The Tasman: Kia’s Bold Entry into the Pickup Truck Market

Kia’s midsize pickup truck, Tasman, has been raising expectations with the recent teaser release and the final confirmation of the model name Tasman. As KG Mobility has been dominating the pickup truck market with models like Rexton Sports and Khan, it will be interesting to see if Kia can challenge this dominance.

With the launch of Tasman, consumers are expected to have more choices for domestic pickup trucks. Amidst this, the Tasman’s appearance has drawn high consumer interest. The test car was spotted several times, allowing us to glimpse the overall design.

Angular side fender flares
Stand out with unique design

NYMammoth, a domestic YouTube channel specializing in car predictions, has created a realistic prediction based on the spotted test car, a hot topic. Looking closely at the revealed side design, we can see the unique design features of the Tasman. The fender flares placed on the wheelhouse emphasize a bold image.

In particular, the front fender flare extends to the front headlamp box, forming a longer shape than the rear. The rear flare is designed in an angular trapezoidal shape, giving it volume. In this side design, the voluminous lines of the hood and C-pillar also stand out. The flat roof line and the C-pillar, which falls almost vertically, add a slight curve to enhance the detail.

Application of double frame grille
Rugged Exterior Design

The previously revealed front design shows that the grille has a double frame system and is finished with black plastic. The thickly set grille gives a somewhat rugged impression. It seems designed to block dust and other debris that may enter during off-road driving while creating the image of an authentic pickup truck aimed at the Australian market.

The headlamps are designed with a strong vertical emphasis. The side fender flares extend to the front, wrapping around the headlamp box. The daytime running lights have a layered D shape. The lamp placed at the bottom of the bumper has an angular trapezoidal design, showing off its rough charm.

Long Tail Lamp Design
Production is scheduled to commence in February of next year.

The vehicle’s rear also follows a similar design principle with the application of vertical tail lamps. The spacious tailgate is expected to be engraved with Kia’s logo, and the rear will likely feature an angular side step to facilitate access to the cargo area. Kia plans to start production of the Tasman as early as next February. The powertrain will likely combine a 2.5 gasoline turbo and an 8-speed automatic transmission. After the release of the internal combustion engine model, an electric model is expected to be launched in July next year, expanding the lineup.

Meanwhile, netizens’ reactions to the Tasman’s design were quite mixed. Many thought it had more of a traditional pickup truck look than expected and a rugged look due to the double grille. However, some netizens favored it because it contained a sentiment that was hard to find in domestic models, creating a polarized reaction.