The Kia Tasman – as it were finally officially baptized – has been observed testing as the car approaches a 2025 local launch.
Image shared by automatically investigate gives us another look at the ute's distinctive upright, boxy styling, which looks more like a car jeep gladiator than best-selling products such as Ford Ranger And Toyota Hilux.
At the front, we can see vertical light clusters, while there's not a single curve to be seen – except for what appears to be a belt line running halfway along the rear door.
At the rear we can see it rides on leaf springs like most of its rivals, while there are steps up to the rear bumper like on the Ranger.
Like most utes, the Tasman has body-on-frame construction.
Kia has compared the Tasman with the HiLux and Ranger and is set to match them with a braked towing capacity of 3500kg and a payload of around 1000kg, depending on variant.
Previously published interior photos also show that the car will have selectable all-wheel drive mode.
According to recent information, Kia Tasman will launch in Australia with version four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Kia has not announced additional plans six-cylinder engine or hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for lineups.
While the Tasman will be produced in Korea, Kia Australia managing director Damien Meredith said the brand's Australian arm has played a key role in ensuring the car can compete with rivals. Thai-made players are dominating the local sales race.
“The team at Kia Australia has worked closely with the Research and Development team at headquarters to develop the Tasman, a model that we believe will meet the needs of our unique market, as So it's a good thing it's been given a fitting Australian-inspired name.” its personality,” Mr. Meredith said.
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The prototype was spied before
“We have strong ambitions for the Tasman in our market and the fact that its name has a clear connection to our region is evidence of the important role Kia Australia plays in its development and future success.”
Kia has previously said it is targeting the Tasman for a settlement 10% of Australian light commercial vehicle salesor around the place Isuzu D-Max currently sitting.
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