A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Tasman starts ZAR 699900 cheaperCannon Alpha from ZAR 699,900 · Tasman from ZAR 679,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Engine Power
150
147 kW
Torque
600
440 Nm
Engine Size
2378
2151
Claimed Mileage
10.2
11.8
Ground Clearance
220
231
Boot Space
-
1115
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
2125
2085
Seating Capacity
5
5
Warranty
5
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Tasman
73
/ 100
+9
pts
#2
Cannon Alpha
64
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Tasman has a slight advantage, but Cannon Alpha remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Cannon Alpha
+3 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Tasman
+12 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Tasman
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
20/20
Ownership
20/20
Cannon Alpha
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Cannon Alpha
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
🏆 Overall Winner
Tasman
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Cannon Alpha
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Tasman
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Body Type
Pickup
Double Cab Bakkie
Daytime Running Lamps
Yes
Yes
DRL
Yes
Yes
LED Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Led Taillights
Yes
Yes
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Yes
No
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Roof Rails
Yes
No
Fog Lamps
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Diamond Cut Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Rear Wiper
No
No
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
No
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Colour
Roof Type
Metal Roof
Standard
Rear Spoiler
No
No
Wing Mirror Type
Electric Adjustable
Electric
Exterior Colour Options
5
Multiple
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Number of Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Seating Capacity
5
5
Length
5410
5335
Width
1935
1930
Height
1865
1895
Wheelbase
3220
3200
Ground Clearance
220
231
Kerb Weight
2125
2085
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
80
Load Bed Length
1520
1520
Load Bed Width
1560
1165
Doors
4
4
Front Overhang
980
940
Rear Overhang
1160
1195
Front Track Width
1560
1619
Rear Track Width
1560
1625
Front Headroom
1020
1010
Rear Headroom
975
955
Front Legroom
1070
1040
Rear Legroom
880
855
Front Shoulder Room
1440
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
1420
1350
Gross Vehicle Weight
3000
3250
Boot Volume
0
1115
Boot Space Seats Folded
0
1115
Turning Radius
13.6
12.6
Max Payload
900
1100
Boot Space
-
1115
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Payload Capacity
900
1100
Valves Per Cylinder
4
4
Intercooler
Yes
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
10.2
8.5
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Yes
Full-Size Spare
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Service Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Multi Function Steering
Yes
Yes
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Climate Control
Yes
Yes
AC Type
Dual Zone Climate Control
Automatic Climate Control
Rear Defogger
Yes
Yes
Power Windows
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Yes
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Skid Plates
Yes
Yes
Side Steps
Yes
No
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Heads Up Display
Yes
No
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Electric Tailgate
Yes
No
Fuel Lid Opener
Yes
Remote
Boot Opener
Yes
Remote
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Sunroof
Yes
No
Adaptive Dampers
Yes
No
Ride Mode Selection
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
No
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Ground Clearance Unladen
215
231
Drag Coefficient
0.42
0.40
Rear Seat Split
No
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Yes
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
No
Headlamp Height Adjust
Yes
Yes
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Tail Lamps
LED
LED
Tyre Repair Kit
No
No
Steering Mounted Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Response
Progressive
Normal
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Yes
Yes
Driver Display
Multi-Information Display
Digital Cluster
Seat Type
Bucket Seat
Leather Seats
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Glovebox Cooling
No
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Speed Limiter
Yes
Yes
Launch Control
No
No
Voice Command
Yes
Yes
Voice Command Support
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Chrome Grille
Yes
No
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Yes
No
Roof Antenna
Mast Antenna
Yes
Rear Wing
No
No
Aero Kit
No
No
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Performance Data Logger
No
No
Panoramic Roof
Yes
No
Climate Zones
2
2
Engine Start Button Illumination
Yes
Yes
Remote Engine Start
No
No
Rev Matching
No
No
Engine Start Stop Button
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Engine
2.4L GW4D24 Turbocharged Diesel
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Engine Type Config
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
Engine Code
GW4D24
D4HB
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
16
16
Displacement
2378
2151
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Turbocharger
Yes
Yes
Compression Ratio
16.0:1
15.4:1
Cylinder Bore
88
85.4
Piston Stroke
98
94.0
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
B7 Diesel
Torque
600
440 Nm
Torque @ RPM
1,500-2,800 rpm
1,750 rpm
Power
150
147 kW
Power
201
197
Power @ RPM
3,600 rpm
3,800 rpm
0–100 km/h
11.5
9.8
Top Speed
185
185
0-100 km/h
150
9.8
Engine Position
Front Longitudinal
Front Transverse
Engine Displacement
2378
2151
Maximum Engine RPM
4,000
4,000 rpm
Engine Oil Capacity
8.0
7.0
Variable Valve Timing
No
No
EV Range
-
N/A
Battery Capacity
-
N/A
Charging Port
-
N/A
AC Charging Time
-
N/A
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
B7 Diesel
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Start Stop System
No
Yes
Particulate Filter
Yes
DPF
CO2 Emissions
272
224
Idle CO2 Output
272
235
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
No
Green NCAP Rating
3/5
5
Noise Level
Moderate
72
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
80
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Yes
No
Claimed Mileage
10.2
11.8
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
City Mileage
11.5
9.5
Highway Mileage
9.5
14.1
Average Fuel Consumption
10.5
8.5
Real-world Mileage
10.5
10.2
Claimed Fuel Consumption
9.8
8.5
Fuel Efficiency
Moderate
8.5 L/100km
Auto Start Stop
No
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
N/A
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone with Coil Spring
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Leaf Spring
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Leaf Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
No
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Chassis Type
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Body-on-Frame
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Ventilated Disc
Drum
Front Tyre Width
275
265
Rear Tyre Width
275
265
Tyre Size
275/55R20
265/60 R18
Wheel Diameter
20
18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Spare Wheel Type
Alloy
Full-Size Spare
Spare Tyre
Yes
Full-Size Spare
Wheel Rim Size
20
265/60 R18
Tyre Type
All-Terrain Radial
Radial
Tyre Load Index
112
116
Tyre Speed Rating
S
T
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Electronic
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
320
320
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
300
295
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
BA
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
AEB
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Airbags
6
6
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
5
5
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Yes
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
No
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Whiplash Protection
Yes
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Yes
Approach Angle
32
30
Departure Angle
28
26
Ramp-over Angle
26
19
Wading Depth
850
800
4WD System Type
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Part-Time with Low Range
Terrain Modes
Yes
Yes
Locking Differential
Yes
Yes
Recovery Hooks
Yes
Yes
Underbody Protection
Yes
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
24
20
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Drive Type
4WD
4WD
Drivetrain
4x4 AWD
4WD
Differential Lock
Yes
Yes
Transfer Case
Yes
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Four Wheel Drive
4WD
Transmission
Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic Transmission
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
8-Speed Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Paddle Shifters
Yes
No
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
16.5:1
15.2:1
LSD Available
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
3.54
3.94
Clutch Type
-
Torque Converter
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
Warranty Years
5
7
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Service Plan Distance
75000
45000
Service Plan Duration
5
3
Maintenance Plan
5 Years / 75,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
First Service At
5000
15000
Service Interval
10000
15000
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km
15000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Alternator
120A
Yes
Approx Service Cost
Included in Service Plan
R4,800 per service
Battery Type
-
N/A
Battery Warranty
-
N/A
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
3
2
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
Premium Audio
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
12
8
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Screen
Yes
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
14.6-inch Touchscreen
12.3
Infotainment Screen Size
14
12.3
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
No
No
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
No
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Rear AC Vents
Yes
No
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Driver Seat Adjustment
10-Way Electric
8-Way Power
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Yes
No
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Yes
No
60 40 Split Seat
No
No
Steering Wheel Material
Leather Wrapped
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Full Digital Cluster
Digital
Seat Adjustment
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
4-Way Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Manual
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
No
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
1
Black
Folding Rear Seats
No
No
Cooled Seats
Yes
No
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Fabric Seats
-
No
Leather Seats
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Drive Modes
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Sport Mode
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
No
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
No
EV Mode
No
No
Cruise Control
-
Yes
Reverse Camera
-
Yes
Spec
Cannon Alpha
Tasman
Real-world City Mileage Min
10.5
8.1
Real-world City Mileage Max
13.0
10.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5
12.7
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
11.0
14.8
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Tasman
wins with 73 pts
vs 64 pts for Cannon Alpha
In structured scoring, Tasman emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Cannon Alpha may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Tasman edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Cannon Alpha 0 vs Tasman 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Cannon Alpha 18, Tasman 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Cannon Alpha 20, Tasman 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Cannon Alpha 8, Tasman 20. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Cannon Alpha 18, Tasman 15. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Tasman edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tasman scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Cannon Alpha and Tasman in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Cannon Alpha scores 18 vs 15.
Efficiency: Cannon Alpha scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Cannon Alpha scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Cannon Alpha scores 8 vs 20.
Ownership: Cannon Alpha scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tasman
the advantage in this comparison.
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