KIA K2700 (Bongo) 4x4: any reviews?
 

In Brazil (strangely) there are no 4x4 (light) trucks. No Ivecos, Unimogs, Synchros or whatsoever.All 2wheel drive here. But now there is the KIA K2700 (called Bongo here) in a 4x4 version which sounds interesting for turning it into a 4x4 camper. But I have no idea about the reliability of this car. And the engine seems very underpowered with only 2.8 D, 80hp, and a torque of 1.7. Cant find any interesting reviews on the net.
Does anyone knows a bit more about this light truck or has any experience with it?

cheers,
Marcel

Hi Marcel,
Ive not got any experience with that Kia pickup - but in Europe there cars/4x4s have OK reports of reliablity -though some build quality issues - but they are cheap !The engine does not put out much torque or Hp - but this means it is not too stressed and should be fairly reliable - though you would have to keep it a fairly lightweight camper !!!
Not sure if you can find a Toyota Dyna Pickup out there (or equivilant) - but that would be a good alternative - if not - try the Kia !!!

Checked out your Website - looks like a beautiful location and good setup !!!

Cheers
Grif

Hi Grif, thanks for responding. Glad to hear that Kia are quite good cars then. As yes they are very affordable, even here in Brazil where taxes are skyhigh.
But what do you mean with the quality problems? Rust or more mechanical problems ?
You are right about the advantage of the not very powerful engine that it will be longer lasting. But I have a Landcruiser PZJ75 now (3.5 Diesel,115HP, although heavier than the KIA, even when a camper) and struggle already with overtaking and hillslopes...But then the car is everlasting!
No there are no Toyota Dynas here.

Thanks for the compliment too. And the pics do not give a better look than reality (as often is the case) More the opposite. We prefer people to be pléasantly suprised when they arrive here...
BTW, Will soon have a campingarea too, fellow overlanders are very welcome and invited to stay here.

cheers,

Marcel

Grif,

I think you meant the opposite, didn't you?

Roman,
I mean the engineers have not extraced every once of power out of the engine - like a modern common rail turbo VVT diesel with a large intercooler - giving higher running temperatures, compression ratios and compicated engine management systems

- like the old military Defender 2.5 normally aspirated diesel - or the series 3 2.25 petrol underpowered yes, but very reliable and mechanically understressed - by design.

You could interpret that what I meant was, a more powerful engine will be less stressed under the same load.......

What I meant was that the engine is simple, reliable and will probably run very high KM's with the minimum of maintenance.

...and will be adequate for pottering around South America in a light pick up - though it might 'wheeze' a bit at altitude.

Cheers
Grif