Kia Mohave’s ladder-frame chassis to underpin firm’s new bakkie?

By: CAR magazine

A fresh report out of Australia suggests a version of the latest Kia Mohave’s ladder-frame chassis could underpin the South Korean firm’s upcoming bakkie.

According to CarsGuide, the latest Mohave SUV, which was revealed earlier in August 2019, could lend its platform to Kia’s upcoming range of bakkies.

The report suggests the new bakkie will start testing Down Under in 2021, with both Hyundai and Kia planning full ranges to tackle the likes of the big-selling Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Kia Australia’s chief operating officer, Damien Meredith, recently told CarsGuide there were “many plans” for the brand’s “future ladder-frame” platform.

“[A body-on-frame SUV] has been on our wish-list, but it’s something that hasn’t been discussed with HMC [Hyundai Motor Company]. But it’s certainly on our wish list,” Meredith said.

“There are many plans for the future ladder-frame platform, and it’s under study at the moment on what essentially could be the platform for the group for the future pick-up if it is developed,” he added.

In July, Meredith told motoring.com.au “work has begun” on the new bakkie, before confirming the automaker was planning a full range.

“We’re talking about a pick-up, dual-cab, single-cab. What we’ve requested is the full gambit of a [pick-up], diesel and petrol,” he said.

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