Following months of the rumour mill working in overdrive, Kia this week finally confirmed that it is developing a new mid-size bakkie that will rival the likes of the evergreen Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Speaking to TopAuto, a representative for the Korean brand said that it is currently assessing the viability of introducing the new vehicle to domestic roads.
“I can say Kia South Africa is currently conducting all the feasibility studies to see whether or not it will be a viable product for the South African market,” said the spokesperson.
Unfortunately, however, there is no potential timeline for a local introduction of the double cab just yet. It is slated to be unveiled to the public later in 2024 and go on sale in Australia in early 2025.
The Tasman is already listed on Kia’s Australian website, and the subsidiary said it is actively fielding “Expressions of Interest” from private and fleet customers, Drive reports.
Kia Australia Product Portfolio
The Tasman
In a teaser video titled “Kia’s getting a ute” – ute being the slang word for bakkie in the Land Down Under – the automaker all but fully confirmed that its new high-rider will be badged the Tasman, so-called after the Tasman Sea situated between Australia and New Zealand.
If you zoom in real close on the film, a newspaper article on the new Kia reads: “Australia, known for its rugged terrain and vast landscapes, is set to welcome a new wave of 4×4 vehicles that promise to redefine adventure and exploration.”
“One standout model making its debut is The Tasman, a versatile 4×4 engineered to tackle Australia’s diverse landscapes, boasting robust off-road capabilities and a sleek yet durable design, this vehicle is set to capture the hearts of adventure enthusiasts across the country.”
The newspaper clipping goes on to say that the bakkie will have “advanced” features, “optimal” performance and comfort, and that sustainability will “take centre stage” in its manufacturing.
Thus far, the only thing we know about the new Kia bakkie is what the video showed us, but further than this, there’s not much publicly available info.
US-based Motor1.com writes that it will most likely be powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel mill, the same one fitted to the Sorento SUV and Carnival MPV that generates 148kW and 440Nm – putting it on par with the Hilux 2.8GD-6 and Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo.
It’s worth noting that the teaser published by Kia Australia said there will be “performance upgrades” on the Tasman, so it is possible that it could provide higher power figures once it reaches the market.
Both manual and automatic transmissions are expected to be on the cards, and a spy video out of South Korea shows that it will be available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations.
The pre-production Tasman is equipped with leaf-spring rear suspension indicating it will offer a respectable payload capacity, probably around one tonne if it wants to keep up with its rivals.
There is also anticipation that the bakkie will eventually be made available as a hybrid or battery-electric model as the prototype reportedly has space for a big enough battery below the floorboards.
Kia Tasman Spy Shot. Source: Drive.com.au
It’s still too early to speculate on the Tasman’s specs and features; its interior is still completely hidden under camouflage, as is its exterior.
From what we could gather thus far, it will be sold in chassis-, single-, and double-cab body styles with a design inspired by the US-market Kia Telluride SUV.
Kia Telluride
Furthermore, it seems that the bakkie will have plenty of interior amenities to ensure that it can afford the levels of comfort its manufacturer promises, such as leather seats, a camera system, and large cupholders.
Interestingly, Motor1.com says that the Tasman “will be sold in the Middle East and South Africa” – hinting that the American publication got confidential insights into the Kia that few others did.
Let’s hope the local arm of Kia can pull it off and deliver its new bakkie to local roads to mix up a segment that has been largely dominated by two nameplates for decades.
Kia Tasman Interior Spy Shot. Source: Blue Sky
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