Kia’s Tasman bakkie arrives in South Africa
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
- Product News
- 9 April 2026
The 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb was characterised by difficult emotions mixed with brave competition at the highest level during the King of the Hill challenge.
Sunday’s shortened programme was dedicated to Pieter Joubert who sadly passed away following an accident during the day’s opening run.
While Pieter’s brothers and fellow competitors, Charl and 2024 winner Dawie, withdrew from the event, they insisted that it should continue in his honour.
Ultimately, two new King of the Hill winners were crowned, while a former winner blasted his way back to the top with an exceptional performance that set an impressive new record.
In the Modified Saloon Car category, 2021 winner Pieter Zeelie (photo) not only defeated the mighty four-wheel drive Nissan R35 GT-Rs of Reghard Roets (BB Motorsport) and Franco Scribante in his immaculately prepared rear-wheel drive Toyota MR2 Super GT, but he slashed an astonishing 1.039 seconds off Franco Scribante’s previous record of 38.129 seconds from 2022 during the all-or-nothing Top 10 Shootout with a truly impressive winning time of 37.090 seconds.
While Reghard finished second overall with a time of 38.370 seconds in the BB Motorsport GT-R, this year’s event was truly electrified by Volkswagen bringing seven-time World Rallycross champion Johan Kristoffersson to take on the Simola Hill. The Swedish ace blitzed the electric vehicle record with his fastest time of 39.001 seconds during the thrilling final run in the Volkswagen Polo RX1e that he drove to the WRX championship victories in 2022 and 2023.
Byron Mitchell claimed top spot on the podium in Single Seater and Sports Car King of the Hill, along with class C2 title in Reynard Formula VW, achieving best time of 41.696 seconds.
Clint Weston secured first King of the Hill title in Road Car and Supercar category in hybrid-powered Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE E Performance on 43.174 seconds and Anton Cronje received the Spirit of Dave Charlton Award.
Kia has taken a bold step into one of South Africa’s most competitive automotive segments with the launch of the Tasman, its first-ever double cab bakkie.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
OMODA has expanded its South African lineup with the arrival of the C5 SHS hybrid, a new addition to the C5 range.
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) has reached another major milestone with the production of the 500 000th unit of the current Polo for the export market.
Nissan South Africa has agreed to sell its Rosslyn production facility after 60 years of operation. The plant, which produced models such as the 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, NP200 and Navara, was acquired by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80,000 vehicles locally since 2021 and is now strengthening its African presence.
Following an intense national selection process that pushed participants to the limit, South Africa’s representatives for the 2026 Defender Trophy global final have been decided.