Kia has expanded its lineup with a plethora of recent fashions, however there’s nonetheless one factor lacking: a truck. Judging by this new teaser video although, we cannot have to attend for much longer.
Starring Aussie sporting legends, the video is chock-full of refined hints that the Kia truck will likely be referred to as the “Tasman.” For instance, the identify seems in a newspaper article whereas a dart shot at a map ends on the Tasman Sea. Oddly sufficient, we do not get to see the truck in any respect because the motion takes place inside a bar someplace in Australia, and the clip ends by partially displaying the identify of the bar—presumably Hotel Tasman.
Until the identify is formally introduced, the corporate merely calls it a ute and “the most Australian Kia ever developed.” Internally codenamed “TK,” the brand new utilitarian car will likely be a real truck by that includes a body-on-frame platform slightly than a unibody building just like the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It’s believed to have a most payload capability of about 1,000 kilograms (2,204 kilos) and a towing capability of three,500 kg (7,716 lbs) due to a turbodiesel 2.2-liter engine. The oil-burner will reportedly route energy to the wheels through handbook and computerized transmissions.
Reports from Australia state the Tasman will are available in each 4×2 and 4×4 configurations in addition to in single cab, double cab, and cab chassis flavors. A spy video confirmed switches for 2H, 4H, 4L modes, which means it will have selectable two-wheel drive and a low-range four-wheel drive. That check car had 17-inch wheels with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires. Expect an impartial entrance suspension, rear leaf springs, a locking rear differential, and a wading depth of 800 millimeters (31.4 inches).
As to why the corporate determined to give attention to Australia to kick off the teaser marketing campaign, it is possible as a result of the Tasman is being developed by an engineering staff led by Kia Australia. The new ute will go up towards the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, which have been the 2 best-selling automobiles general final 12 months within the Land Down Under. The Tasman can even deliver the combat to the Isuzu D-Max, the third hottest mannequin in Australia in 2023.
The Tasman can even be bought within the Middle East and South Africa, however we’ve not heard something a few potential launch within the United States. It’s price noting Kia has promised two electric trucks by 2027, together with a “dedicated” mannequin on a bespoke EV platform.
A “strategic” pickup tailor-made to rising markets has additionally been confirmed and is more likely to adapt underpinnings from a car powered by combustion engines. Perhaps the strategic truck is the Tasman? The latter has been in improvement since 2020 and will likely be unveiled later this 12 months earlier than occurring sale in 2025. Australians can already categorical their curiosity on the agency’s regional web site, so the premiere ought to happen within the coming months.
The Tasman will not be Kia’s solely ladder-frame mannequin because the South Korean marque continues to be promoting the Mohave (aka Borrego). It additionally will not be its solely pickup contemplating the Bongo truck stays obtainable, full with an electric version.
