Long recognised for its passenger cars and SUVs, the brand now enters the fiercely contested bakkie market with a purpose-built model designed from the ground up.

What is it?

The Tasman is Kia’s entry into the double cab bakkie segment, a cornerstone of the South African market. Unlike rivals that adapt existing platforms, Kia has engineered the Tasman specifically for the demands of local conditions.

Built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, it is designed to handle both heavy-duty work and adventurous off-road pursuits. With its combination of durability, capability and modern design, the Tasman positions itself as a serious contender among established players.

Exterior:

Visually, the Tasman makes an immediate impression. At 5 410mm long and 1 930mm wide, with a wheelbase of 3 270mm, it sits firmly in the upper tier of the double cab segment. Its commanding stance is matched by genuine off-road credentials, including ground clearance of 252mm, a wading depth of 800mm, and approach and departure angles that allow it to tackle steep inclines and uneven terrain with confidence, the manufacturer claims.

Interior:

Inside, Kia has elevated the bakkie experience with a cabin that balances durability and comfort. A fully integrated digital display setup combines a 12.3-inch driver cluster, central infotainment screen and climate control interface, bringing the Tasman in line with Kia’s latest passenger vehicles.

Generous space for front and rear occupants is complemented by advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking.

Models and specs:

The Tasman range is structured to cater to both work and lifestyle buyers. The entry-level LX 4x2 offers durability and dependability, while the LX 4x2 Colour Coded adds a more polished exterior finish.

The SX 4x4 introduces all-wheel-drive capability, with the SX 4x4 Colour Coded enhancing its versatility with refined styling.

At the top sits the X-Pro 4x4, engineered for maximum off-road performance, and the X-Pro 4x4 Colour Coded, which combines capability with premium visual appeal.

Engine:

At the heart of the Tasman is Kia’s 2.2-litre SmartStream turbodiesel engine, producing 154kW and 440Nm of torque. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The combination of a ladder-frame chassis, double wishbone front suspension and rigid rear axle with leaf springs ensures durability and load-carrying ability without compromising comfort, Kia says.

Prices:

Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD LX (R679 995), Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD SX (R789 995), and Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD X-Pro (R999 995).