A fresh report out of Brazil suggests an upcoming Polo-based SUV – which could also be the model set to be built in South Africa – will be called the Volkswagen Yeah…

It’s no secret Volkswagen is planning a new Polo-based SUV, which is expected to be positioned below the T-Cross. Now, a fresh report from Brazil suggests the as-yet-unrevealed model will be called the Volkswagen Yeah.

As a reminder, VW SA announced its intention to add a new model to its Kariega production line back in November 2022, confirming the upcoming vehicle would ride on the same MQB-A0 platform as the Polo hatchback and numerous other VW Group products.

In April 2023, Martina Biene, chairperson and managing director of Volkswagen Group South Africa, revealed some fresh information to Cars.co.za, including that production of the newcomer would likely commence in 2026 or “probably 2027”.

She said it would positioned below the T-Cross – and that it was dubbed the “A0 Entry SUV” internally – being similar in size to that model but offered at a lower price point. Biene furthermore revealed the vehicle “we are looking at is kind of in partnership with Brazil”, adding many Latin American countries have similar market demands to those of Mzansi.

VWSA’s Eastern Cape facility has produced the Polo since 1996 (Biene pictured 3rd from left).

The latter statement is what makes us think this latest report from Latin American may well turn out to be relevant to South Africa as well. According to Motor1.com’s Brazilian division, the new small SUV will wear the “Volkswagen Yeah” badge (though the publication interestingly also spells the alleged nameplate “Yeh” elsewhere in the article). We could, however, find no evidence online of a trademark application for such a badge.

The Motor1.uol.com.br report furthermore suggests VW has completed the new model’s design, saying a concept will likely be unveiled in the relatively near future. According to a translated version of the publication’s article, the Yeah’s styling is unlike that of any other member of the Wolfsburg-based company’s line-up, with the report going as far as to say it “doesn’t even look like a Volkswagen”.

The new model is set to be positioned below the Spanish-built T-Cross (seen here in facelifted form).

Further unconfirmed details from the story include that the Yeah will reportedly feature a completely new front lighting signature, an “innovative design” for the taillights and a 2-tone paintjob (with the roof finished in a different colour to the body).

Interestingly, the Brazilian report claims the upcoming model will feature a hybrid powertrain, while Biene earlier suggested the version for Africa would use an internal combustion engine. Time will tell if this is indeed the model likely to be produced in South Africa alongside the Polo hatch and Polo Vivo…

Stay tuned for more details as they become available…

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