Kia‘s foray into the fiercely competitive double-cab bakkie segment has been confirmed with the unveiling of a new model, dubbed the Kia Tasman which is now set for release in Africa and Mzansi. Here’s the latest scoop on what’s in store.
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With the recent announcement cementing its name as the “Tasman,” this upcoming addition promises to be a more robust contender in the bakkie market, boasting a sturdy ladder frame construction rather than opting for the conventional unibody design. While positioned as a global offering, initial availability has been confirmed in select regions including South Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. The moniker has also been trademarked for the local market so all signs point towards a likely entry for the South Korean model.
Despite its official teaser being preceded by tantalizing suggestions of what it should be called in an Australian advertisement, it’s the recent sightings of a camouflaged prototype undergoing rigorous testing, notably alongside a Ford Ranger Raptor, that underscore Kia’s bold intentions to vie with established players in this lucrative arena.
In case you missed it: Kia Tasman Bakkie Officially Confirmed for Australia
While specifics on its technical prowess remain veiled in secrecy, reports from Down Under suggest that the Tasman will initially be offered with a turbodiesel engine under its skin. The purported powerplant is said to be a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder powerhouse, delivering 148 kW of power and 440 N.m of torque, borrowed from its stablemate, the Kia Sorento. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, whispers suggest both two- and four-wheel-drive variants are in the pipeline. Kia is also rumoured to offer the Tasman in single- and dual-cab configurations, as well as a versatile chassis cab variant, catering to diverse consumer needs.
Kia South Africa is yet to provide an official statement for the bakkie’s pending arrival, pricing, and specification. It is worth noting that within Kia’s lineup, the more utilitarian K-Series chassis cab, dropside and tippers are on offer however as mentioned above, the Tasman is expected to be the solution for buyers wanting a luxurious yet versatile bakkie offering.
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