Volkswagen’s Brazilian division continues to preview the upcoming Nivus crossover and has just published two images of a camouflaged red and black prototype. Like other recent teasers, these images provide us with an excellent idea of how the vehicle will look when it is unveiled. It will be quite similar to other VW SUVs and crossovers, particularly thanks to the familiar headlights which incorporate a set of LED daytime running lights.

Elsewhere, the crossover sports blacked-out grilles with an intriguing mesh design and sits on a set of black wheels. There are also black wing mirrors, black door handles, and black roof rails. Spin around to the rear and you will notice that the red and black camouflage does a pretty good job of hiding the taillights, although we can still identify their overall rounded shape.


Underpinning the VW Nivus will be the same MQB platform as many other VW models, including the closely related Polo and Virtus. We understand the only available powertrain will be a 1.0-liter inline-three delivering 128 PS and 200 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. There has been talk about the model also being offered with a six-speed manual but that remains unconfirmed. As for practicality, VW says the boot can accommodate 415 liters of luggage.

While the Nivus will be focused on markets across South America, it will also be offered in Europe. There’s even a chance it could be sold in North America but we remain doubtful. The South American-spec Nivus is expected to premiere this spring while the European one will launch in 2021.