- Spies have caught a possible test mule that could preview a Ford Maverick competitor.
- If accurate, the model might slot beneath the Amarok in South American markets.
- A launch could happen as early as next year, but details remain unclear for now.
For years, Volkswagen teased us with the possibility of a new pickup. The Atlas Tanoak concept made a splash at the 2018 New York Auto Show and previewed what a potential Honda Ridgeline competitor could look like.
It was followed by the smaller Tarok concept at the São Paulo Motor Show and, at the time, Volkswagen promised a production version would be launched in Brazil with “barely any changes.” However, that never happened as the company only offers the Saveiro and Amarok in the country.
More: Schrödinger’s Pickup? VW Truck Plans Are Either Alive Or Dead
This could soon change as spy photographers caught a mysterious crossover undergoing testing in northern Sweden. While it simply appears to be a camouflaged version of the old Tiguan, spy shooters believe it could be a mule for a new truck that slots beneath the Amarok.
The model could be called the Udara and its rumored to be in development for the South American market. Furthermore, speculation suggests the truck could be launched in Brazil as early as mid-2026.
SHProshots
Given this, it’s not surprising the Udara is rumored to ride on the MQB A0 platform that underpins models such as the Virtus, Nivus, and Tera. The latter crossover recently went into production in Brazil and is slated to be exported to more than 25 countries in Latin America and Africa starting later this year.
Little else is known about the model, but it’s possible the truck could share engines with its platform mates. This suggests there could be 1.0- and 1.4-liter TSI engines developing up to 150 hp (112 kW / 152 PS).
There are obviously more questions than answers at this point but, if everything pans out, the Udara could rival the Ford Maverick and Fiat Toro south of the boarder.
VW Tarok Concept
