Kia Officially Enters Pikap Market By Globally Introducing Tasman

Kia Tasman. (Doc. Kia)

JAKARTA - South Korean auto brand Kia officially introduced its first pickup line called Tasman. Thus, they already have vehicle lines in various segments ranging from sedans, SUVs, commercials, to Beyond Vehicle Platforms (PBV).

Kia's President and CEO, Ho Sung Song said Tasman has a progressive design by combining true pickup values with capabilities and practicality supported by advanced features.

"This offers the world's first solution for those looking for lifestyle vehicles for recreation and outdoor activities while meeting the needs of small business actors, such as traders and farmers," said Ho Sung Song on the brand's official website, Wednesday, October 30.

Carrying the spirit of 'Dive into a New Dimension', the designers from this pickup avoid the usual form by taking a new approach to aesthetics and eliminating some elements so that Tasman looks more prominent.

The front has a wide large grip and bumper featuring a Tiger Face that has become the hallmark of Kia's vehicle. It also displays typical vertically oriented lighting combined into the headlights.

The unique separator design combines practical functions, such as headlights and storage units, shows clear and daring functionality and design.

The back strengthens the practical elements of this car with the backdoors featuring brand logos and handles and high-paced stop lights that connect to each other.

The manufacturer offers it in several color choices, ranging from Clear White, Snow Pearl White, Steel Gray, Interstellar Gray, Cityscape Green, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Tan Beige, and Denim Blue.

The interior features a sturdy space by utilizing concise and symmetric proportions to create balanced and stable performances.

The inside is equipped with a panorama wide screen consisting of advanced 12.3 inches, 5 inches, and 12.3 inches. The premium Harman Kardon eight-speaker audio system allows users to fully utilize the standard-appropriate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations.

Speaking of performance, Kia Tasman has a different engine according to market needs. For Korean countries, this pickup has a 2.5 liter gasoline engine that has 281 ps of power and 421 Nm torque combined with eight automatic acceleration transmissions, so it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in 8.5 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Australian market offers a 2.2 liter diesel engine combined with eight automatic acceleration transmissions that produce up to 210 ps of power and 441 Nm of torque. Thus, this can make it accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in 10.4 seconds.

Other areas such as Africa and the Middle East are offered with 2.5 liters of gasoline transmitting eight automatic accelerations and 2.2 liters of diesel with eight automatic accelerations and six manual accelerations.

Available in variants X-Pro, X-Line, and Base, Kia Tasman will make his Korean debut in the first half of 2025, followed by launches in other markets such as Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.