There is a misconception that the Tasman will be the first Kia pickup, when in fact the lesser-known Bongo has been around since 1980.
Although the fourth generation was launched in 2005, this model still survives. Not only that, but this somewhat unknown pickup truck is getting a few updates in South Korea. The design may be dated, but this is a 2025 vehicle.
The Kia Bongo is available with two and four doors, and now comes with more standard equipment, including power folding mirrors and cruise control. There are new speakers, chrome door handles on some versions and a new parking brake lever.
Regardless of the version, all trucks come with a fire extinguisher, he says Index.hr.
Tailored to small businesses, the Bongo is also available as a driver training vehicle with automatic transmission.
It was previously only offered with a manual transmission. Customers can get a Kia pick-up truck with two or four-wheel drive and a load capacity of up to 1,200 kg. The bed is 286 cm long and 163 cm wide. In terms of size, the pickup truck is slightly longer than the Ford Maverick, at 516 cm.
The bongo has been refined over the years, so it is in line with modern requirements. It has a ventilated driver’s seat, start/stop and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.
Kia has also equipped the Bongo with a wide range of safety technology, from collision avoidance assistance to lane departure warning.
Power is provided by a 2.5-liter engine that uses LPG and produces 157 hp and 294 Nm, which are transmitted through an automatic transmission. With a manual transmission, the power drops to 136 HP and 255 Nm. Kia also sells the all-electric Bongo with 181 hp and 395 Nm. The EV uses a 58.8 kWh battery that provides a range of 211 km.
It is charged with a maximum power of 100 kW and it takes 47 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent.
Prices start at €13,300 for the basic model with a lower load capacity of 1,000 kg instead of 1,200 kg. Even a stronger model in the highest equipment level does not cost more than €16,700. If you want to avoid the SUS engine, the two-wheel drive Bongo EV starts at €28,600 and rises to €29,800.
Source: Index.hr / Motor1.com
Photo: Kia
Source: autoblog.rs
