Imotonews.co.za
  • Home
  • Category
    • Cars
    • Ecology
    • Excursions
    • News
    • Tips
  • Second-Hand Cars
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Imotonews.co.za
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Is Hyundai Finally Bringing a Right-Hand Drive Bakkie to South Africa? Here’s What We Know

Thabo Mbeki by Thabo Mbeki
1 June 2025
in News
0 0
0
Is Hyundai Finally Bringing a Right-Hand Drive Bakkie to South Africa? Here’s What We Know
0
SHARES
15
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

South Africa’s love affair with bakkies runs deep—and now it looks like Hyundai may finally be stepping up to the plate with a serious contender. After years of speculation, the South Korean automaker is expected to finalise its decision on launching a right-hand drive (RHD) bakkie by the end of 2025.

This potential move could disrupt a market currently dominated by household names like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max—and local drivers are eager to see how Hyundai plans to stand out in a highly competitive segment.

Why the Timing Matters

For a long time, Hyundai has offered pick-up-like models in limited markets, such as the Santa Cruz in North America. However, it has never released a true, body-on-frame bakkie suited for tough working conditions, off-road driving, and towing—qualities essential to South African drivers.

But that may soon change.

Don Romano, the newly appointed head of Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Advisor for the Asia-Pacific region, has confirmed that Hyundai will make a final decision on its RHD bakkie strategy this year. His statements suggest that several options are on the table, from diesel workhorses to electric utility vehicles.

“We’re close to a solution that will work across key markets, including Australia and South Africa,” Romano hinted in a recent interview.

What Could the New Hyundai Bakkie Look Like?

While Hyundai hasn’t revealed the full specs of its potential bakkie, insiders suggest a few likely possibilities:

1. Built Tough: Ladder-Frame Construction

Hyundai is considering a rugged, body-on-frame platform—possibly shared with the upcoming Kia Tasman, a double-cab utility vehicle in development by Hyundai’s sister brand. This structure is ideal for off-road adventures, heavy-duty tasks, and commercial use.

2. Powertrain Variety

Hyundai appears to be exploring multiple powertrain options, including:

  • Traditional diesel engines for short-term market appeal.
  • Hybrid or plug-in hybrid alternatives to address fuel economy and emissions.
  • An electric version for future sustainability goals, although it may not be the first release.

“There might be a compromise,” Romano said. “Diesel may be the short-term option, but electrification is on the horizon.”

Will South Africa Be Part of the Launch?

Yes—but cautiously optimistic.

According to Hyundai Automotive South Africa, talks are ongoing with their Korean headquarters. Local executives confirmed in late 2024 that discussions are in progress, though no official launch date has been confirmed for South Africa yet.

That said, the interest is clearly there. Hyundai knows that a capable double-cab bakkie is essential to remain competitive in South Africa, where buyers value durability, towing ability, and versatility.

What Should South African Bakkie Buyers Expect?

If Hyundai moves forward, local buyers could look forward to:

  • High towing capacity and off-road features to rival Toyota and Ford.
  • Advanced driver-assist systems, infotainment tech, and comfort features borrowed from Hyundai’s SUV range.
  • Competitive pricing, especially if the brand wants to lure customers away from long-time favourites like the Hilux.

And if the vehicle is based on the Tasman platform, expect a no-nonsense bakkie that can take on tough terrain, rural roads, and weekend trails with ease.

Can’t Wait for the Launch? Here’s What You Can Do Now

While Hyundai finalises its plans, South Africa’s used bakkie market remains full of great options. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly single cab or a feature-rich double cab, you can explore top models on https://auto24.co.za/. The platform offers listings for:

  • Used Ford Rangers
  • Isuzu KB-Series
  • Nissan Navara
  • And many others across all budgets

So if you need a reliable bakkie today, check out Auto24’s listings and filter by mileage, price, or model to find what suits your needs.

Keep Up With Industry News

Want to stay updated on Hyundai’s plans and other bakkie news in South Africa? Visit iMotoNews — your trusted source for local car reviews, travel tips, driving advice, and updates from the South African automotive scene.

Final Thoughts: Hyundai’s Big Opportunity

Hyundai is on the verge of entering a segment that could dramatically expand its local footprint. With rising demand for feature-rich, fuel-efficient bakkies and more choices needed in the market, this RHD launch could come at exactly the right time.

If done right, Hyundai’s new bakkie could offer the perfect balance between tech, toughness, and price—something South African drivers will welcome with open arms.

This article is brought to you by Auto24, which offers the best vehicles and car prices in South Africa.

Tags: Hyundai Bakkie South Africa 2025Kia Tasman PlatformNew Bakkie Launches 2025Right-Hand Drive PickupsSecond-Hand Bakkies for SaleSouth African car market
ShareTweetPin
Previous Post

Electric Vehicles in South Africa: Is 2025 the Turning Point?

Next Post

How Much Does It Really Cost to Import a Car into South Africa?

Popular

  • Top 10 SUVs South Africans Love in 2025

    Top 10 SUVs South Africans Love in 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  •  Top 10 SUVs South Africans Love in 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • South Africa’s Vehicle Import Tariffs Explained

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 10 Best-Selling Chinese Cars in South Africa 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Electric Vehicles in South Africa: Is 2025 the Turning Point?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Tags

2023 2025 Advanced Technology Auto24 SA Auto24 South Africa Auto 24 South Africa automotive industry Automotive News budget Budget-Friendly Chinese cars South Africa Chinese SUVs South Africa Comfort design driving experience Electric Vehicles EV Features fuel economy fuel efficiency Fuel Efficient Cars Haval Jolion Hybrid Hybrid Cars Innovation maintenance New Chinese Car Brands South Africa Performance reliability safety features South Africa South Africa car market South African Automotive Market South African economy South African Market sustainability SUV SUV buying guide South Africa technology Toyota used car buying in South Africa Used car deals South Africa Used Car Demand used car market versatility

Archives

About

Imotonews.co.za

Imotonews.co.za is a digital news media platform with informative, entertaining and easy to consume content dedicated to people who are interested in everything related to the automobile as well as places to visit by car in South Africa.

Category

  • Cars
  • Ecology
  • Excursions
  • News
  • Tips

Info

  • Terms of Use
  • Contact

PARTNERS

  • Auto24.africa
  • Auto24.co.za
  • Imotoimoto.co.za
  • Automag.sn
  • Automag.rw
  • Autoactu.ma
  • Automag.ci
  • Automag.tg
  • Automag.tz
  • Automag.ug
  • Automag.co.ke
  • Automag.bj

© 2022 ImotoNews.co.za - All Rights Reserved | Automotive news, stories and reviews in South Africa & Africa

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Category
    • Cars
    • Ecology
    • Excursions
    • News
    • Tips
  • Second-Hand Cars
  • Contact

© 2022 ImotoNews.co.za - All Rights Reserved | Automotive news, stories and reviews in South Africa & Africa

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Your browser does not support the video tag.
    instagram default popup image round

    My name here

    Follow Me

    It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when lookin

    502k 100k 3 month ago
    Share