The long-rumoured Tasman has finally sprung forth from Kia, showing up with a body-on-frame platform and solid rear axle. There is a choice of engines depending on the market. Except – none of those markets are likely to be called America any time soon.
To put this truck in perspective of a familiar yardstick, the Tasman is about three inches longer than a Ford Ranger for our market, measuring approximately 212.0 inches from bumper to bumper. Width is 75 inches, standard for the segment, and height is the same which is also par for the course with these types of trucks. Box length is 59.5 inches, just 0.1 inch less than a Ranger.
Styling is always subjective, though the Tasman’s front end looks like someone punched it in the nose, with a bulbous schnoz bookended by a pair of too-small headlights. Kia says the design team tried not to rely on the ‘oversized styling’ which currently dominates the segment. The wheel arch cladding is unique and, around back, both the brand and model name are hammered into its tailgate.
Clues that we won’t be getting this model soon lie under the hood, where a 2.2L diesel engine is an option in some markets such as Oz. That mill makes just over 200 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. A gasoline-powered option displaces 2.5L to produce 277 ponies and 310 lb-ft of twist. Maximum payload is just over 2,600 pounds with a 7,700 lb towing capacity. Stout numbers for the segment. A locking diff is found on burly trims.
The cabin will be familiar to anyone who’s ventured inside a modern Kia, with a wide pane of material housing a pair of 12.3-inch screens. Gear like a Harmon Kardon stereo is available, as are reclining rear seats and a raft of storage cubby places.
As further proof the truck isn’t imminently destined for our shores, the bumf talks about providing customizable chassis cab variants to meet specific business needs, along with single cab options to optimize bed space by reconfiguring the passenger compartment into a single row layout. Sounds cool; we’re not likely to see it – ever.
Still, it is worth pointing out Kia has sold a body-on-frame machine in America, so the Tasman wouldn’t be entirely without precedent. Called the Borrego, it was a boxy SUV whose only crime was showing up at the colossally wrong moment just as the world’s financial institutions were collapsing. As for the new Tasman, it'll be sold in Korea, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East starting next calendar year.
[Images: Kia]
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