Volkswagen announces name for new SA-built SUV

Volkswagen South Africa has announced the name of its new small crossover SUV, which will be built in South Africa. Here's what you need to know.

Sean Nurse

17 Jun 2025 · 10:38Automotive News1 min read

Five names, one winner

The brand took to its social media platform to allow South Africans to choose the name for its new crossover. Here's what we had to choose from:

Tiva- The Hebrew word for Nature, which is associated with life and energy

Tion- Is related to aesthetic appeal, movement and change

Tavi- A gender neutral word for beloved, or the number eight in Latin

Tengo- In African languages, this word is associated with purpose, strength and resilience

Related: VW SA gears-up for production of small SUV!

The winner

The name Tengo won in the voting polls, meaning the brand's new crossover, slated for a 2027 release, officially has a name!

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more