Kia’s Pickup Truck Tasman
to be Revealed Possibly by the End of the Year
What Would the Interior Design Look Like?
The Kia Tasman, a new vehicle expected to bring a fresh shock to the monotonous pickup truck market, is nearing its release date. Recently, Kia’s Australian branch released a teaser video speculating on the model name of the Tasman, raising expectations.
Although the Australian market is the main focus, the release in Korea has also been tentatively decided. The interior has not been fully captured despite the increasing frequency of test vehicle sightings lately. In response, a foreign media outlet released an expected rendering of Tasman’s interior, attracting attention.
The Revealed Interior Has a Strong Passenger Car Feel
First, we looked at the spy shots. The domestic automobile specialty YouTube channel “Woopa TV” has previously captured the interior of the Tasman prototype. The steering wheel and dashboard are covered with camouflage, and the interior materials appear to be provisional parts, not yet mass-produced. However, there are some clues here.
A handle to assist with getting in and out of the vehicle has been applied near the A-pillar. Given the vehicle’s heightened design with off-road driving in mind, this is an essential feature. The front seat has the strong feel of a passenger car. The raised top of the backrest serves as a hanger for bags or clothes, and the headrest and shoulder part of the backrest appear to be made of fabric.
Australian Media’s Expected Rendering Attracts Attention
What are the Differences from the Actual Vehicle?
The Australian media outlet Driving Enthusiast predicted a more luxurious interior. The horizontal dashboard has a panoramic display from the center to the driver’s side. The design of the air vent, which widely covers the lower part of the dashboard, is unique. The steering wheel features a 3-spoke design similar to the one applied to the Santa Fe, with only the Kia emblem added. Several physical buttons are applied to the center fascia, while the center console features a spacious cup holder and a split-opening armrest.
However, this is an imaginary rendering produced before the prototype’s interior was captured, so it differs from the actual design. According to the spy shot, the Tasman applies a traditional mechanical selector, a stump gear, instead of an electronic shift selector. Around it, the frequently used functions, such as ignition and driving mode selection, are arranged as physical buttons. The cup holder appears similar in layout to the expected rendering but in a different location.
Anticipated Powertrain Specifications
Electric Vehicle Specifications to be Released too
Combining the information revealed so far, the Tasman has a body of about 17.7 feet. As it shares the body-on-frame of the Mohave, the rear-wheel-drive-based four-wheel drive system is standard, and the combination of a 3.0L V6 diesel engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission is likely. As it is difficult for this engine to comply with the latest environmental regulations, it is possible to mount a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine.
Test production is likely at the end of the year, with mass production in February of next year, and electric vehicle specifications are expected to be released in July of next year. A large battery pack with a capacity of 123 kWh will be installed in the electric vehicles, and a maximum output of 557 horsepower and a torque of 81.6 kgf.m are expected. The top specification is expected to achieve 0-62.1 miles per hour acceleration in 4.9 seconds, and the cruising range is likely to be up to 279.6 miles.
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