Ever for the reason that design of the Kia Tasman first leaked, there have been rumours of a fast-tracked redesign to deal with the controversial front-end styling of the Koran brand’s first ute.
Now images of what might show the ute’s facelift have appeared on an official Kia website.
Two digital renders of a rebodied Tasman have appeared on the Kia Special Vehicles page spruiking military uses and conversions for the polarising ute.
Each the Military Command Vehicle and Military Pickup Truck (top and below) feature bodies which can be recognisably Tasman, but with much more conventional designs for the grille, headlights, fenders, wheel-arch protectors, and doors.
The 2 renders, though similar, actually sport different designs, most noticeably for the headlight graphics, wheel-arch extensions, and fenders. Additionally they have completely recent door designs, each with different rear window treatments.
Given the photographs on the web site have been online for no less than two days, and that no-one has taken them down as of today, these renders are likely not indicative of any future Tasman facelift.
The pictures may very well be based on unsuccessful design proposals for the Tasman submitted during its development. It’s more likely, though, they’re AI generated.
Interestingly, the opposite military vehicles shown on the page are based on the prevailing Tasman body and have the text “Illustrative purposes only” slapped on them.
It’s possible Kia is working on an early redesign of the ute’s adventurous front-end but, even when these renders preview what it looks like, history tells us it’s going to take no less than a 12 months or two before a facelifted Tasman starts trundling down the production line and into showrooms.
For instance, it took three years for the AU Falcon and its Latest Edge styling to be transformed into the conventionally handsome BA. Likewise, the jellybean third-generation Ford Taurus needed 4 years before it received a less controversial design for the front, rear and interior.
Tasman sales have gotten off to a slow start with 2499 sold since its release, or a mean of 625 per 30 days. It did notch up its best sales lead to September when 806 were sold, placing it seventh within the combined 4×2 and 4×4 ute segment.
That’s still well in need of the 1667 sales the Tasman needs to achieve in an effort to achieve Kia Australia’s sales goal of 20,000 units per 12 months.
Publicly, Kia Australia says it’s not apprehensive concerning the Tasman’s sales because the range to date stays restricted to dual-cab models, although discounts and further gear can be found on the X-Line until the tip of October.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
