They want to build an SUV on the basis of the upcoming Tasman pickup truck – however, for now this is just the wish of one of the top managers of the brand’s Australian office. Four years ago, Australians also dreamed of such a car, but things didn’t go further than talk. Now, it seems, history is repeating itself, although the possibility of an SUV still cannot be completely ruled out.
Kia has, in a sense, returned to the idea of releasing a competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Such a machine was talked about four years ago, but then the project was allegedly abandoned in order to focus on priority areas. And here is a new twist in this story.
Kia Australia’s head of product planning, Roland Rivero, says he’d love to see a frame on the undercarriage of the upcoming Tasman pickup. Formally, this is just a wish that does not mean anything. The decision will be made at other levels, so no one is talking about the timing.
The Kia Tasman itself will be launched only next year, and Australia and New Zealand will be the priority markets for it. The truck will be built on a new frame platform and equipped with a 2.2 diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An all-electric version may appear later. The Tasman’s competitors include the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 and Toyota Hilux, which it will surpass in terms of carrying capacity and towing capabilities.
Tasman will be offered with a single or double cab, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Inside, the emphasis will be on comfort: judging by the spy photos, the pickup will get a digital cluster with two screens, like the Kia EV9, seats with a memory function, a sunroof, ambient lighting and a compartment for wireless charging of gadgets.
Face down: off-road versions
