Kia officially teases Tasman bakkie breed

KIA has dropped the first official images of its new bakkie, albeit wearing a colourful camouflage, ahead of its official reveal expected later this year.

It seems a given that the new Kia Tasman will reach South African shores, as it has been earmarked for introduction on the African continent together with Australia, Korea and the Middle East.

Engines and all those other important details remain under wraps, as do the finer design elements.

However, the Tasman is widely expected to adopt the 2.2 litre turbo-diesel found in the Sorento SUV, paired with an eightspeed autobox, and likely enjoying a small increase in power to get local bakkie fanatics' attention.

The 2.2 in the current Sorento offers 148kW, while the 2.8 litre Hilux is good for 150kW.

There are also rumours that the 3.0 litre turbodiesel engine, currently fitted to the Mohave SUV, could be offered in the

Tasman at a later stage, and there have also been whispers of a 2.5 litre petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain.

An electric version is also expected to launch in certain markets from 2026.

As the name might imply, Australia played a key role in the vehicle’s inspiration and development.

“The team at Kia Australia has been working closely with the research and development team at headquarters to develop Tasman - a vehicle we believe will meet the needs of our unique market - so it’s very rewarding that it has been granted an Australian-inspired name befitting its personality,” said Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith.

“We have strong ambitions for Tasman in our market, and the fact that its name has such distinct links to our region is evidence of Kia Australia’s instrumental role in its development and future success.”