The venerable K2700 which Kia launched locally in 2001, was and still is very well received for a vehicle which hasn’t been tinkered with too much since its introduction. Now, the Kia Motors South Africa has launched an alternative, the K2500.
The K2500 can be distinguished from its older sibling though the used of minor styling changes, such as a body-coloured front bumper, and the use of a single wheel on each side of the rear axle instead of two.
The K2500 will only be available in Workhorse Dropside guise (and boasts a 1 000 kg loading capacity), whereas the older K2700 also comes in the company’s Tipper and Chassis Cab form. But what the K2500 does have, is a new 2,5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel motor that produces 96 kW at 3 800 r/min and 255 N.m of torque between 1 500 and 3 500 r/min. Those figures are sent to the rear wheels via a new six-speed manual transmission.
In the cabin, the K2500 is not too far off the specification of the K2700. But what distinguishes the newcomer is the standard fitment of remote central locking over and above the adjustable head restraints, electric windows, height adjustable-headlamps and steering column as well as a full-size spare wheel.
“This new model offers the consumer the same versatile solution as the K2700 but the new turbo-charged diesel engine offers a noticeable power lift, and is sure to expand this tough bakkie’s great value proposition, says Kia Motors South Africa marketing director, David Sieff.
Priced from R215 995, the K2500 comes standard with a three years/60 000 km service plan and a three years/unlimited km roadside assistance programme and is backed by a five years/150 000 km warranty.
