Kia today issued more teaser images of its new Tasman ute. It’s due for its world debut on October 29th at the Jeddah International Motor Show. The Kia PR department has been in overdrive issuing a slew of statements, images and videos in the lead up to the big reveal.
Check out the latest Tasman teaser
The images have shown the new double cab ute’s profile, and a few of the details like its flared guards. However, the finer details have been carefully camouflaged to leave something for the big reveal.
We’ve taken an educated guess as to how the new ute will look when the disguise is dropped. The front end is distinctive, the light treatment too. How they treat the grille will be the most interesting when it is revealed. It certainly looks unique in a segment where function dictates the form. The Tasman looks big and bold, which is what truck buyers like.
As to what will power the Kia Tasman, it’s likely to be a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine. This will be a re-tuned version of the firm’s engine that is used to power its Sorento SUV and Carnival MPV. While it makes 148kW and 440Nm in that role, it could be re-worked to make more torque in order to rival the Ranger and Hilux, which each have 500Nm.
Kia has confirmed the Tasman will have a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, and a payload of 1000kg.