The VW Saveiro is the longest-running pickup nameplate in the Brazilian market, with five generations selling more than 1.6 million units since 1982. The current fifth-gen model debuted in 2009 and got facelifted in 2013 and 2016 prior to the current 2024 update. Naturally, changes are focused on the front end, which benefits from a new protruding bumper, a larger chrome-infused grille, slightly revised headlights, and a taller hood. VW designers also added a heavier dose of plastic cladding on the profile and tweaked the graphics on the smoked taillights bringing them on par with the newer members of the local lineup.
The facelifted Saveiro follows the example
of the larger Amarok, gaining the Extreme flagship trim. This one is visually
distinguished by the Extreme emblems, the compass-inspired badge on the
C-pillar, the diamond-cut 15-inch wheels, the exclusive Oliver Gray shade, the
aluminum-style skid plates, and the horizontal matte black trim piece on the
tailgate. It also gets a roof rack that extends to the rear bed, just like the
outgoing Saveiro Cross.
Under the bonnet of the supermini-based
truck lies a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter engine producing 114 hp and 158 Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels
via a 5-speed manual gearbox. The suspension benefits from a 10-mm lift at the front axle. Besides the pictured and generously-equipped Extreme
trim, the Saveiro lineup comprises the entry-level Robust in Single-Cab and
Dual-Cab flavors and the mid-range Trendline. All of them come standard with
rear parking sensors, ESC, Hill Hold Control, and four disc brakes.
The Extreme adds leather-wrapped seats
with Gray Oliver inserts, a brushed steel trim on the dashboard, a rather basic
infotainment, a 4-speaker audio, and a reversing camera. Finally, the optional
“Tech package” includes a photochromic rearview mirror, cruise control, auto
headlights/wipers, and a dedicated off-road button which is limited to
activating the Hill Descent Control in the FWD-only pickup.
The 2024 VW Saveiro is already available
in Brazil, competing with the much-newer Fiat Strada and Chevrolet Montana
small pickups.
