Opinion | Finally a new Bakkie we can look forward to!

There is something about bakkies that makes it unique to south Africa, something that cannot be explained. Now I have been to the dull and wet England, I saw a couple of cars that did not make sense, and saw a couple more that just made me wonder why the hell is it not sold here in SA, but one thing I did not see, was the sweet, innocent bakkie, big, small, extra small. Nothing. I actually started missing them!

In the US they have them, in abundance, although what we got here will be classified as small, so they tend to focus more on station wagons and SUV’s. We then, have the bakkie. The small bakkie to be precise. Each and every one had some kind of charm towards them, and love or hate it, we all want one, or need one sometime in our lives.

This then is a good year for us, because after tons of nagging, begging and pleading, from both the consumer, and VW South Africa to VW AG, we might soon see the little bakkie with a lot to offer. Now admittedly I am not a VW fan for various reasons, but having said that, they are doing something right when it comes to the new bakkie they call the Saveiro.

Loosely based on the Polo, this little half ton gem not only looks exiting, but has four seats, although the back seats are useful for groceries, or small children, or fish, or a head, it does not seem to be able to accompany an adult. Who cares though? This might be just the very revival VW needs to be an exciting brand again.

With a load capability of 700kg, and a 1.6 litre engine, this might yet be the very thing to replace the discontinued Bantam, and a very strong competitor for the Chev utility and the Nissan NP200. Classed as a cab and a half, or more commonly known locally as a club cab, you do sacrifice some space at the back, but who cares. You know it will be reliable, you now it will be a little more expensive, and you know you will look awesome driving it. My only hope is it will drive as good as it looks!

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