A number of months ago we shared spy photos of the brand new Kia Tasman, the brand’s first pickup truck. Designed primarily for Australia, Africa and the Middle East to do battle with trucks just like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, the midsize body-on-frame Tasman is rapidly approaching its debut, and Kia just released the primary official teaser image. Despite the wrap designed by Recent Zealand–based artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop, we will see the Tasman may have the strangest styling of any pickup on sale — and I believe that’s thing.
The Tasman has super blocky, upright proportions with a blunt face that jogs my memory of a hippo. Small headlight pods are pushed to the corners, and there’s a snout-like grille opening above a distinguished bumper. The headlights flow into black plastic boxed fender flares that look pretty cool, and the Tasman has chunky all-terrain tires.
We may see a kicked-up C-pillar, some nice crisp surfacing lines along the perimeters, steps set into the rear bumper, and taillights that protrude from the rear corners. Overall it’s a particular thing thus far, actually not only a rehash of any existing trucks. Kia has been taking extremely daring styling risks with recent cars just like the EV6, EV9 and K4, and the risks have paid off — 2023 was the brand’s best sales yr ever. If Kia really desires to compete in such a competitive market, it needs to face out, and it looks like the Tasman will do exactly that.
Still, we don’t know many details in regards to the Tasman’s mechanicals or powertrains, that are obviously of big importance to truck buyers. Previous reports have said the Tasman will get a turbodiesel 2.2-liter engine with an automatic or a manual, and it could get Kia’s twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6, too. That is what Kia’s press release needed to say in regards to the Tasman’s positioning:
The concept of ‘The Path Never Taken’ embodies the adventurous spirit of the Kia Tasman, which can encourage customers to embark on journeys full of discovery and adventure in a vehicle that prioritizes reliability and performance. Through this theme, the Kia Tasman will lead people towards unknown and delightful landscapes. Along with effortlessly fulfilling the role of a work-orientated pickup, the Tasman is designed to fulfill customers’ diverse personal needs. Suitable for a demanding 24/7 lifestyle, Kia’s versatile truck will support even essentially the most extreme leisure activities.
Despite the truck looking principally ready, Kia says the Tasman won’t debut until 2025. Tasman prototypes have been spotted testing within the U.S., and while that doesn’t necessarily mean the truck will likely be sold here, Kia has previously talked about developing trucks for the U.S. market, and powerful rumors have pointed to the Tasman being offered in America. So long as Kia nails the truck stuff, the combo of the brand’s quirky design and excellent value could make it a winner.
This Article First Appeared At jalopnik.com
