The Kia Tasman approaches camera technology with a refreshingly practical mindset, focusing less on marketing buzzwords and more on usability where it actually matters, behind the wheel.
At the core of Kia’s camera system is a 360° Surround View Monitor, which stitches together feeds from multiple cameras positioned around the vehicle to create a seamless bird’s-eye perspective. The result is a clear, top-down view of the Tasman and its immediate surroundings, displayed on the central infotainment screen. It is the sort of feature that quickly shifts from being a novelty to something you rely on daily, especially when navigating tight parking bays or threading a bakkie through a crowded urban environment.
OFF-ROADING WITHOUT THE GUESSWORK
What sets the Tasman apart is the addition of Kia’s Ground View Monitor. While some manufacturers have taken to calling this a “540° system”, Kia avoids the terminology and instead focuses on what the feature actually does. In simple terms, it allows the driver to see what is happening directly beneath the vehicle by projecting a virtual view of the terrain under the chassis. This is achieved through clever software processing rather than an actual camera pointing straight down, yet the effect is convincing enough to be genuinely useful.
In practice, this becomes invaluable when venturing off-road. Cresting a rocky incline or negotiating uneven terrain often leaves you guessing what lies just beyond the bonnet line. The Ground View Monitor removes much of that uncertainty. It helps you place the wheels with greater precision, avoid obstacles that could damage the underbody, and maintain momentum without unnecessary hesitation.
There is also a more everyday benefit. Even in suburban settings, the system proves its worth when dealing with high kerbs, hidden obstacles, or awkward driveway entrances. It takes the guesswork out of low-speed manoeuvring and reduces the likelihood of those small but frustrating scrapes that come with driving a larger vehicle.
The interface itself is intuitive, with selectable viewing angles and a crisp display that does not overwhelm the driver with unnecessary clutter. It complements the Tasman’s broader focus on usability rather than reinventing the wheel.
Ultimately, Kia’s approach here feels measured and well judged. It delivers the functionality buyers expect from a modern bakkie, while adding a layer of off-road confidence that is more than just a gimmick. It may not wear the “540°” badge, but in real-world use, it quietly achieves much the same outcome.
CHERY’S ROBOT ENTERS THE REAL WORLD
Chery has taken a bold step beyond the showroom floor with its AiMOGA humanoid robot, now officially on sale in China. While it is not yet available in South Africa, the mere fact that you can buy one places Chery Automobile among the first carmakers to commercialise humanoid robotics in a meaningful way.
Known as the Mornine M1, the robot can walk upright at around 1 m/s, interact with people in multiple languages, and perform simple physical tasks such as opening car doors or guiding customers through a dealership. Its sensor suite includes LiDAR, depth cameras and ultrasonic radar, giving it a level of environmental awareness that feels closer to autonomous driving tech than traditional robotics.
That said, it is far from a replacement for your housekeeper. Battery life is limited to roughly two hours, and its dexterity remains best suited to controlled environments like showrooms or exhibitions. Complex, unstructured tasks are still beyond its reach.
Even so, the direction is clear. By leveraging shared technology between vehicles and robots, Chery is positioning AiMOGA as part of a broader mobility ecosystem, one that could reshape how we think about both cars and machines.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR
