The Volkswagen Saveiro III (G5), specifically the facelifted 2017 Double Cab Cross 1.6 TOTALFLEX, represents a significant iteration of Volkswagen’s popular compact pickup truck, primarily aimed at the South American market. Introduced as part of the G5 generation’s mid-life refresh, this variant offered a blend of practicality, affordability, and a degree of style not typically found in the entry-level pickup segment. Production began in 2017 and continued alongside other G5 models, serving as a key offering within the Saveiro lineup. The “TOTALFLEX” designation indicates the engine’s capability to run on both gasoline and ethanol (E85), a common feature in Brazil and other South American countries. This model occupied a mid-range position within the Saveiro Double Cab Cross series, offering more features than the base models but remaining below the more premium trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Saveiro |
| Generation | Saveiro III (G5, facelift 2017) Double Cab Cross |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 TOTALFLEX (110/120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (Ethanol – E85) | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 174 km/h (108.12 mph) |
| Maximum speed (Ethanol – E85) | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm, 137.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.8 Hp/l |
| Power (Ethanol – E85) | 120 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre (Ethanol – E85) | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Torque (Ethanol – E85) | 165 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CNXA |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1125 kg (2480.2 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs) |
| Max load | 615 kg (1355.84 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 580 l (20.48 cu. ft) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 45 kg (99.21 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 400 kg (881.85 lbs) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 400 kg (881.85 lbs) |
| Length | 4497 mm (177.05 in) |
| Width | 1728 mm (68.03 in) |
| Width including mirrors | 1898 mm (74.72 in) |
| Height | 1553 mm (61.14 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2753 mm (108.39 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 181 mm (7.13 in) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.3 m (40.35 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 2017 Saveiro Double Cab Cross 1.6 TOTALFLEX is the CNXA engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is notable for its “TOTALFLEX” capability, meaning it’s designed to run efficiently on gasoline, ethanol, or any blend of the two. The CNXA utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with two valves per cylinder. When running on ethanol, the engine management system adjusts parameters to take advantage of ethanol’s higher octane rating, resulting in a power increase from 110 horsepower to 120 horsepower. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and driver control. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for everyday usability, prioritizing acceleration in lower gears and comfortable cruising at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6-liter engine, paired with the five-speed manual transmission, provided adequate performance for typical urban and rural driving conditions. Acceleration to 60 mph took approximately 9.9 seconds, which was competitive within its class, but noticeably slower than the more powerful Saveiro trims equipped with larger engines. The engine’s torque curve was relatively flat, offering usable power across a broad RPM range. However, drivers often needed to downshift to maintain momentum when carrying a load or tackling inclines. The front-wheel-drive configuration provided predictable handling, but lacked the all-weather capability of four-wheel-drive systems found in some competing pickups. The hydraulic power steering offered a reasonably light and responsive feel, making maneuvering in tight spaces relatively easy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Double Cab Cross trim level offered a step up in features compared to the base Saveiro models. Standard equipment typically included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system with AM/FM radio and auxiliary input. The interior featured durable cloth upholstery and a functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and fog lights. The Double Cab configuration provided seating for five passengers, making it a practical choice for families or small businesses. The rear seats could be folded down to create additional cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The Saveiro Double Cab Cross utilized a relatively simple chassis design, featuring a MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality for everyday driving, but wasn’t designed for demanding off-road conditions. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering system employed a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2017 Saveiro Double Cab Cross 1.6 TOTALFLEX was generally well-received in the South American market. Critics praised its practicality, affordability, and fuel efficiency, particularly when running on ethanol. However, some reviewers noted that the 1.6-liter engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to other Saveiro trims, such as those equipped with the 1.8-liter engine, the 1.6-liter version offered a more economical option, but at the expense of performance. Compared to competitors like the Fiat Strada, the Saveiro offered a more refined interior and a more modern design.
Legacy
The CNXA 1.6 TOTALFLEX engine proved to be a relatively reliable powerplant, with many examples still on the road today. The Saveiro G5, including this variant, established a strong reputation for durability and low running costs. In the used car market, the 2017 Double Cab Cross 1.6 TOTALFLEX remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical and affordable compact pickup truck. Its TOTALFLEX capability continues to be a significant advantage in regions where ethanol is readily available and competitively priced. While not a performance leader, this Saveiro variant offered a compelling combination of value, versatility, and fuel efficiency, cementing its place as a significant model in Volkswagen’s South American lineup.
