Kia reveals Tasman pickup truck – launched in 2025 in Korea, Australia, Africa, Middle East but not named in ASEAN
Kia released an official teaser image of its first pickup truck model Tasman people. Named after the ‘rugged beauty and pioneering spirit’ of Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost island, the truck you see here is wrapped in Australian-inspired camouflage.
Developed in collaboration with renowned artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop from Australia and New Zealand, the wrap – themed around ‘The Path Never Taken’ – envisions an inspiring journey while driving along coast and through the outback. It is based on the adventures of the multimedia artist, hitchhiking in the back ute across Australia.
Known for his unique artistic style and ability to combine various mediums to create powerful and visually bold collaborations, Boyd-Dunlop captures elements of land and sea with Tasman camouflage. The finish combines ‘fiery outback colors with authoritative blues that pay homage to Australia’s influential surf culture’.
“Our Tasman pickup truck represents Kia’s commitment to design and innovation as well as a spirit of adventure. Artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop has crafted an exclusive camouflage design, with the support of the Kia design team, that depicts a journey and reflects the essence of adventure that is unique to the Tasman,” said know Karim HabibDeputy CEO and Director of Kia Global Design.
Kia has just confirmed that the Tasman is expected to launch in 2025, and at the same time, the C-segment pickup truck launch strategy will be implemented in stages globally, including key markets such as Korea, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Clearly absent from the list of named markets is ASEAN, in which Thailand is one of the most important 1-ton pickup truck markets in the world.
“In addition to easily fulfilling the role of a work-oriented pick-up truck, the Tasman is also designed to meet customers’ diverse individual needs. Fit for a demanding 24/7 lifestyle, Kia’s versatile truck will support even the most demanding recreational activities,” Kia said.
No technical details have been announced, but Kia already has the foundation for a suitable pickup truck, especially the 2.2-liter diesel engine that has long been used in models like the Kia. Sorento SUVs and Carnival MPV. In its latest form, the R engine produces 202 horsepower and 440 Nm of torque, which is competitive but not class-leading in one-tonne trucks.
Kia also has access to a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a 90 horsepower electric motor, which in the Sorento develops a total power output of 264 PS and an all-electric range is 51 km thanks to the 13.8 kWh battery. PHEV trucks may sound strange to us, but Ford has them Ranger PHEV for Europe and Australia.
The Tasman is certainly not a prominent motoring icon Hyundai Santa Cruz. Also unlike Hyundai’s compact truck, which is only for North America, Kia’s pickup truck is a global product, which also means the Tasman has to be tough and strong. What do you think about Tasman and Kia’s move to enter the pick-up market? By the way, there will be another company truck, a larger EV.
COLLECTION: Kia Tasman spyshots
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