@kiamiddleeastafrica #kiatasman #offroad
By Arnold Pinto / Middle East News 247
Kia has officially unveiled the all-new 2025 Tasman, a pickup truck named after the rugged and adventurous spirit of the Tasman Sea. This marks the South Korean automaker’s first venture into the pickup truck market.
Taking on the Ford Ranger and the Toyota HiLux in the Middle East market, the Tasman (2WD/4WD) is poised to set new standards within Kia’s diverse lineup, including sedans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models.
The vehicle makes its global debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show (October 29 to November 2, 2024) in Saudi Arabia, a platform known for showcasing the latest and most innovative automotive technologies in the Middle East.
Several Tasman models are being showcased at the ongoing 2024 Jeddah show. In the first half of 2025, Tasman is expected to launch in the South Korean domestic market before expanding to Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Designed with cutting-edge technology and robust practicality, the Tasman, expected to sell for AED220,000 in the UAE market, features a spacious cabin with class-leading convenience features. These advanced features, based on over five decades of experience developing specialised vehicles, including off-roaders like the Mohave, are sure to intrigue and impress potential buyers. Kia’s new offering is engineered to cater to various lifestyle and work demands.
The Tasman is crafted to be a progressive pickup that does not merely follow the competition but combines traditional pickup values with exceptional capability and practicality. It aims to serve as a versatile solution for outdoor enthusiasts and small business operators, such as traders and farmers, ensuring that it can cater to various needs and lifestyles.
The Tasman’s performance capabilities are robust. It features a body-on-frame platform that supports various drivetrain options. In South Korea, customers will get a powerful 281PS 2.5-litre petrol engine or a 210PS 2.2-litre diesel engine in markets like Australia.
The diesel variant achieves impressive torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds. Advanced suspension systems optimise ride comfort and handling on all terrains, ensuring a smooth experience, whether on-road or off-road.
Safety first
Safety is paramount, and the Kia Tasman comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that include lane-keeping assist and blind-spot collision warnings. These features are complemented by the vehicle’s ability to navigate water crossings, thanks to strategically positioned air intake systems that allow for fording up to 800mm deep.
Kia’s commitment to rigorous testing is evident in the Tasman’s development, having undergone 1,777 specific tests across various conditions.
In terms of exterior design, the Tasman represents a departure from the traditional pickup aesthetics that have dominated the market for decades. Kia’s design team has consciously avoided overblown styling, opting for a cleaner, more functional form emphasising strength and practicality.
The vehicle’s bold appearance features a wide radiator grille and bumper that emphasise its width, while the distinct Kia Tiger Face is framed by vertically oriented signature lighting. The upright windshield and rear glass add to their commanding presence, further accentuated by striking graphic elements and a practical fender design that cleverly incorporates headlights and storage solutions.
Inside, the Tasman focuses on purity and practicality. The cabin is designed to be rugged yet refined, featuring symmetrical proportions and functional air vents. An advanced 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen display provides easy access to vehicle controls and infotainment options, complemented by an optional eight-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interior is packed with innovative features tailored to enhance user experience. Among these are a sizeable folding console table, dual wireless charging pads, and hidden storage bins beneath the rear seats that provide 33 litres of capacity. Moreover, the Tasman offers best-in-class headroom, shoulder room, and rear legroom, with reclining rear seats ensuring maximum comfort for all passengers.
The Tasman has various trims for customisation, including a double cab base model and more off-road-focused X-Line and X-Pro variants. The X-Pro boasts superior off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and specialised all-terrain tyres.
Additionally, Kia offers a range of customisable chassis cab variants tailored for specific business needs, alongside numerous accessories designed to enhance both leisure and work functionalities.
