The long awaited Kia Tasman bakkie has officially been priced for the South African market, ending months of speculation following its local reveal late last year.
The Tasman, Kia’s first entry into the competitive bakkie segment, was unveiled in South Africa at the end of 2024, less than two months after its global debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia. Its market launch had initially been planned for 2025 but was delayed amid slower than expected sales in Australia, one of its key markets where the vehicle was developed.
Named after the ocean between Australia and New Zealand, the Tasman arrives locally in three trim levels with a choice of rear wheel drive or four wheel drive configurations. 
The double cab only range measures 5 410mm in length with a 3 270mm wheelbase, 1 930mm in width and 1 920mm in height. Ground clearance stands at 252mm. Payload capacity ranges between 1 173kg and 1 212kg, while towing capacity is rated at 3 500kg. The bakkie also boasts a wading depth of 800mm, an approach angle of 32.2 degrees, breakover angle of 25.8 degrees and departure angle of 26.2 degrees.
Under the bonnet, the Tasman is powered exclusively by a 2.2 CRDI turbodiesel engine shared with the Sorento and Carnival. For this model, output has been increased to 154kW while torque remains at 440Nm. The 2.5 T GDI petrol engine offered in other markets is not available locally, and there is no manual transmission option as all models are paired with an eight speed automatic gearbox.
Kia claims a top speed of 185km per hour across the range, with acceleration from 0 to 100km per hour achieved in 10.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5 litres per 100km for rear wheel drive models and 7.8 litres per 100km for four wheel drive variants.
The range opens with the LX, offered only in rear wheel drive form. The mid specification SX and flagship X Pro are equipped with a part time four wheel drive system as standard.
Unlike versions sold elsewhere, the South African Tasman does away with the steering column mounted gear selector in favour of a conventional gear lever. As a result, the fold out centre console cover seen in some international models is not included.
Buyers can choose to retain black wheel arches as standard or opt for body coloured arches at an additional cost of R5 004. The body colour option is available in Tan Beige and Clear White.
The standard colour palette with black arches includes Clear White, Steel Grey, Tan Beige, Interstellar Grey, Cityscape Green, Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl. Denim Blue and Runway Red are available on special order.
Pricing has been confirmed as follows. The Tasman 2.2 CRDI LX AT is priced at R679 995. The Tasman 2.2 CRDI SX 4×4 AT comes in at R879 995, while the range topping Tasman 2.2 CRDI X Pro 4×4 AT is priced at R999 995.
All models are sold with a five year unlimited kilometre warranty and a six year or 90 000km service plan.
