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By Motoring StaffVolkswagen has fully revealed its new Tukan half-tonne bakkie in Brazil, showing the model in single- and double-cab configurations before its planned launch next year.Developed and built in Brazil, the Tukan is the first Volkswagen bakkie to use the MQB platform underpinning models such as the Polo, T-Roc, Golf and upcoming Tengo. Production will take place at the company’s São José dos Pinhais plant, with 76% of its parts set to be made locally.The single-cab Tukan is aimed at work and professional use. Picture: VW (VW ) The single-cab Tukan will be offered in entry-level Robust specification, with a shorter cabin and longer load bed aimed at work and professional use. The double cab, meanwhile, will be available in flagship Extreme trim, positioning it more as a lifestyle-orientated vehicle.Volkswagen has adapted the MQB platform for bakkie duty, including fitting a leaf-spring rear suspension designed to balance load-carrying ability with ride comfort and stability. The wheelbase has also been extended to accommodate the load bed without compromising cabin space. The load bed includes an integrated toolbox and has been designed to accommodate pallets of different sizes. Volkswagen says it has already put the Tukan through more than 2-million kilometres of testing, including evaluations by customers in real-world working conditions.The load bed features an integrated toolbox and is designed to fit pallets of various sizes. Picture: VW (VW ) Volkswagen has yet to confirm the Tukan’s engine line-up, but Brazilian reports point to three possibilities: A naturally aspirated 1.6l four-cylinder petrol engine.The 1.0 TSI turbocharged flex-fuel engine. A 1.5 TSI Evo with 48V mild-hybrid assistance.Those engines remain unconfirmed for now, as do their respective power outputs and transmission combinations. The Tukan will, however, be front-wheel drive only.The Tukan will be launched in Brazil during the first half of 2027. A spokesperson at Volkswagen South Africa confirmed to TimesLIVE Motoring that the bakkie is under investigation for a possible local introduction in the future.TimesLIVE
