Kia Tasman Bakkie Revealed, Earmarked for SA in 2025

Kia’s eagerly awaited Tasman bakkie has been revealed in Saudi Arabia ahead of its South African debut in 2025.

kia,tasman

Image: Kia

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Kia has lifted the wraps on its all-new bakkie, the Tasman, which will take the fight to established players such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-Max. The Tasman made its global debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia, with the Korean automaker confirming that the bakkie has been earmarked for the global market, including South Africa. Paul Turnbull, CEO, of Kia South Africa, confirmed:

“The all-new Kia Tasman presents an exciting new opportunity for Kia globally, and indeed in South Africa. We are hard at work to make the Tasman’s local introduction a reality, and based on current planning, we aim to do this in the second half of 2025.”

The Kia Tasman has been shown with different body styles, including double and single cab derivatives, catering to different requirements.  In terms of overall proportions, the Tasman is 5 410 mm long, 1 930 mm wide, 1 870 mm high, and has a 3 270 mm wheelbase. The initial trim levels comprise the more road-oriented X-Line, which features 17-inch gloss black alloys wrapped in mixed-terrain rubber, and the more off-road-oriented X-Pro, which features a raised suspension, 18-inch wheels with off-road tyres, and a host of model-specific assistance systems.

The Tasman will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol develops 207 kW and 421 N.m, while the 2.2-litre turbodiesel comes in with a punchy 155 kW/441 N.m. The turbodiesel is based on the unit currently doing service in the likes of the Sorento, and its outputs place it in the same company as the bi-turbo Ranger (154 kW/500 N.m) and 2.8 GD-6 Hilux (150 kW/500 N.m).

Regardless, the drivers can adjust the transmission and drivetrain mapping thanks to a selection of driving modes, including Off-Road/Sand, Snow, and Desert Mode. In addition, the X-Pro also receives an automatically engaging Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD) that offers greater control over locking and unlocking the rear diff,  and an X-Trek mode that incorporates both hill-descent and a low-speed terrain crawling functionalities that don’t require braking or throttle inputs from the driver in technical off-road settings.

kia,tasman

Image: Kia

Tasman Credentials

The Kia Tasman is not just built for the city but clearly intends to tackle the rough stuff, too. As such, The X-Pro model has a ground clearance of 252 mm, which is 28 mm more than the X-Line. The load bay has a total capacity of 1 173 litres, thanks to a length and width of 1 572 mm and 1 512 mm. Under the skin, the Tasman features double-wishbone suspension up front, utilising Smart Frequency Dampers for what Kia claims will be a ride quality that separates the Tasman from its competitors.

Inside, the 12.3-inch Panoramic Wide Display infotainment system not only features smartphone connectivity, but in the X-Line model it also incorporates the Ground View Monitor (GVM). This system not only provides a ground-level camera feed around the vehicle to assist the driver when manoeuvring in tight spaces, but it also has a dedicated page that displays essential off-roading information such as tyre pressures and body angles. Other interior highlights include reclining and sliding rear seats, and an optional 8-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

The Kia Tasman is also fitted with the latest technologies and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as lane keeping assist, blind spot collision warning, and remote parking assist through Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2).

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The post Kia Tasman Bakkie Revealed, Earmarked for SA in 2025 appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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