Korea’s first bakkie attempt certainly looks the part
The South African bakkie market is a pretty virile place right now. Every time you look up, there seems to be some form of Chinese bakkie ‘ready to topple the Hilux’. Fat chance! But they certainly are weird and wonderful.
From the promise of BYD to the rejuvenated GWM range, the regurgitated Foton, a new Chery brand, LDV and who knows what else. One and all chasing glory in a very difficult market. Will my mate drop his Hilux, Ranger, Navara, D-Max or Amarok for a Chinaman? Not so sure.
The traditional market is also pretty ute right now. A facelift here, a special edition there and new Hilux, now downgraded to yet another facelift, only likely to land once the year is out.
The new Kia Tasman is huge bakkie news
Anyway, there’s another imminent big bakkie happening coming our way however. One may prove a little more of the threat to that Hilux, Ranger, et al hierarchy. And it comes from a manufacturer that’s been here almost 30 years. But it’s never built a bakkie before. Will the all-new Kia Tasman reinvent the bakkie market?
Well, we’ve been tracking it for a while and then took a gander at a couple of pre-production units a few months back. And we think it’s going to make a huge impression. And sorry for all the Chinese brands who want it so badly, but in our humble opinion this new Korean is without doubt the biggest bakkie news of the season.
Pushing the bakkie boundaries as it redefines the sector with bold exterior and interior design, Kia promises Tasman will bring cutting-edge tech, class-leading space and unbeatable convenience.
The international model range includes Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro Double Cab models. Developed to be equally effortless at work and leisure activities with a broad, the new Kia bakkie will offer a broad customization and accessories palette to tailor the bakkie to every owner’s taste.
Tasman pushes the bakkie boundaries
If nothing else, the new Tasman looks completely different. Far grander than even our own wildest predictions, bold and Tonka Toy square, it has an expansive grille and bumper design and incorporates Kia’s familiar tiger nose featuring, An upright windshield contributes to a bold silhouette that should be available in nine colours.
Tasman’s bold and practical cabin design boasts concise, balanced and symmetrical proportions. Kia claims best-in-segment head, shoulder and second-row legroom. A multi-function steering wheel and carefully positioned buttons provide intuitive control of state-of-the-art panoramic widescreen CarPlay and Auto infotainment.
That’s backed by Apple integrated optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio. Tasman will also bring a wide range of clever cabin and loadbay configurations, while drive modes depend on model specification. Accessories are grouped into packages specifically tweaked to and catering for each market.
While local engines remain unconfirmed, the Kia Tasman is likely to include a 154 kW 441Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission in South Africa. There’s also a 207 kW 421Nm in Korea, and a few more rudimentary units in other markets too. So let’s see what of that gets to SA.
Defining looks, a stunning cabin, kit & tricks
Advanced chassis and suspension technology combines exceptional off-road capability with class-leading on-road refinement. A full Driver Assistance palette incorporates trailer profile functionality. Rigid axle leaf spring rear suspension has vertically mounted shock absorbers for most effective damping and greater control, even at the extremes of suspension travel.
Featuring an optimized composite body to frame bush structure, Tasman has a sensitive damper control and hydraulic rebound stop double wishbone front end. Kia promises Tasman will soak up the punishment of the harshest off-road terrain while also delivering excellent on-road driving with predictable, engaging handling and a comfortable ride.
Tasman’s 1512 mm long 1572 mm wide and 540 mm deep load bed with 1186 mm between the wheels delivers a best-in-class 1173 litres cargo capability. The new Kia bakkie will carry and impressive 1195 kg and tow a 3.5-ton trailer.
Kia’s says it’s spared no detail in creating a bakkie that opens new dimensions of for every owner in the new Tasman. From the trader to the farmer, the sportsman and the outdoor enthusiast.
Like a good race car, they say that it should look right. If it must win. So far we can tell you that it certainly looks the part. It won]t be too long before we learn if that adage cries true. But on the face of it, we’re pretty confident that the Kia Tasman will be South Africa\s biggest bakkie news of 2025… – Michele Lupini