VW's upcoming SUV, developed and produced in Brazil under the codename Project VW 246, will sport a five-letter name. The company aims to compete with rivals like the Fiat Pulse and Renault Kardian in the bustling Brazilian small SUV segment.
A teaser image reveals familiar Volkswagen styling cues. The new model features LED headlights, a slim grille, and large bumper intakes. Its sculpted body and overall silhouette resemble a smaller version of the popular Tiguan. VW gave the public a sneak peek by displaying an uncamouflaged example in a semi-transparent box at the Rock in Rio festival.
Size-wise, the new SUV is expected to be similar to the Skoda Fabia hatchback, with an estimated length of around 4.1 meters (161.4 inches). Under the hood, it will likely use a 1.0 TSI turbocharged three-cylinder engine. This powerplant is expected to produce 116 hp when running on ethanol and 109 hp on gasoline.
VW plans to build the new SUV at its Taubate plant in Brazil, alongside the Polo Track hatchback. The company hasn't clarified if it will offer the model outside Latin America.
This new SUV is part of Volkswagen's broader strategy for Brazil. The automaker plans to introduce 16 new products in the local market by 2028. VW Brazil describes this upcoming SUV as a "completely innovative, modern, connected product that will inaugurate a new segment for the brand in Brazil."
Interestingly, Skoda, VW's Czech subsidiary, is developing a similar-sized SUV called the Kylaq for the Indian market, also set to debut in 2025. Early test mules for the Brazilian VW SUV were spotted in Sao Paolo using Skoda bodyshells, suggesting a possible connection between the two projects.
Source: Carscoops
