A bold new contender in the bakkie segment
There’s a new name rolling into one of South Africa’s toughest arenas, and it’s not here to make up the numbers. With the arrival of the Kia Tasman, Kia South Africa has officially stepped into the local bakkie segment – a move that feels long overdue, but also surprisingly well-timed.
Rather than reworking an existing platform, Kia has gone all in with a ground-up development. The result is a purpose-built double cab designed to balance workhorse credibility with modern comfort and technology – something buyers in this segment increasingly expect.
At the heart of the Tasman sits a familiar and proven 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. It delivers 154kW at 3 800r/min and 440Nm between 1 750 and 2 750r/min – figures that place it comfortably among established rivals. More importantly, that broad torque band should translate into real-world usability, whether you’re towing, climbing a rocky trail or simply cruising the N1 with a loaded bin.
An 8-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, keeping things smooth and efficient while allowing the engine to stay in its sweet spot. Underneath, the Tasman sticks to the traditional bakkie recipe – a ladder-frame chassis, double wishbone front suspension and a rear rigid axle with leaf springs. In other words, it’s built to work, not just to look the part at your local coffee shop.
Size-wise, the Tasman isn’t shy. Measuring 5 410mm in length with a 3 270mm wheelbase, it has the road presence to match its ambitions. That translates into a spacious cabin and a load bin with over 1 300 litres of volume – enough to swallow everything from camping gear to a weekend DIY project that somehow turned into a full renovation.
Where Kia seems particularly keen to make a statement is in the off-road department. With ground clearance of up to 252mm and a wading depth of 800mm, the Tasman is clearly aiming to be more than just a lifestyle accessory. Approach, departure and breakover angles of 32.2°, 26.2° and 25.8° respectively suggest it should be more than capable when the tar runs out.
Drive modes – Eco, Sport, Normal and Tow – are joined by terrain settings for sand, mud and loose gravel, allowing the vehicle to adapt to changing conditions. There’s also an X-TREK mode for low-speed off-road crawling, along with a rear electronic differential lock to keep things moving when traction becomes scarce. Downhill Brake Control rounds off the package, taking some of the stress out of steep descents.
Of course, no bakkie launch would be complete without talking numbers. The Tasman brings a gross vehicle mass of 3 250kg and a gross combined mass of 6 200kg to the table. Payload exceeds one tonne, while the braked towing capacity of 3 500kg puts it right where it needs to be for caravan duties or hauling serious gear.
Inside, Kia has clearly leaned on its passenger vehicle expertise. A fully digital layout combines a 12.3-inch driver display with a central infotainment screen and dedicated climate controls. The cabin is designed to be both durable and comfortable, with generous space for rear passengers – always a talking point in this segment.
Safety and driver assistance haven’t been overlooked either. Expect features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking – all reinforcing the Tasman’s positioning as a modern, tech-savvy entrant.
The range itself is neatly structured, catering for both work-focused buyers and those leaning more towards lifestyle use. From the LX derivatives through to the range-topping X-Pro, there’s a clear progression in capability and refinement, with “Colour Coded” variants adding a more polished visual touch.
What makes this launch particularly interesting is the timing. The local bakkie segment is fiercely competitive and deeply brand-loyal, but it’s also evolving. Buyers are no longer choosing purely on toughness – comfort, technology and everyday usability are playing an increasingly important role. That’s exactly where the Tasman seems to be aiming its punch.
It’s early days, of course, and the real test will come when we get behind the wheel. But on paper, the Tasman looks like a serious attempt to shake things up – not just another badge trying to sneak into the party.
Model line-up and pricing
Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD LX – R679 995
Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD SX – R789 995
Kia Tasman 2.2D AT 4WD X-Pro – R999 995
