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.
