- Kia officials in Australia have suggested the Tasman truck could spawn a new SUV.
- The model could arrive within three years, although it might not be approved at this point.
- If the SUV gets greenlighted, it would likely battle the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
The Kia Tasman has a face only a mother could love, but the company’s latest pickup could spawn a rugged SUV similar to the Toyota 4Runner or Land Cruiser. That’s the word from Australian officials, who recently suggested the model could arrive before 2029.
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According to Carsales, Kia Australia’s Chief Engineer for Ride and Handling said a Tasman SUV would arrive “Three years down the track.” However, Kia Australia’s General Manager of Marketing reportedly shut that down and said, “If Tasman is a success, then it will open many doors, so let’s get Tasman right first.”
More: Kia Tasman SUV Would Make For A Quirky Toyota 4Runner Rival
This seems to imply the company is considering an SUV-based on the Tasman, although it might not be approved at this point. That wouldn’t be surprising considering the Tasman won’t be launched in Australia until July.
Illustrations: Theophilus Chin / YouTube
However, the country loves trucks and SUVs. Data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveals the two top selling vehicles in May were the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Body-on-frame SUVs are also incredibly popular as the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, and Ford Everest were among the ten best-selling vehicles in the country last month.
The Tasman In A Nutshell
While the Tasman faces stiff competition from established competitors as well as an onslaught of Chinese newcomers, it’s certainly received a lot of attention. Pricing starts at AU$42,990 ($27,910 USD) and tops out at AU$74,990 ($48,686 USD) for the range-topping Tasman X-Pro 4×4.
In Australia, the Tasman is being launched in a Dual Cab configuration and all trims will be powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 207 hp (154 kW / 209 PS) and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic, which can be paired to rear- or four-wheel drive.
The entry-level S trim comes sparsely equipped, but buyers will find steel wheels, an integrated trailer brake controller, and LED headlights. The model also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and a 5-inch climate control display.
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Higher-end variants are far more luxurious, and the range-topping X-Pro has power front seats with heating and ventilation. The model also sports a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a sunroof.
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