Volkswagen Tarok becoming a reality but…

Volkswagen’s on-and-off replacement for the aging Saveiro half-ton bakkie, the Tarok, has reportedly taken another step towards reality with a new report alleging production commencing in Argentina from 2025.

According to motor1.com Brazil, the Tarok – which debuted as a concept three years ago – will succeed the Amarok in being produced at the General Pacheco Plant once production of the latter switches to Ford’s Silverton Plant outside Pretoria from next year for the all-new model based on the same platform as the incoming Ford Ranger.

ALSO READ: Happening after all? Production Volkswagen Tarok could bow next year

In what seems to be a final confirmation, the selection of Pacheco – which will soon produce the Taos SUV for certain Latin American markets – comes after Volkswagen North America, according a motor1.com report in June, announced it would not produce the Tarok as a rival for the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline and Ford Maverick due to its focus on electric vehicles.

Initially ruled out from happening entirely in July last year before a surprise U-turn by Volkswagen North America CEO Scott Keogh a month later, the Tarok – which in concept form rode on the same MQB A0 platform as the Polo and Nivus, debuting next year in South Africa as the Taigo – appears on course to not only succeed the Saveiro, but potentially offer the steering wheel on the right after being billed as a world model.

While the concept debuted with the Nivus’ 110 kW 1.4 TSI engine, a 110 kW 2.0 TDI received the nod, an option reports at the time alleged provided the strongest indication yet of it being offered outside of South America.

ALSO READ: ‘Junior’ Nissan Navara could become an electric reality

In another departure from the Saveiro, four-wheel drive was also mentioned as a possible option, a further indication that the Tarok, instead of the Santa Cruz and Maverick, would move up a segment and take on the Fiat Toro and Renault Duster Oroch rather than the Fiat Strada–Ram 700 and Chevrolet Montana the Saverio currently competes with.

For now though, little else continues to be known about the Tarok, but expect details and likely more rumours to emerge leading up to 2025.