VW Nivus bows in South America, gains GTS trim

The affordable Volkswagen Nivus, known in Europe as the Taigo, has been refreshed in Brazil four and a half years since debut.

The crossover looks slightly updated thanks to revised headlights, bumpers and radiator grille, which now has a LED strip on. All in all, it looks in line with other recent Volkswagens.

Buyers in the region can choose from new wheel options sized up to 17 inches in diameter, as well as two new shades of blue for the exterior.

Inside, the infotainment system benefits from upgraded hardware while keeping its usual 10.1-inch display. Adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, a wireless charging pad and HVAC are now all included as standard. The trimming materials all around are said to be upgraded, too.

Power comes from a 1.0-liter bi-fuel turbo engine. It runs on gas or ethanol and sends up to 130 PS (128 hp / 96 kW) to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

A new trim version called GTS is scheduled to arrive later, sporting exclusive 18-inch wheels and a different grille pattern. The media speculate that it may also get a superior 1.4-liter TSI engine good for 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW).