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Volkswagen confirms new mid-size pickup truck with a robust design, powerful engine and promise to replace the veteran Saveiro
Volkswagen is accelerating preparations for the launch of the Udara, its newest mid-size pickup truck, which promises to shake up the segment dominated by the Fiat Strada and Chevrolet Montana.
Initially scheduled for the first half of 2026, the launch was postponed, but for good reason: the German brand wants a more complete and competitive product. Now, series production (SOP) is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2025, pushing the arrival in stores to late 2026 or early 2027.
With R$3 billion in investments, the Udara project is part of the automaker's new industrial phase in Brazil and will be produced in São José dos Pinhais (PR), where the T-Cross SUV is also born.
This strategic choice will allow Volkswagen to leverage part of its existing structure and ensure leaner production costs, an important factor in the price war among compact pickup trucks.
T-Cross-inspired design and robust pickup truck soul
According to Volkswagen's global CEO, Thomas Schäfer, the Udara will be a "beautiful" lifestyle pickup truck, blending urban style with an adventurous spirit.
The president of Volkswagen Latin America, Alexander Seitz, highlighted that there will also be versions aimed at work, making the Udara the natural successor to the classic Saveiro.
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The design will follow similar lines to the T-Cross SUV, but with more muscular and imposing proportions.
The body will be of the monoblock type, and from the front to the front doors the model will share practically all components with the T-Cross, including the windshield, A and B pillars, engine, brakes and front wheel hubs.
From the B-pillar onwards, everything changes: a new structure for a double cabin, a generous cargo bed and a rigid axle rear suspension with semi-elliptical springs, a choice inspired by the Fiat Strada to increase load capacity.
Visually, the Udara should combine elegance and robustness, the type of truck that can both handle heavy work and parade with style on the asphalt.
1.4 turbo flex engine with 150 hp and plans for a hybrid version
Under the hood, the Volkswagen Udara will feature the familiar 250 TSI engine, the same as the T-Cross Highline and Extreme. It's a 1.4-liter turbocharged flex-fuel engine with 16 valves and direct injection, capable of delivering 150 hp and 25,5 kgfm of torque with any fuel.
This set is already praised for offering an excellent balance between performance and consumption, promising an agile and efficient pickup truck for both work and leisure.
But the automaker wants to go further.
According to internal information, the company is considering including hybrid configurations in a second phase of the project: a 48V mild hybrid version and a full hybrid version, based on the new 1.5 TSI Evo2 flex engine.
If confirmed, these versions would make the Udara one of the first national hybrid pickups — a milestone for the segment.
Size and positioning: between Strada and Toro
At 4,75 m long, 2,80 m wheelbase, less than 1,80 m wide and 1,70 m high, the Udara will have a similar size to the Chevrolet Montana, targeting an intermediate market range between the Fiat Strada and Fiat Toro.
The strategy is clear: replace the Saveiro and occupy a space that is currently growing in sales and visibility, that of mid-compact pickup trucks with a modern look and SUV technology.
The use of the MQB A0 platform — the same as the Polo, Virtus, Nivus and T-Cross — guarantees versatility, safety and cost-effectiveness.
Volkswagen's goal is to win over not only professionals who use pickup trucks for work, but also those seeking comfort, technology, and connectivity without sacrificing robustness.
A new chapter in the history of Brazilian pickup trucks
More than just a launch, Udara represents a repositioning of Volkswagen in the national market.
After years with the Saveiro as its main representative, the brand is once again aiming high, bringing a product that combines design, technology and mechanical efficiency.
The pickup truck will arrive to face already established rivals, but with the advantage of carrying the German quality DNA and Volkswagen's tradition in Brazil.
The name “Udara” — still tentative, but increasingly likely — has a light and modern sound, reinforcing the brand’s intended lifestyle appeal.
And you, reader, what do you think? Does the Volkswagen Udara have the potential to outperform the Fiat Strada and Chevrolet Montana, or will it be too late in this competition that's already heating up the Brazilian market?
Leave your opinion in the comments.
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