Kia’s Bakkie has Been Spotted Wearing Heavy Camouflague

The Ranger and Hilux rivalling Kia Tasman bakkie has been spotted wearing heavy camouflage likely concealing a pre-production model.

bakkieLooking for your next new or used Kia? Find it here with CARmag.

Having enriched its lineup with a plethora of SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, Kia is gearing up to make its mark in the lucrative full-size bakkie segment. Unlike the company’s Bongo over-cab pickup, this new model is eyeing global markets. Prior to its unveiling, a heavily camouflaged prototype was caught on camera up close.

Now, the Kia bakkie has been discovered in a South Korean underground parking lot as a double cab body style concealed under extensive camouflage. From the cutouts in the camo, it seemed to feature a front fascia reminiscent of the Telluride (not available in South Africa), with vertical headlights flanking a broad grille. However, it’s unlikely that the two will share a platform since the bakkie is expected to adopt a ladder frame chassis while the full-size SUV boasts a unibody construction.

Related: Kia’s PV5 May Be A Bakkie Ready For the World By 2025

Reportedly named the Kia Tasman, the model features 17-inch wheels fitted with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires. Its size is speculated to be closer to the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, although it’s challenging to determine based on the spy video. Inside, we catch a glimpse that it’s still a prototype, evident from the cheap-looking plasticky door panels.

Of particular interest is the area next to the gear lever, where switches for 2H, 4H, and 4L modes are visible. This indicates that the prototype offers selectable two-wheel drive and a low-range four-wheel drive for challenging terrains.

Several sources state that the main motivator will be a four-cylinder 2.2-liter diesel engine, mated to either automatic or manual transmissions. Apart from the four-door version, the Kia Tasman is rumoured to be available as a single cab and even as a chassis cab for commercial use. Additionally, an all-electric variant is expected to debut later on.

Related: Top 12 Best Buys 2024: Midsize SUV – Kia Sportage

The Tasman (codenamed “TK”) is slated for production in Kia’s home country of Korea and could be officially announced as early as March. Design details are anticipated to be unveiled in the fourth quarter of 2024, preceding its market launch next year. Details on which markets the model will be sold in are scarce, but would it be a good opportunity for Kia to challenge this segment locally?

Have a closer look below.

Browse thousands of new and used cars here with CARmag.

The post Kia’s Bakkie has Been Spotted Wearing Heavy Camouflague 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

Like Lego? Then the R8-engined Rhino RR01 Kit Car From Lithuania is For You

Image
The Rhino RR01 is presented as an affordable Audi R8-engined supercar that’s both street-legal and geared for the track, here’s all you need to know about the new model.  Image: Rhino Looking for your next sportscar? Find it here with CARmag.  This groundbreaking vehicle is the inaugural supercar hailing from the Baltic state of Lithuania, born and crafted in Kaunas, 100 km away from the capital city of Vilnius. Surprisingly, it was conceived by yacht engineers who had minimal experience in the automotive world by painstakingly developing the car from scratch. All monocoque design, chassis, bodywork, interior, and electronics were done by themselves. While the prototype borrowed the engine from an ‘Audi R8’, the ‘Kit Car’ model offers the freedom to install various engines, allowing drivers to experience the thrill of a racing car on both roads and tracks. Image: Rhino Lithuania has contributed individual components to major car manufacturers, but until now, the country had ne
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