REDEFINING THE SEGMENT?
Kia Tasman
When you are new (and a very late latecomer) to a highly contested segment, the only way to get noticed is to make a statement. That clearly was the thinking at Kia when the corporation finalised the design concepts for a one-ton pickup truck that was recently introduced globally as the new Tasman.
The design inspiration for the Tasman (named after the Tasman Sea between Australia and Tasmania) most likely stems from Kia’s military truck lineup. Its simple, angular lines and non-traditional positioning of styling elements mimic the utilitarian yet purposeful and practical nature of military vehicle design.
Whether you like it or not, the Tasman (like the Tesla Cybertruck) looks different from anything else in the segment. It also pushes the boundaries of the new angular, retro-style pick-up trend, seen on the latest Mitsubishi Triton, to the extreme.
Deliberately shunning the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades, the design team stripped away the unnecessary to highlight basic, honest forms and simple yet functional elements. In Kia’s book, this style direction projects power, confidence and capability in equal measure.
However, even in the flesh (in a suitable Tan Beige colour), the bold exterior aesthetics do take some getting used to. That much is clear. But the purity and simplicity of the interior design go a long way (in my view, at least) to make up for the controversial exterior.
The interior design leverages concise, symmetrical proportions (it reminded me of the interior of the Rivian EV) for a balanced appearance and the dashboard’s horizontal layout gives it a modern and minimalist look. This is highlighted by the 12.3” and 5” plus 12.3” panoramic widescreens, providing access to vehicle controls and advanced infotainment options.
The cabin also features large air vents with a honeycomb pattern, a multi-function steering wheel, a modern, minimalist lower centre dashboard and tunnel sections with well-positioned buttons. Luxurious, sophisticated shapes and details are applied throughout the interior, and an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system is optional.
The spacious interior has a broad range of innovative features and equipment, including a sizeable folding console table, dual wireless charging pads and storage bins beneath the rear seats with a storage capacity of 33 litres. The seats are crafted with recycled fabric and bio-synthetic leather, as well as the interior carpets.
TRIMS AND ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
The Tasman is offered in double cab and single cab guise, as a base model, and in X-Line and X-Pro trim. With 28mm higher ground clearance (for a total of 252 mm) and 17” gloss black wheels and AT tyres, the X-Pro provides better off-road performance. The X-Line features larger 18” alloy wheels paired with HT tyres.
Based on a fully optimised body-on-frame platform (most likely developed from the Kia military vehicle line-up), the Tasman offers customisable chassis cab variants and four accessory configurations: Single Decker, Double Decker, Sports Bar, and Ladder Rack. The first three are now available.
In Korea, the Tasman will have a 2.5-litre petrol engine delivering 207 kW and 421 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, in other regions, including Australia, the Middle East, and Africa, it is also offered with the tried and trusted 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine found in many other Hyundai and Kia models.
In Australian spec, the engine (mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission) delivers 154 kW and 441 Nm of torque, propelling the Tasman from zero to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 185 km/h. A diesel model with a six-speed manual transmission will also be made available.
Both the X-Line and the X-Pro are equipped with all-wheel-drive as standard (optionally available on the base model), and the system offers three driving modes – Eco, Smart, and Sport – with various terrain modes available within these settings depending on the market.
In the Middle East and Africa markets, the X-Pro AWD model provides additional Desert, Mud, Snow, and Rock modes. In Australia and all other general markets, these variants are equipped with Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock modes. Further X-Pro enhancements include an Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD), X-Trek mode and Kia’s Ground View Monitor (GVM).
All Tasman variants have a wading depth of 800 mm (at a speed of up to seven km/h) and a load bed of 1,512 mm long, 1,572 mm wide (1,186 mm between the wheels), and 540 mm deep, providing best-in-class cargo capability of 1,173 litres (VDA). The new pick-up can carry a maximum payload of 1,195 kg in 2WD mode, in addition to a 3,500 kg towing capacity.
Corner steps are standard-fit items, while a 220V power outlet and a sliding cargo floor are optional features. The higher-spec models include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with trailer profile functioning.
The Tasman will launch in the Korean domestic market in the first half of next year and be introduced in Australia, the Middle East, and South Africa in the second half of 2025.
AWAKENING THE BIG DOG
Haval H7
It is known as the Big Dog in China or the Dargo in some export countries, but this Haval-branded GWM product, first launched in 2020, was never made available in South Africa in its original Haval H5-based guise.
Now badged Haval H7, the second-generation Big Dog (the Dargo nameplate was considered for the local market but then dropped) is set for local introduction this month to fill the gap between the Haval H6 (priced from just under R500k to R680k) and the Tank 300 (starting from R726,000 and going up to R925,000).
As such, it will serve as the flagship model in the Haval range until the arrival of the latest Haval H9, which is expected later this year. Although it has a unibody configuration and is based on the same L.E.M.O.N. platform as the Jolion and H6, the H7 has more boxy and rugged Tank-like styling and some off-road features.
The newcomer measures 4,705 mm in length – 52 mm longer than the H6 (a refreshed version is expected later this year) – and has a wheelbase of 2,810 mm. Because it shares componentry with the H6, it is likely that the H7 will offer a similar engine line-up, including the familiar GWM turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 150 kW and 320 Nm in its current guise.
Interestingly, the engine used in the Chinese market Big Dog, generates a healthy 175 kW and 385 Nm of torque and is coupled with a nine-speed auto transmission (versus a seven-speed in the export version). Aso expected is a hybrid version inheriting the H6 HEV’s powertrain, consisting of a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol turbo engine and a battery system delivering a combined output of 179 kW and 530 Nm.
A plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) may also be on the cards, as two such configurations (both with the 1.5-litre turbo mill as base) are available in China, a single electric motor version delivering 240 kW and 530 Nm or a dual electric motor unit generating 278 kW and 750 Nm. However, this is a long shot, with no other GWM plug-in models available in the country.
MORE POWER FOR THE LION
Peugeot Landtrek
Since its world launch in 2020, the Peugeot Landtrek bakkie has been introduced in around 40 countries, predominantly in Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Now, the one-tonne pick-up has been rejuvenated with a new, more powerful 2.2-litre Multijet Diesel engine, plus some design and tech updates.
Available in three basic configurations (cabin, single cabin, or double cabin chassis) and versions for professional and multi-purpose use (professional and leisure), the refreshed Landtrek is slated for local introduction later this year. The bakkie will also be assembled at a Coega Industrial Development Zone facility near Gqeberha, with production scheduled to commence in 2026.
The new Fiat-sourced 2,184 cc, four-cylinder Multijet turbodiesel engine in the Landtrek delivers 147 kW and 450 Nm of torque and has a proven track record in other Stellantis models. It is combined with the new EAT8 eight-speed automatic gearbox, but a six-speed manual transmission is also available with the new mill.
Four driving modes are available: Normal, Sport, Snow, and Sand, and with the new, more powerful engine, the payload of the revised Landtrek is now rated for 1,400 kg and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg. The maximum towing capacity for the other engine options remains 3,000 kg.
The existing engine line-up for the Peugeot bakkie remains, consisting of a 1.9-liter turbodiesel (110 kW, 350 Nm) and a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine (155 kW, 320 Nm), both available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission, and a rear-wheel-drive or part-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and an electronic locking rear differential.
The subtle exterior enhancements feature a remodelled vertical grille with the new Peugeot emblem in the centre and LED daytime running lights in the shape of the iconic Lion claws. The reinforced lower front section now has new glossy black fog lamp bezels. The rear bumper has been restyled, and the Peugeot lettering on the rear cargo door has been modernised. The star-shaped wheel centres also highlight the new Peugeot emblem.
