Discover the Tasman: An introduction to this exciting individual.
Kia has recently added a multitude of fresh options to their collection, however, there remains one glaring omission: a pickup truck. However, according to a newly released teaser video, our wait for this missing piece may soon be over.
Featuring renowned Australian athletes, the footage is packed with discreet clues indicating that the new Kia truck will be named “Tasman.” One such hint can be seen in a newspaper article, while another is shown as a dart lands on the Tasman Sea on a map. Interestingly, the truck itself is not revealed in the video as the events unfold in a bar located somewhere in Australia. The clip concludes by briefly displaying the name of the establishment – presumably the Hotel Tasman.
Until the official announcement of its name, the company refers to it simply as a “ute” and proudly declares it as “the most Australian Kia ever developed.” Internally known as “TK,” the upcoming utilitarian vehicle will be a true truck, featuring a body-on-frame platform instead of a unibody construction like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Rumor has it that it will have a maximum payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds) and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) thanks to its powerful turbodiesel 2.2-liter engine. This oil-burner is expected to be paired with both manual and automatic transmissions to deliver power to the wheels.
According to recent updates from Australia, the Tasman model will be offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 options, as well as varying cab sizes including single cab, double cab, and cab chassis. A video captured by a spy showed that the vehicle will have switches to switch between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, indicating the presence of a selective two-wheel drive system and a low-range four-wheel drive option. The test vehicle featured 17-inch wheels fitted with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires. It is anticipated that the Tasman will have an independent front suspension, rear leaf springs, a locking rear differential, and a wading depth capability of up to 800 millimeters (31.4 inches).
The reasoning behind the company’s choice to launch their teaser campaign in Australia was most likely due to the fact that the development of the Tasman is being led by Kia Australia’s engineering team. This new pickup truck will be challenging the supremacy of its competitors, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, which were the top-selling vehicles in Australia last year. Additionally, the Tasman will also compete against the Isuzu D-Max which held the third spot in terms of popularity among Australian consumers in 2023.Corrected: The decision to launch a teaser campaign in Australia can be attributed to the involvement of Kia Australia’s engineering team in the development of the Tasman. This upcoming pickup truck will directly compete with the best-selling Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, as well as the third most popular vehicle in Australia in 2023 – the Isuzu D-Max.
The Tasman is set to hit the markets in the Middle East and South Africa, with no news yet on its potential release in the United States. Kia has made a commitment to introduce two electric trucks by 2027, with one being a “dedicated” model built on a unique EV platform.
A “strategic” pickup, specifically designed for emerging markets, has been officially announced and is expected to incorporate elements from a traditional combustion engine vehicle. Could this be the highly anticipated Tasman truck? The Tasman has been in the works since 2020 and is set to debut later this year, with plans for it to hit the market in 2025. Interested Australians can already register their interest on the company’s regional website, indicating that the unveiling should occur in the upcoming months.
Kia’s lineup will not be limited to the Tasman, as they still offer the Mohave (also known as the Borrego), which features a ladder frame design. Additionally, the Bongo truck, including an electric variant, is still being sold, making the Tasman not their sole pickup option.
Source: Kia Australia
