When you can expect the new Kia Tasman to launch in South Africa

South Africans interested in the new Kia Tasman bakkie will have to be patient, as it is not expected to reach our shores before the latter months of 2025.

The double cab was first announced to the public back in April this year, but is still undergoing testing and is expected to make its debut in its first market – Australia – roughly a year from now.

What to expect

As its name implies, the Tasman is tailored for Australia, which is good news for South Africa as well since the Land Down Under is our most comparable vehicle market, especially when it comes to bakkies.

According to Australian publication Drive.com, the “ute” will arrive there in mid-2025, which means South African could get it around the same time, though it’s more likely there will be a short delay.

As a point of reference, the next-gen Mitsubishi Triton launched in Australia in March while its Mzansi launch is set for the third quarter of this year.

If the Tasman follows a similar approach, it should land in South Africa sometime in the second half of 2025.

The Korean automaker also uploaded a new teaser trailer to social media, giving audiences their first glimpse of the rear of the incoming Tasman.

When the bakkie was first showcased earlier this year, only two images were shared depicting the front and side, but the new video shows the 4×4 tackling a variety of terrains from all different angles.

Of course, it can be difficult to make out small details, as the Tasman is displayed in a colourful camouflage pattern that helps to mask aspects of the design.

From what is decipherable, the back appears to feature a pair of small square taillights, possibly with a C-shaped motif, though it may just be that the lights are mostly covered up by the print.

In any case, the appearance is unlike that of other recent Kia models like the updated Seltos and Picanto, which use diamond-shaped reverse lamps.

What is clear to see, however, is that the Tasman is a very blocky vehicle, with a square front and back end and a rather tall cabin.

This is a style that is more commonly seen on American pickups, but it’s quickly becoming the norm worldwide with the current generation Ford Ranger and VW Amarok, as well as the upcoming Mitsubishi Triton – all gravitating towards this more imposing stance.

The trailer also claims that the Kia has undergone more than 18,000km of tests, and showed a few of the trials involved such as driving through a water channel to assess its water-wading depth.