Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Ute prototype!


Hangchung Classics has rescued this Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Ute (Pickup) from the scrapheap. Not much is known about the vehicle. 

From what we can see from the photos the Utility Santana is most likely fabricated from the Santana Station Wagon (Passat Variant). The load capacity is 650kg! Engine is probably the ever-green  Audi derived 1.8L petrol EA113 which is both Taxi and Government proven in China.






 

Comments

llantas kumho said…
This prototype reflects Volkswagen’s experimentation in the Chinese market during its early joint ventures with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). While it never reached production, it remains a rare and interesting piece of automotive history.
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The Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Ute prototype is a unique example of how a classic sedan platform can be transformed into a practical utility vehicle. Based on available details, the pickup appears to be derived from the Santana Station Wagon (Passat Variant), combining reliability with functional cargo capacity. With a load capacity of around 650 kg and the dependable Audi-derived 1.8L EA113 petrol engine, the vehicle reflects durability and practicality that made Santana models popular in China. For rare and classic vehicles like this, applying protective solutions such as Car Paint Protection Film is important to preserve the original paint. In the UAE market, many car owners also research the PPF Coating Price in Dubai , which typically varies depending on coverage, vehicle size, and film quality. For example, partial PPF coverage can start around AED 3,500–6,000, while full-body protection may range from about AED 10,000 to AED 16,000 or more.