro has darkened taillights connected by a horizontal matte black stripe, and a redesigned bumper to aid in departure angle. The Saveiro measures 4,474 mm in length, 1,521 mm in height, 1,893 mm in width, and has a wheelbase of 2,752 mm.

Under the hood, the Saveiro is powered by VW's petrol 1.6-liter naturally aspirated EA211 engine, delivering 85 kW and 157 N.m of torque to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The front suspension has been raised by 10 mm to improve ground clearance.

With the discontinuation of Nissan's NP200 bakkie, the Saveiro could have been a potential alternative in the half-tonne bakkie segment.

FutureCar Staff