It’s an exciting time to be window shopping for new bakkies. Kia South Africa has set its sights on launching its very first double-cab pickup truck this year. In addition to gaining insight into Kia's vision, MotorHappy had the opportunity to get up close and personal with the bakkie.
Meet Kia’s first double-cab Bakkie
Two months after the global unveiling at the Jeddah Motor Show in Saudi Arabia (October 2024), the Tasman pickup made its debut in Cape Town and Johannesburg presented by Kia South Africa. Based on first impressions, it looks to be a promising contender, especially in today’s saturated ‘big car’ market.
When asked what motivated Kia to expand into the bakkie segment, Marnus van Wyk, National Technical Manager at Kia South Africa, explained: “Kia has a strong presence in the Australian market, which is also a bakkie market (or ‘ute,’ as they call it). I think the potential to gain some market share was compelling.”
In addition to the Australian and Middle Eastern markets, Mzansi will also join the rollout schedule by the second quarter of this year, with global production starting as early as April. This move marks Kia’s entry into the competitive bakkie segment, a first for the automaker, as it aims to cater to the growing demand for lifestyle-oriented yet practical vehicles.
Everything you need to know about the new Kia Tasman
The Tasman offers a blend of Kia's renowned reliability and modern design philosophy. With bakkies playing an integral role in South African culture—appealing to avid outdoor enthusiasts and explorers alike—Kia's timing could foster engaging competition within the 4X4 market. Creating a vehicle tailored to such a niche market was motivated by the growing demand for versatile and adaptable vehicles.
"Kia Global has engaged with us to address market requirements, positioning, and homologation, including conducting one of several consumer-focused studies in preparation for the model's launch in South Africa," said Christo Valentyn, Head of Marketing at Kia South Africa. “We are considered a key market for the Tasman, so the positioning— from a price and competitiveness standpoint—will be critical to our ambitions.”
Behind the design
With the signature Tiger Face at the front, the design is completed by an expansive grille and a wide bumper. The upright and lengthy windshield provides the driver with a clear view of the road ahead. From its side profile, the bulky fender flares give it a rugged, truck-like feel.
Its 224 mm ground clearance and 800 mm wading depth allow it to traverse even the toughest terrain. As for the load bay, it measures 1,512 mm in length, 1,572 mm in width, and 540 mm in depth, offering a best-in-class cargo capacity of 1,173 litres and a towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.
When asked about the primary inspiration behind the Tasman design, Van Wyk explained, “There were calls for the bakkie to be a strong competitor in the market. He added, “The bakkie features a ladder-frame design with 4x4 capabilities. It’s a real 4x4 with low range, which enables drivers to take on challenging terrain with confidence. If you combine this with the engines on offer, there will be very little that will stand in the Tasman’s way.”
The vehicle does indeed feature a ladder-frame chassis with a double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle supported by leaf springs. This design prioritises durability. Additionally, selected variants offer advanced features such as low-speed X-Trek mode (or crawl control), an electronic locking differential, and various terrain modes – snow, mud, sand, and rock.
The interior
From the dashboard, the interior of the Tasman is equipped with an integrated panoramic 12.3”+5”+12.3” display and satellite navigation, DAB digital radio, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® compatibility (available on select models).
With the built-in wireless charger, both you and your passenger can keep your phones powered throughout the journey. Additionally, the centre console and armrest fold out into a table, providing access to a mini yet functional workspace. Just behind the console, you’ll find an additional 240V power outlet for extra charge.
Kia did not compromise on comfort when it came to the seating. In fact, there is more legroom and headroom than you'd expect, good news for those who have longer legs. Not to mention that the rear seats feature a seat slide and recline function – a first for the segment.
For additional storage, you can fold down the rear seats and get an additional 33L of space.
Specs and performance
The double-cab model destined for South Africa is powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, producing 154 kW and 441 Nm of torque. Regarding which is better for the market – petrol or diesel, Marnus noted, “The 2.2 diesel option is a tried-and-tested engine loved by many Sorento and Carnival owners in South Africa. The engine offers great power delivery and will be perfect for the Tasman.” Customers will also benefit from an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The AWD system can automatically adjust to the required configuration, providing optimum traction across various road surfaces. It offers three drive modes—ECO, Smart, and Sport—with additional terrain modes available depending on the market.
Market outlook
The new bakkie will be built in South Korea, featuring an all-new platform with a body-on-frame setup. The Tasman will be produced in single and double-cab variants (including a specific off-road version), and for the commercial market, chassis-cab versions will also be available to the broader market. However, South African bakkie owners can expect the double-cab model for now. No details have yet emerged about which derivatives will be available in the future.
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