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Volkswagen Nivus: Learn all about the launch of the year.

The Volkswagen Nivus, long anticipated, is about to be launched. Find out everything about the most awaited launch of the year!

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Initially launched virtually, the Volkswagen Nivus arrived at dealerships in Brazil at the end of June and, as many people imagined, the model was a literal sales success, with numbers that managed to surpass even the most optimistic expectations!

Volkswagen Nivus
  • Category:Compact SUV (Crossover);
  • Average new price: R$ 95 thousand; 
  • Average price used: R$ 75 thousand;
  • Recommended version: Volkswagen Nivus Highline 200 TSI
  • Average city fuel consumption: 9 km/L;
  • Average fuel consumption on the highway: 12 km/L.

A crossover SUV with a coupe-like design – that's how most people quickly and directly define the Nivus, and it's safe to say that this definition isn't wrong.

However, we can already say upfront that the model is much more than that.

If you want to know EVERYTHING about the new Volkswagen Nivus, you've come to the right place.

Volkswagen Nivus, what to expect?

Volkswagen is the first automaker to bet on SUV niche Coupes are available in Brazil, and to the surprise of many, the Nivus is relatively large and is literally a fusion of technologies and parts from its siblings: the Polo and T-Cross. 

The model is designed to literally position itself between the two models. According to the marketing department, the Nivus is intended to help the German automaker establish itself as the second most popular in the country, a position it has been competing for and alternating with Fiat for some time. 

But what can we expect from the Volkswagen Nivus? The model's formula isn't new, and it's entirely inspired by models that previously had high sales volumes, such as the Honda WR-V, Chery Tiggo 2, and the new Fiat Strada. 

Volkswagen must compete with itself.

Experts have stated that the Volkswagen Nivus could be a mistake, since its positioning between the Polo and T-Cross could create internal competition and prevent all models from achieving significant sales figures, potentially leading to them being overtaken by vehicles from competing brands. 

Whether this will happen, only time will tell. 

Without actual competition

Another question that comes to mind for many people is who will the Nivus compete with? In theory, nobody, since the model inaugurates a new segment in the country, but in practice the story is different, after all, the vehicle could steal customers from more expensive versions of compact hatchbacks and sedans, as well as entry-level and intermediate compact SUVs. 

When analyzing the size of the Volkswagen Nivus, it becomes clear that even though it is a "unique and solitary" model, it is capable of "stealing" customers from other categories. 

The visual appeal is eye-catching.

The Volkswagen Nivus boasts a very well-executed aesthetic design. The model uses the windshield, roof, wheel arches, side doors, and A and B pillars from its smaller sibling, the Polo. The fenders and hood also feature cutouts inspired by the hatchback, but with their own distinct personality. 

At the front, the pointed design with a wide grille, clearly inspired by the T-Cross, gives the Nivus a more robust character. 

Volkswagen Nivus atenção
The Volkswagen Nivus is attracting attention!

With roof racks, plastic moldings along the entire length of the body, and a higher ground clearance than the Polo, the Nivus has an adventurous touch that goes very well with its design. 

Finally, the rear also boasts its own beauty with a prominent slope and taillights integrated by a glossy black strip, just like on the T-Cross. This model is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. 

The interior is a bit cramped.

The interior might be a problem for those seeking ample space and comfort. Although it's a coupe SUV, the Volkswagen Nivus was built on the same platform as the Polo, unlike the T-Cross which shares its platform with the Virtus. 

Interior do Nivus é apertado
The interior of the Nivus is cramped.

The difference in wheelbase between these platforms is 8 centimeters, and this is reflected in interior space. The Nivus is noticeably more cramped than the T-Cross, and for those seeking space and comfort, especially in the rear seats, this could be a problem. 

Plenty of space can be found in the trunk, which boasts a generous capacity of 415 liters. 

Mechanical and electrical systems inherited from the Polo.

The Volkswagen Nivus' mechanical and electrical components are inherited from the Polo. The model features McPherson strut suspension and torsion beam axles, ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels and solid disc brakes on all four wheels, but some adjustments have been made. 

In addition to a slightly higher body, the Nivus received modifications that improved the electronic modules and the Aisin torque converter. These changes aim to reduce jolts during cold starts and downshifts. 

Motorization

Volkswagen's marketers have been trying to portray the Nivus as sporty, but due to its engine, we know that the model is far from being considered sporty. 

Motor Nivus
The Volkswagen Nivus is equipped with a 1.0 turbo engine.

The Volkswagen Nivus also inherited the Polo's engine. The "new" 1.0 turbo flex direct injection engine is capable of generating 128 horsepower on ethanol and 116 horsepower on gasoline. Tests show that it's an engine that gets the job done, but it doesn't have a sporty driving experience. 

Câmbio Nivus
The only option is automatic transmission.

Another factor that could completely undermine the sportiness of the Nivus is its transmission. The new model will only have a six-speed automatic transmission.

Accessories are a highlight of the Volkswagen Nivus.

One of the main highlights, which has even been advertised for the new Nivus, is the VW Play multimedia system, developed here in Brazil. According to the manufacturer, the system is more modern than the one used in the T-Cross, Virtus, and Polo lines and will be gradually applied to new models. 

Among the highlights of VW Play is the direct connection to some popular apps, such as iFood. However, the system does not have native internet connectivity, unlike newer generations of compact models such as the Chevrolet Onix, Onix Plus, and Tracker. 

Interior Nivus
Accessories and technology attract attention.

The multimedia system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which led the manufacturer to remove the central cell phone holder from the dashboard, as it was deemed unnecessary. 

Another eye-catching feature is the steering wheel, the same one used in the Volkswagen ID.3, the automaker's new electric model in Europe. Beautiful and functional, it has side controls and a decorative central strip in glossy black, as well as shift paddles for gear changes. 

Volante Nivus
The steering wheel is the same as the Volkswagen ID.3.

The Nivus also features digital air conditioning, a rearview camera, electrically folding exterior mirrors, headlight height adjustment, keyless engine start, rain sensor, driving mode selector, front and rear parking sensors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Security

The Volkswagen Nivus has six airbags in total: two front airbags, two side airbags, and two curtain airbags.

In addition, the SUV coupe comes equipped with traction and stability controls, autonomous emergency braking, hill start assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning, which is capable of automatically accelerating and braking according to the vehicle's movement. 

Versions, dimensions and values

The Nivus is a global model developed in Brazil. It will be produced at the Anchieta factory in São Bernardo do Campo, in the ABC Paulista region. The expectation is that in the near future, the model will also be manufactured in European factories. 

Although information about versions has been leaked, it is still not known for sure how many versions of the new Nivus there will be, but everything suggests that initially, the model will be sold in two versions: Comfortline and Highline. In addition, a PCD version is also expected. 

The dimensions of the Volkswagen Nivus are:

  • Length: 4.26 m;
  • Width: 1.75 m;
  • Height: 1.49 m;
  • Wheelbase: 2.56 m.
Nivus Show
Volkswagen Nivus

The Nivus only has two versions and their prices are:

  • Volkswagen Nivus Comfortline 200 TSI 2021: R$ 85,890
  • Volkswagen Nivus Highline 200 TSI 2021: R$ 98,290

The Volkswagen Nivus was the most awarded vehicle in 2020.

That the model was expected was something many people already knew. But what few could have predicted is that the Nivus would be such a resounding success. 

With sales starting only in July, by the end of November the compact SUV had already surpassed 12,000 units sold. 

The automaker expects the model to be among the top 40 best-selling this year and to be, literally, one of the brand's flagship cars in 2021. 

Beautiful, versatile, modern, and connected! That's how the specialized media defines the Volkswagen Nivus. 

In total, the Nivus won the following awards:

  • Car of the Year according to Autoesporte;
  • Best compact SUV of 2020 according to Autoesporte magazine;
  • Best compact SUV in the Estadão Mobility Award 2020;
  • Best compact SUV of 2020 in an award ceremony promoted by UOL Carros;
  • Best Buy 2020 Main Category by Quatro Rodas Magazine;
  • Best National Car CAR Awards Brazil 2021 by CAR Magazine;
  • Americar Award for Best SUV in Latin America by Americar;
  • Top Car TV Award in the Best SUV category up to R$ 100,999 by Top Car TV;
  • Abiauto Award for Best National SUV/Crossover, awarded by Abiauto;
  • Lowest Repair Cost in the Compact SUV category according to Cesvi.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen Nivus is distinctive, and its design is very reminiscent of models like the Audi Q3 Sportback or the BMW X6, which may be attractive to those who are only thinking about aesthetics. 

The availability of accessories, the prices, and the lack of a competitor could boost Nivus sales. However, models from the same manufacturer could overshadow it and "stall its sales," causing the marketing and sales department to review some processes. 

The arrival of the Nivus has been long awaited. Even with delays caused by the coronavirus, the model is expected to deliver satisfactory results in the market. 

And after all that, would you like to know what it's like to own a Volkswagen Nivus? 

If your answer was yes, then you need to follow our advice and click on the following link to find out what the pros and cons are of owning a Volkswagen Nivus. 

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