The Kia Tasman has finally been revealed. After many months of teasers and a drip feed of info, the new double cab ute has been unveiled at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia. It will be sold in the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia Pacific regions.
It has been six years in the making, has undergone field testing across the globe and will make waves in the LCV sector when it dots down here in Q3 next year. While there’s no hint on pricing as yet, you can expect it to be competitive with the likes of Ranger, Hilux, Triton and Navara.
Two powertrains will be available initially, though just one for the Australasian market. Kia had previously signalled that the engine would be familiar. And indeed the 2.2 “New R” turbodiesel is the primary motivator for our market. The so-called D4HIII FR 2.2 is arguably the least new aspect of the Tasman, output tweaked to 154kW and 441Nm. Power reaches all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, though there is a 2WD base variant as well. While torque cannot match that of Ranger or Toyota, Kia still rates braked towing capacity at the class maximum of 3500kg.
Kia says the Tasman, in double-cab ute format, can complete the 0-100 dash in 10.4sec on its way to a top of 185km/h, while it suggests the preliminary overall fuel use figure is 7.58L/100km.
Key USPs include “purposeful design, cutting edge technology, class-leading convenience features and an ultraspacious cabin”. Kia says Tasman “is a truly transformative pick-up truck that effortlessly meets the needs of both work and leisure activities.”
Inside there are two 12.3-inch screens and a five-inch item, along with plenty of buttons for ease of use. There are dual wireless charging pads, a large folding console table and storage bins under the rear seats hold 33L of gear. In the back, Kia boasts class-leading head-, shoulder- and leg-room (940mm of the latter) while seats both slide and recline.
Initially Tasman will be available as a double-cab ute in baseline, X-Line and X-Pro trim, the latter with enhanced off-road performance thanks to extra ground clearance. It also comes with an automatically engaging electronic diff lock at the rear, along with an additional rock terrain mode and X-Trek mode.
Kia is also launching single-cab and cab chassis variants. It is expected that Kia NZ will offer the full line-up with some variants being ordered as required.
A composite bush structure mounts the Tasman’s body to its ladder frame chassis for improved body control and comfort. Suspension is by double wishbones at the front, while a rigid axle with leaf springs is key for load carrying. Vertical shock absorbers include frequency selective damping and hydraulic rebound stop technology. These are designed to limit vibration and improve ride comfort.
All-terrain drive technology has undergone extensive testing globally. X-Line and X-Pro both have AWD, which is an option on the base model. The system switches automatically to give optimum traction on various surfaces, while terrain settings are available within the Eco, Smart and Sport driving modes. In Australasia, they include Snow, Sand, and Mud modes. A 4WD four-mode switch includes 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L.
Kia says Tasman’s load bed is the biggest in class at 1512mm long by 1572mm wide and 540mm deep, giving it cargo capability of 1173L. It measures 1186mm between the wheel arches. Maximum payload is 1195kg in 2WD models, and 1017kg for 4WD variants. Special load bed features include corner steps, an illuminated power outlet and optional sliding cargo floor. All models also have a standard tray liner that extends up and over the wellside rims.
Kia Tasman rivals – read the Toyota Hilux review
The pick-up itself is 5410mm long, 1930mm wide, 1870-1920mm tall, and has ground clearance of 224-252mm, depending on model. Wheelbase is 3270mm.
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