Kia Pregio 12-seater

0 to 100 km/h: 21,7 sec Top speed: 137 km/h Power: 62 kw Torque: 175 N.m CO : 319 g/km CAR fuel index: 16,40 L/100 km

2 IT’S a pity there are not more of these vehicles available, because they offer loads of space and versatility. Added to that is a reasonably economical, naturally aspirated diesel engine. The fact that it is basically a Kia K2700/ Hyundai H100 bakkie is an added positive, since there are tens of thousands of these on our roads, so spares and maintenance are worry-free aspects. The only drawback is that the engine delivers only 62 kw and 175 N.m, and this means acceleration is slow and overtaking has to be carefully planned.

The seating layout is clever; the second row can swivel through 180 degrees to face the third row. There’s one more row behind that one, as well as a centre storage area between the front seats that can be folded up and used as an extra seat (totalling 12).

The engine is accessed by raising the front-passenger seat and the battery is fitted under the driver’s seat.

It also has a industrialsized air cleaner, which is just the thing for dusty South African roads.

The gearlever is mounted high and is much more user-friendly than the long Microbus lever.

Pregios are now becoming scarce due to low-ish numbers sold when new; back then, the competition was too great and Korean vehicles were only just becoming popular thanks to good pricing and quality.