
Kia is prepping for an exciting year in 2025 with at least four new models lined up for South.
This includes the facelifted Carnival and Sorento, as well as the all-new Carens and Tasman.
A varied selection
The first new additions to the Kia family will be the new Carnival MPV and Sorento SUV , which are set arrive by the end of the first quarter.
Both cars exhibit similar hallmarks with regards to the carmaker’s new design philosophy with a large grille, vertical LED headlights, and new daytime running light strips that flank the headlights and curve horizontally to run parallel to the bonnet.
The general proportions of the SUV and MPV are more muscular than before with larger front and rear bumpers, and there’s a new selection of alloy wheels for both models.
The Carnival also has new T-shaped taillamps and a more prominent rear badge, while the Sorento is fitted with two new air intakes on the sides of the front bumper.
It’s a similar story inside, as the Kias have both received a new dashboard with a dual-curved display for the driver and infotainment systems.
Likewise, the designers have done away with the physical aircon switches in favour of a touch-sensitive control bar, and the Sorento’s large central air vents have been replaced with more subtle horizontal ones in the dash similar to those on the MPV.
Since these cars are only receiving a facelift, it’s all but certain that they will hold onto the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine they have now, which generates a total of 148kW and 440Nm.
The next model heading our way will be a new entry called the Carens – a new MPV that will slot below the Carnival when it arrives in the second half of 2025.
The Carens is built on a long-wheelbase version of the Seltos SUV platform, giving it enough space for a third row of seats.
It is made in India and is actually set to receive its own facelift in May this year, meaning South Africa will receive the newest version of the car when it reaches our showrooms.
Kia has yet to release images of the post-update model, but the current models already look quite fancy, with the option of either six or seven seats decked out in blue-and-white upholstery.
Engine-wise, the Indian MPV has access to the same plants as the Seltos, which includes a 1.5-litre petrol mill with 84kW and 144Nm, a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel with 85kW and 250Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with 118kW and 253Nm.
The final engine list and spec sheet will only be revealed closer to the launch date, but considering that all three powertrains are already available on the local Seltos, it’s fair to assume we’ll get the same options here as well.
Finally, there’s the new Tasman, which is undoubtedly the biggest launch of the year given our bakkie-centric market.
The Tasman is a midsize pickup that will rival the likes of the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, though early previews of the vehicle indicate that it will likely be competing in the luxury end of the segment.
It’s already garnered a lot of attention for its fairly unusual appearance, but its blocky structure is in line with the design trend seen on other recent models like the current-gen Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton.
Inside, it features an extended 12.3-inch + 5-inch + 12.3-inch widescreen monitor, as well as two wireless charging pads, automatic climate control, electronically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and synthetic leather upholstery.
The Tasman will be powered by the same 2.2-litre block as the Sorento and Carnival, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive system.
No release date has been given, but the bakkie will go into production this April, so the best-case scenario is that it will probably reach South Africa by July if we’re lucky.
Join the discussion