In Volkswagen’s lineup for Brazil, the new Tucson pickup can be positioned between the Seveiro and Amarok pickups
For Brazil and other South American markets, Volkswagen has announced a new pickup called the Tucson. It is part of a major product offensive for the region, where Volkswagen will introduce 21 products by 2028. To execute this plan, a huge investment of R$20 billion (approximately Rs 34,600 crore) has been allocated for South America. Let’s check out more details about Volkswagen’s new pickup.
Volkswagen Tucson Pickup – Exterior Highlights
As of now, Volkswagen has only teased the side rear profile of the new Tucson pickup. The Tucan is essentially the production version of the Taroc concept pickup that was showcased at the Brazilian Motor Show in 2018. As announced at the time, the production version was to use a unibody frame. The project could have been completed much earlier, but progress was delayed due to the Covid pandemic.
Even though the teaser image shows only a small part of the Tucson pickup, many similarities can be seen with the concept version. For reference, the Tucson has a compact cargo bed and wide C-pillar. The Tucson is expected to be available in dual-cab format, similar to the Taroc concept. Other features similar to the concept include square wheel arches and distinctive creases on the door panels.
While the concept had body-coloured door handles, the Tucson uses black door handles for a more striking effect. Tukan lettering can also be seen on the C-pillar. Some features can also be taken from Volkswagen’s existing pickups. For reference, the roof rails that connect seamlessly with the plastic straps in the cargo bed are identical to those on the Seviro pickup. At the rear, the Tucan sees vertically stacked taillamps.
color and name association
Volkswagen has detailed how it got the Tucson pickup’s name and its canary yellow color. The name ‘Tucan’ is derived from the Toucan bird, which is native to America. It is known for its vibrant colors and attractive appearance. The name ‘Tukan’ is also easy to pronounce, easy to remember and adapts to different cultures.
The Tucan’s canary yellow exterior color has many associations, including a strong association with Brazil’s regional identity. This includes the yellow color of the Brazilian flag and the color of their football jersey. Canarinho, the mascot of the Brazilian national team, also wears a yellow jersey. Volkswagen Brazil is the official sponsor of the Brazilian men’s and women’s national football teams.
The yellow color of the Tucan is also associated with several other Volkswagen cars that have used similar colors. Yellow is also associated with positive values such as courage, energy, warmth, optimism and happiness.
Engine options, launch timeline
Volkswagen has not provided any details about the powertrain options offered with the new Tucson pickup. Possibilities include the 1.4 TSI turbo petrol engine, which is derived from the T-Cross SUV sold in Brazil. It’s also possible that Volkswagen could equip the Tucson with a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain, including a 1.5 TSI petrol engine. In Brazil and South America, the Tucson will compete against rivals like the Fiat Toro, RAM Rampage and the Chevrolet Montana. Renault is also working on a new pickup inspired by the Niagara concept.
Volkswagen plans to begin production of the new Tucson pickup in 2027. Deliveries are expected to begin later that year. The pickup will be manufactured at the company’s facility in São José dos Pinhais (PR). Initially, the Tucan will focus exclusively on the Brazilian and other South American markets. The Tucan appears to have export potential, but there has been no official word yet on exploring markets outside of South America.