Kia Überrascht mit Erstem Blick auf Bunten Tasman Pick-up für 2025: Vorschau auf der Busan Motor Show 2024

Kia has unveiled its new pick-up truck adorned in vibrant wraps

However, the Tasman is slated for release only in 2025

It's a common practice for car manufacturers to tease new models days, weeks, or months before their actual unveiling. But Kia is taking a different approach. The company's first-ever global pick-up truck is set to launch later in 2025, yet it has already made an appearance at a car show in South Korea. Named Tasman, the vehicle makes a splash with its colorful display at the 2024 Busan Motor Show.

Since this isn't an actual unveiling, the competitor to the Ford Ranger is wrapped in a unique foil designed by artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop. Kia has deliberately left some parts of the body unwrapped to accentuate the plastic cladding around the square wheel arches.

Visible features include the vertical headlights, a set of tow hooks, all-around disc brakes, and 17-inch wheels secured with six lug nuts. The wheels come equipped with rugged BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires.

It appears that Kia did not bring a production-ready prototype of the Tasman. The absence of calipers indicates that the brakes are not functional. The completely sealed underbody suggests that the vehicle is missing suspension components. However, the design is finalized, including the small cameras installed beneath the side mirrors for the blind spot system.

The built-in steps in the corners of the rear bumper provide access to what seems to be a spacious cargo area. In comparison to the wide rear end, which appears to function as a split tailgate, the taillights are quite small.

Kia has applied a dark tint to the windows to shield the interior from view, yet the cabin was revealed weeks ago in a video shared on TikTok. In case you missed it, we've attached it below for your convenience.

The Korean brand remains secretive about the engines, however, it's reported that a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder will be available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's still unclear whether a V-6 engine will be an option to provide a competitive edge against the Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Hilux, and other mid-size pickups.

Aside from its off-road prowess, the Tasman is expected to have a payload capacity around 1,000 kilograms and is designed to tow up to 3.5 tons. A fully electric version is reportedly in development, with a projected release towards the end of 2026. Furthermore, the Tasman isn't the sole ladder-frame vehicle in Kia's lineup, as the Mohave/Borrego exists, though its continued production seems uncertain.

Regarding its dimensions, it's reportedly bigger than a Ranger yet smaller than an F-150. Kia introduced the Tasman solely as a double cab model, however, single cab and chassis cab options might also be potential offerings.

Additional from Kia:

Despite being seen during recent test drives in the United States, it remains uncertain if the pick-up will be available for sale in that country. Furthermore, the possibility of it being imported to Germany is still highly doubtful.

I

Source: Kia, CarSauce / YouTube

Most Read

LATEST ARTICLES

MOST RECENT ARTICLES

Regarding this article