Bakkie enthusiasts may have been spoilt this year with the release of several new models, but there’s even more to look forward to in 2025.
While 2024 ushered in big names like the Ford Ranger Platinum, Toyota Hilux GR-Sport, and the next-gen Mitsubishi Triton, the headliner for the upcoming year will be the brand-new Kia Tasman.
What’s coming in 2025
The Tasman will be Kia’s first attempt to enter the highly coveted midsize pickup market, competing against many of South Africa’s favourite models.
The Korean automaker recently confirmed that it will be coming to our showrooms, but it will likely still be some time before we can get our hands on it.
It was noted that the bakkie will enter global production between April and May 2025 with a staggered rollout across various countries worldwide.
The best-case scenario is that it will land on our shores by July, so expect a seven-month waiting period at a minimum.
As for what the Tasman has to offer, it is taking aim at the premium lifestyle segment with a rather eccentric design and several high-end features.
To reflect this, the model is only coming to South Africa as a double cab, with more commercial-oriented units to come at a later date depending on its local reception.
On that note, the Kia has caught audiences’ attention with its striking appearance, which is quite blocky even by pickup standards.
The front grille stands out in this regard with a prominent “Tiger Nose” grille, a large black bumper, and vertical LED headlights and daytime running lights.
At the back, there’s a sizeable load bin that can accommodate up to 1,195kg, and there are integrated side steps in the body making it easier to reach inside.
Depending on the variant, it also features 18-inch alloy rims with highway tyres, or smaller 17-inch wheels with thicker all-terrain tyres.
As for the interior, you’ll find an extended 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch widescreen monitor on the dashboard, as well a large minimalist multifunction steering wheel, two wireless charging pads, automatic climate control with honeycomb-style air vents, a folding console table, electronically-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and synthetic leather upholstery with five colour options.
The touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and buyers can purchase an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo as a paid extra.
Performance-wise, the Tasman will be offered with a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which produces a total of 148kW and 440Nm.
This is on par with several other models in its segment, and is also enough to afford the bakkie a towing capacity of 3,500kg.
The Kia also comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a four-wheel-drive system with a 4A setting that will automatically distribute power to each wheel to maximize traction.
In other countries, the pickup is bundled with a 2.5-litre petrol drivetrain with 207kW and 421Nm, which is currently under consideration for South Africa.
The caveat is that petrol bakkies aren’t especially popular here, so there will need to be a lot of interest before the carmaker elects to ship it over.
Other technical details to note about the newcomer is that it comes with a rear electronic differential lock, hill-descent control, and X-Trek mode (off-road cruise control).
More information on the new Kia Tasman, including its model lineup and pricing, will be revealed closer to its launch window next year.
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