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According to Motor1, at the launch of the Kia Tasman, the brand’s exterior design director conceded that this mid-size pickup truck needed time to win over customers, while still asserting its standout aesthetics.
John Buckingham, who heads the exterior development team for Kia automobiles, affirmed that his team deliberately crafted a unique product. Initially, the Kia Tasman garnered mixed reactions, but perceptions seem to be shifting.
Dean Norbiato, Marketing Director of Kia Australia, revealed that potential customers have changed their perspective on the Tasman after seeing it in showrooms. “Many people have now seen the vehicle, spent time with it, and their assessments differ from when the model first launched,” he said.
Based on Kia’s internal research, the Tasman appears more attractive in real life than in the 2D images initially released.
Per Motor1, the Kia Tasman sports a distinct look compared to its mid-size pickup rivals, with widely spaced headlights and a protruding nose.
The thick, black-painted wheel arches also sparked debate, and the automotive website revealed that the South Korean manufacturer has addressed this detail.
Kia had stated its intention to create a differentiated product to capture the attention of customers who typically favor the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, or Toyota Hilux in this segment.
Nonetheless, Motor1 acknowledges that the Kia Tasman faces intense competition from established rivals. It lacks a V6 engine, a standard feature in other mid-size pickups.
The Kia Tasman will officially hit the market in 2025, offering a range of configurations, including single or double cabs.
The South Korean automaker has also prepared an array of options, such as left- or right-hand drive, two- or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmission, and petrol or diesel engines, to cater to diverse customer needs.
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Kia Unveils the All-New Tasman Pickup Truck
The Kia Tasman is the Korean automaker’s first venture into the world of pickup trucks, and it’s set to take on the big guns in the segment. With the likes of Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, and Mazda BT-50 already dominating the market, the Tasman has its work cut out for it. But with Kia’s renowned design and innovation, this pickup promises to be a game-changer.