Kia has unveiled the first official images of its upcoming Tasman bakkie albeit cloaked in a vibrant camouflage wrap.
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Collaborating with acclaimed artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop, Kia has crafted a unique theme titled ‘The Path Never Taken,’ symbolizing the Tasman’s adventurous spirit. Despite the camouflage’s playful distraction, the Tasman’s silhouette hints at its intriguing design elements. Notably, its headlights draw inspiration from the sleek aesthetics of the EV5 and EV9 SUVs, featuring clean, rectangular lines that align with Kia’s contemporary design language.
Related: Highly Anticipated Kia Tasman Bakkie Likely for South Africa
Scheduled for a global launch in 2025, the Tasman aims to captivate markets spanning Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Its bold, angular wheel arches contribute to its distinctive boxy profile, signalling Kia’s innovative approach to truck design. While specific technical details remain undisclosed, reports suggest that the Tasman will debut with a potent turbodiesel engine. Rumours point to a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder powerhouse generating 148 kW of power and 440 N.m of torque, borrowed from the esteemed Kia Sorento. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tasman is speculated to offer both two- and four-wheel-drive variants to cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Moreover, Kia is rumoured to introduce the Tasman in various configurations, including single- and dual-cab setups, along with a versatile chassis cab variant. This comprehensive lineup aims to address a wide range of consumer needs, positioning the Tasman as a versatile and capable choice in the competitive bakkie market. With its bold design and promising technical specifications, the Kia Tasman is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. Likely to hit South African shores, would the Tasman make a worthy rival against the stalwarts like the Hilux, Ranger and D-Max?!
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