2025 Kia Tasman
Kia has made waves in the world of bakkies with the introduction of its very first bakkie, the Kia Tasman. This bold addition to Kia’s line-up shows the brand’s ambitions to reshape the bakkie segment with a vehicle that balances rugged off-road capabilities with a modern, tech-forward design.
The Tasman not only draws from Kia’s heritage of reliable SUVs, but also offers an alternative for those who crave a vehicle that effortlessly transitions from work to play. With trim levels tailored for various needs, the Tasman promises versatility, style, and functionality for South African bakkie lovers. Here’s what you need to know about the X-Line and X-Pro trims and the Tasman’s powerhouse options.
X-Line and X-Pro
The Kia Tasman comes in two trims tailored for distinct off-road adventures and on-road practicality: the X-Line and the X-Pro. Both trims sport Kia’s bold, modern design language, but they vary in their approach to terrain.
X-Line is ideal for those looking for a bakkie that performs well on highways while holding its own on rugged paths. It comes equipped with larger 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with terrain-friendly tyres, perfect for versatile driving. It provides solid ground clearance and a refined stance, ensuring comfort for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts.
X-Pro, on the other hand, is geared for serious off-road adventurers. With a 28 mm higher ground clearance (totalling 252 mm) and 17-inch gloss-black wheels with robust all-terrain tyres, the X-Pro delivers superior off-road performance. Enhanced with additional driving modes such as Rock and Desert, it’s equipped for conquering tough landscapes, from rocky inclines to muddy trails. The X-Pro also features an electronic locking differential (e-LD) for better control on uneven terrain, and the innovative X-Trek mode, which allows for smooth, controlled navigation over challenging obstacles.
Both trims offer Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM), which provides visual feedback from the ground level, giving drivers added confidence on tight trails or when manoeuvring through rough patches.
Powerful Engines
The Kia Tasman doesn’t just impress with its rugged looks – it also delivers on performance. The Tasman’s powertrain lineup caters to different markets and driving preferences with two main engine options.
In markets like Korea, the Tasman will be powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine delivering 207 kW and 421 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allows the bakkie to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 8.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 185 km/h. It remains to be seen if this engine will make its way to South Africa, too.
For South Africa, the 2.2-litre diesel engine will be the go-to choice, producing 154 kW and an impressive 441 Nm of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission, the diesel variant achieves 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds. This powertrain will also be available in the Middle East and Australia, where buyers can choose between the eight-speed automatic and a six-speed manual transmission, giving drivers flexibility based on their preferred driving style.
The Tasman’s suspension setup, featuring a double-wishbone front and a rigid axle with leaf springs in the rear, ensures that it can handle both rough terrains and urban environments with ease. Kia’s Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology and frequency-sensitive damping further enhance ride comfort, making the Tasman as enjoyable on long-haul drives as it is on off-road excursions.
What South African Bakkie Fans Can Expect
With the Kia Tasman, South African drivers are in for a treat. Designed to cater to both adventure and business, the Tasman offers a seamless blend of lifestyle functionality and hardcore performance, filling a unique space in the local market. Kia’s innovative approach is evident, from thoughtful interior details like folding tables and dual wireless charging pads to an array of exterior accessories such as a sports roll bar, ladder rack, and sliding tonneau cover, perfect for those who need a versatile bakkie for work and play.
Moreover, the Tasman’s load bed – at 1 512 mm long and 1 572 mm wide – has a best-in-class cargo capacity of 1 173 liters. South African drivers will appreciate the Tasman’s substantial payload and towing capacities, which max out at 1 195 kg and 3 500 kg, respectively.
With a unique focus on sustainability, a range of customizability options, and Kia’s reputation for innovation, the Tasman is set to make a significant impact on South Africa’s bakkie market. Whether it’s for the daily grind, weekend adventures, or cross-country treks, Kia’s Tasman is ready to “Dive into a New Dimension” with South African bakkie enthusiasts.
