Introduction
In the automotive industry, innovative advancements are continuously breaking new ground, with many manufacturers broadening their portfolios to cater to an increasing demand. Kia, a globally recognized automotive company, is one such company expanding its fleet with new models. Although the company’s developments have been significant, a truck model has been noticeably missing. This might soon change based on a new teaser video released by Kia. The video, laden with subtle hints, hints at this new development, with the truck potentially being named “Tasman.”
The New Kia Truck
The yet-to-be-released Kia truck, given the internal codename “TK,” seems to buck the trend of the company’s lineup. Unlike previous models of the brand, the TK is designed as a true truck with a body-on-frame platform rather than a unibody construction akin to the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Featuring a turbodiesel 2.2-liter engine, the truck is expected to have an impressive payload capacity of approximately 1,000 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,500 kg. Reports suggest that power will be routed to the wheels via manual and automatic transmissions.
Variety of Configurations
From single cab to double cab and cab chassis configurations and 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, the Tasman offers versatility to appeal to a broad market segment. It includes switches for 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, indicating the presence of a selectable two-wheel drive and a low-range four-wheel drive. The test vehicle was seen with 17-inch wheels outfitted with Kumho Crugen 265/65 R17 tires.
Target Market
The truck is primarily designed and engineered for Australia, given Kia Australia leads the engineering team on the project. This might explain why the first teaser of the truck was released in Australia. The Tasman aims to compete with some of the best-selling vehicles, such as the Toyota Hilux and the Ford Ranger. Furthermore, it expects to challenge the Isuzu D-Max, another popular model in Australia.
Global Expansion Plan
Kia has also set its sights beyond Australia with plans to release the Tasman truck in the Middle East and South Africa. While the potential for a U.S. launch has not been discussed, Kia has previously announced plans to release two electric trucks by 2027, including a dedicated model on a bespoke EV platform.
In conclusion, Kia’s venture into the truck market with the anticipated release of the Tasman is an exciting prospect for any automotive enthusiast. The new release promises to imminently shake up the truck market landscape, offering consumers a new and potentially highly competitive choice in the truck segment. Looking forward to the official unveiling, the Tasman holds the attention of prospective customers, industry competitors, and market analysts alike. The countdown to the much-awaited launch is certainly on.