The direct rival of the Fastback Abarth, the VW Nivus GTS, arrived in 2025 to spice up the competition among compact SUVs with a sporty footprint. We were able to spend a week behind the wheel of the top-of-the-line version of the Nivus, offered from $184,990, and the experience was very positive.
In a segment dominated by rational proposals, the German brand’s SUV coupe manages to stand out by offering a more engaging drive, without sacrificing comfort and versatility, which the public seeks in this type of car.
The visual already makes it clear that this is not a conventional Nivus. The darkened details, the 18-inch wheels with exclusive design, and the GTS emblems build a balanced sporty identity, without excesses. It’s a car that grabs attention as a whole, and not just because of a specific detail, especially in the Crystal White color of the test unit.
Behind the wheel, the sporty proposal gains consistency. The mechanical set responds with agility, offering good pickups and progressive accelerations, both in urban use and on the highway. The adjustment of the six-speed automatic transmission contributes to a smooth drive, while the 1.4 turbo engine with 150 hp of power and 25.5 kgfm of torque delivers power in a linear fashion, making everyday life more enjoyable.
Another point that deserves highlight is the suspension adjustment. During the week of testing, the Nivus GTS showed a more dynamic behavior, firmer in relation to the other versions, with better control of the body in curves and a greater sense of security behind the wheel. Still, comfort was not compromised, even on uneven floors, maintaining a good balance for daily use.
Inside, the model follows the already known standard of Volkswagen in terms of ergonomics and functionality, but receives visual elements that reinforce the sporty proposal. The driving position is easy to adjust, the controls are intuitive, and the list of on-board technologies meets the expectations of a modern compact SUV. The highlight is the ADAS package with safety items, such as blind spot sensors, lane keeping assistant, and park assist.
The Nivus GTS also receives details in red, such as on the steering wheel, doors, and center console, displaying sportiness also in the cabin. An item that some consumers may miss is the absence of a sunroof, which is present in the Taigo, considered the “European cousin” of the Nivus. In the case of the main rival, the Fastback Abarth, Stellantis should bring the sunroof still in 2026 for the SUV coupe.
Beyond performance and drivability, the Volkswagen Nivus GTS’s fuel consumption also proved to be consistent with the model’s proposal. According to Inmetro data, the SUV registers averages of 8.1 km/l in the city and 9.9 km/l on the highway with ethanol, while with gasoline, the numbers rise to 11.6 km/l in urban use and 14.2 km/l on highways. These are competitive marks for a compact SUV with a sporty proposal, showing that the Nivus GTS can balance fun behind the wheel and efficiency in daily use.
After seven days of living with the car, it becomes clear that the Volkswagen Nivus GTS delivers on its promises. It doesn’t try to be an extreme sports car, but it delivers an extra dose of emotion while driving, something still rare in the segment. For those looking for a compact SUV with a striking visual and a more engaging drive, the Nivus GTS presents itself as an interesting and well-resolved option.
