Kia has officially confirmed the impending launch of its highly anticipated pickup truck, speculated to carry the name Tasman.
The automaker’s Australian branch has teased the forthcoming vehicle in an intriguing video, featuring prominent sports figures from the country. The teaser unfolds in a bar scene, where a newspaper headline catches the attention: “Kia Ute Set For Australia.”
Though challenging to decipher, a snippet from the faux notes indicates that the Tasman is described as “a versatile 4×4 engineered to tackle Australia’s diverse landscapes,” boasting remarkable off-road capabilities and a “sleek yet durable exterior design.”
The teaser effectively solidifies the likelihood of the newcomer being named Tasman, further reinforced as a dart thrown in the video lands on a map highlighting the Tasman Sea.
However, ambiguity remains regarding the name, as the video subtly hints at alternatives. The name of the hotel in the backdrop, “Hotel Tasman,” adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting Kia’s playful approach to naming conventions.
Yet, it remains uncertain whether Tasman will indeed be the chosen name or if Kia is intentionally keeping the suspense alive.
Expected to be a body-on-frame pickup truck, the Tasman may share its chassis with the Mohave SUV. Set to debut in Australia next year, Kia is already inviting expressions of interest from both private and commercial customers.
Damien Meredith, CEO of Kia Australia, elaborated on the initiative, stating, “As an incentive, the EOI group will be kept up to date [on] the latest news and developments from now. This includes an extensive local ride and handling program, covering tens of thousands of unrelenting Aussie kilometers to ensure it meets the hard-working requirements of the Aussie public.”
Anticipated to be available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, the Tasman is likely to feature Kia’s 3.8-liter V6 engine for the American market, while other regions, like Australia, may receive options such as four-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, along with a potential six-cylinder diesel variant.
Stylistically, the Tasman may draw inspiration from Kia’s existing models, with cues possibly borrowed from the Telluride SUV or adopting the brand’s updated fascia showcased in the refreshed Carnival minivan.
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