Review: 2017 Volkswagen Saveiro III (G5, facelift 2017) Extended Cab Cross 1.6 TOTALFLEX

The 2017 Volkswagen Saveiro III, particularly the Extended Cab Cross variant, is a pick-up truck that combines practicality with a touch of style. Designed for those who need a reliable vehicle for both work and leisure, this model offers a unique blend of features that cater to a variety of needs. Whether you're navigating city streets or heading out on a weekend adventure, the Saveiro III aims to deliver a balanced driving experience.

Understanding the Basics: Key Terms Explained

Before diving into the specifics of the Saveiro III, let's clarify some essential automotive terms that will help you better understand this vehicle's capabilities:

Powertrain Architecture: This refers to the layout of the engine and how it delivers power to the wheels. The Saveiro III uses an internal combustion engine that drives the front wheels.
Torque: Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in this vehicle is 155 Nm (Newton-meters) when using petrol and 165 Nm with ethanol.
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): This is the time it takes for the vehicle to accelerate from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour. The Saveiro III achieves this in 10.3 seconds with petrol and 9.9 seconds with ethanol.
Fuel Type: The Saveiro III can run on both petrol and ethanol (E85), offering flexibility in fuel choice.

Performance and Practicality: A Closer Look

The Volkswagen Saveiro III is powered by a 1.6-liter TOTALFLEX engine, capable of producing 110 horsepower with petrol and 120 horsepower with ethanol. This flexibility in fuel type is particularly beneficial in regions where ethanol is more readily available or cost-effective. The engine's naturally aspirated design ensures a smooth and reliable performance, making it a dependable choice for daily driving.

With a maximum speed of 179 km/h (111.23 mph) on petrol and 183 km/h on ethanol, the Saveiro III is more than capable of handling highway speeds. Its acceleration is respectable for a pick-up, ensuring you can merge onto highways or overtake slower vehicles with confidence.

In terms of practicality, the Saveiro III offers a generous trunk space of 734 liters (25.92 cubic feet), making it suitable for transporting goods or luggage. The extended cab design provides additional interior space, although it primarily seats two, which might be a limitation for larger families.

Suitability for Different Lifestyles

The Saveiro III is versatile, but it's essential to consider how it fits into different lifestyles:

City Driving: With its compact dimensions (4497 mm in length and 1728 mm in width), the Saveiro III is relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments. However, its turning circle of 12.3 meters might require some extra space for tight turns.
Long-Distance Travel: The comfortable ride and decent fuel efficiency make it a viable option for road trips, although the two-seat configuration limits passenger capacity.
Family Use: While the extended cab offers more space than a standard cab, it's not ideal for families due to its limited seating.
Single Ownership: Perfect for individuals who need a reliable vehicle for both work and leisure, offering ample cargo space and flexibility in fuel choice.
Adventure Lifestyles: The Saveiro III's robust build and decent ground clearance (181 mm) make it suitable for light off-road adventures, although it's not designed for extreme off-roading.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Here's a quick overview of the Saveiro III's strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:
- Flexible fuel options (petrol and ethanol)
- Ample cargo space
- Reliable performance
Weaknesses:
- Limited seating capacity
- Not ideal for large families
- Turning circle could be better for city driving

Conclusion: Is the Saveiro III Right for You?

The 2017 Volkswagen Saveiro III Extended Cab Cross is a versatile pick-up that caters to a range of needs. It's particularly well-suited for individuals or small businesses that require a reliable vehicle with ample cargo space and flexible fuel options. However, if you're looking for a family vehicle or something with more seating capacity, you might need to explore other options.

Think about what features matter most to you. Do you need extra cargo space, or is seating capacity more important? Understanding your priorities will help you make the best decision.

Specifications Table

Attribute	Details
Generation	Saveiro III (G5, facelift 2017) Extended Cab Cross
Modification (Engine)	1.6 TOTALFLEX (110/120 Hp)
Powertrain Architecture	Internal Combustion engine
Body Type	Pick-up
Seats	2
Doors	2
Combined Fuel Consumption	Not specified
CO2 Emissions	Not specified
Fuel Type	Petrol / Ethanol - E85
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	10.3 sec (petrol), 9.9 sec (ethanol)
Maximum Speed	179 km/h (petrol), 183 km/h (ethanol)
Emission Standard	Not specified
Engine Displacement	1598 cm3
Number of Cylinders	4
Engine Configuration	Inline
Power Output	110 Hp (petrol), 120 Hp (ethanol)
Torque	155 Nm (petrol), 165 Nm (ethanol)
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Fuel Injection System	Multi-port manifold injection
Engine Aspiration	Naturally aspirated
Kerb Weight	1116 kg
Max Load	624 kg
Trunk Space (Minimum)	734 l
Fuel Tank Capacity	55 l
Length	4497 mm
Width	1728 mm
Height	1512 mm
Wheelbase	2753 mm
Drive Wheel System	Front wheel drive
Number of Gears (Transmission Type)	5 gears, manual
Front Brakes	Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes	Disc
Assisting Systems	ABS
Power Steering	Hydraulic Steering