In South America, VW debuted the redesigned Nivus. In 2025, a new Nivus GTS trim with sporty style elements and a more powerful engine will be added to the subcompact crossover, which is currently marketed in Europe under the Taigo name.
The facelifted Nivus features a considerably smaller grille, a much wider bumper intake, and revised headlights with a full-width LED strip. These characteristics, which use VW’s most recent styling language, are comparable to those of the new Tiguan.
New 17-inch wheels with a diamond and piano black finish add to the silhouette. Only a redesigned bumper with a revised skid plate and more contemporary LED graphics on the darkened taillight cluster are visible at the rear. The addition of Titan Blue and Turbo Blue options broadens the colour pallet.
The first official images of the forthcoming Nivus GTS have also been released by VW. A new set of version-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, GTS logos on the grille, profile and tailgate, and a revised honeycomb pattern on the lower bumper intake will all serve to identify the sporty trim.
The dashboard appears to be the same inside, but the 10.1-inch touchscreen display now has more recent software and more connected car functions (such as remote lock/unlock, live location, remote horn and hazard light activation, valet mode, etc.).
Depending on the trim, an 8-inch or 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is paired with the centre display. Automatic climate control, wireless charging, a rearview camera, and adaptive cruise control are standard features. Additionally, the manufacturer has upgraded the contact points and upholstery materials.
A carryover turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine (200 TSI) that runs on ethanol and gasoline is located underneath the hood. On ethanol, the mill produces 128 horsepower (96 kW/130 PS) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque, which are only sent to the front axle through a six-speed automated gearbox.
It’s likely that the forthcoming VW Nivus GTS will have the same characteristics as the mechanically similar Polo GTS. A 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine (250 TSI) powers the hotter version of the supermini, producing 148 horsepower (110 kW/150 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.
In Brazil, the facelifted VW Nivus can currently be ordered for R$136,990 ($24,480). It’s unclear if the modifications made to the VW Nivus will be carried over to the European-spec Taigo.
The newly redesigned T-Cross and Nivus will soon be joined by an even smaller entry-level vehicle, scheduled to make its appearance in 2025, giving VW three subcompact SUVs in South America.
