A Kia bakkie to rival the likes of the revered and well-established Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger? The South Korean automaker is preparing a double-cab which may be unveiled as early as 2024!
Kia is gearing up to make a significant impact in the Australian automotive market with its highly anticipated double-cab pickup truck. Set to arrive at dealerships in the Land Down Under around 2025, this new addition to Kia’s lineup aims to rival established titans in the industry from the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu.
We’ve been following the development of Kia’s double-cab bakkie for some time. To learn what is known about Kia’s Ranger rivalling double-cab, click here.
Australian dealerships have reportedly been earmarked as the first recipients of Kia’s double-cab pickup truck. Consequently, a global unveiling is likely to occur sometime in the middle of 2024, setting the stage for its anticipated arrival in Australian showrooms by 2025.
Related: Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT-Line Plus Review
Recent spy shots revealed a camo-clad test mule of Kia’s pickup, codenamed “TK.” Though broadly concealed, some design elements are discernible. Notably, and accompanied by a mesh grille, the headlight design bears a resemblance to the Kia Mohave. We’ve also noticed a wheel arch missing an accompanying component, likely a subtle fender flare anticipated to be present in the production model.
Asked for comment, General Manager for Marketing, Christo Valentyn, had this to say: “”Kia South Africa is continuously evaluating the feasibility of new and future models that are or may be available to the South African market. We are not in a position to comment on the potential production and/or introduction of a bakkie at this point in time.”
Official information pertaining to Kia’s double-cab pickup truck is scarce at this stage. Rumours do suggest, however, that the vehicle will be built on the same ladder frame skeleton as the Japan-only Kia Mohave model. Sources further indicate that the “TK” will likely be powered by a 3,0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine, similar to the one in the Mohave. This engine configuration would provide the double-cab pickup truck with power outputs comparable with the Ford Ranger V6 Wildtrak and Toyota’s 2.8GD Legend RS Hilux.
Related: Kia debuts EV9 GT-Line and teases full-fat GT model
It is expected that the Kia double-cab pickup truck will offer a braked towing capacity of 3 500 kg, with a payload rating of approximately 1 000 kg, making it a direct competitor to the aforementioned models. Intriguingly, alongside the diesel variant, Kia is reportedly working on an all-electric double-cab pickup truck that will be sold separately from the “TK” model.
Not prepared to wait until 2025 for a Kia bakkie? Browse here with CARmag!
