Kia’s ladder-frame double-cab bakkie likely to be unveiled in Q2 2024

A Kia bakkie to rival the likes of the revered and well-established Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger? The South Korean automaker is preparing a double-cab which may be unveiled as early as 2024! 

Kia double-cab

Image: Autospy

Kia is gearing up to make a significant impact in the Australian automotive market with its highly anticipated double-cab pickup truck. Set to arrive at dealerships in the Land Down Under around 2025, this new addition to Kia’s lineup aims to rival established titans in the industry from the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu.

We’ve been following the development of Kia’s double-cab bakkie for some time. To learn what is known about Kia’s Ranger rivalling double-cab, click here.

Australian dealerships have reportedly been earmarked as the first recipients of Kia’s double-cab pickup truck. Consequently, a global unveiling is likely to occur sometime in the middle of 2024, setting the stage for its anticipated arrival in Australian showrooms by 2025.

Related: Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus Review

Recent spy shots revealed a camo-clad test mule of Kia’s pickup, codenamed “TK.” Though broadly concealed, some design elements are discernible. Notably, and accompanied by a mesh grille, the headlight design bears a resemblance to the Kia Mohave. We’ve also noticed a wheel arch missing an accompanying component, likely a subtle fender flare anticipated to be present in the production model.

Kia double cab

Image: Autospy

Asked for comment, General Manager for Marketing, Christo Valentyn, had this to say: “”Kia South Africa is continuously evaluating the feasibility of new and future models that are or may be available to the South African market. We are not in a position to comment on the potential production and/or introduction of a bakkie at this point in time.”

Official information pertaining to Kia’s double-cab pickup truck is scarce at this stage. Rumours do suggest, however, that the vehicle will be built on the same ladder frame skeleton as the Japan-only Kia Mohave model. Sources further indicate that the “TK” will likely be powered by a 3,0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine, similar to the one in the Mohave. This engine configuration would provide the double-cab pickup truck with power outputs comparable with the Ford Ranger V6 Wildtrak and Toyota’s 2.8GD Legend RS Hilux.

Kia double cab

Image: KDesign AG

Related: Kia debuts EV9 GT-Line and teases full-fat GT model

It is expected that the Kia double-cab pickup truck will offer a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg, with a payload rating of approximately 1 000 kg, making it a direct competitor to the aforementioned models. Intriguingly, alongside the diesel variant, Kia is reportedly working on an all-electric double-cab pickup truck that will be sold separately from the “TK” model.

Not prepared to wait until 2025 for a Kia bakkie? Browse here with CARmag!

The post Kia’s ladder-frame double-cab bakkie likely to be unveiled in Q2 2024 appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th
Read more