Kia Tasman Ute Teased: On-Track Testing Brings Us Closer to Official Reveal

As we edge closer to the highly anticipated reveal of the 2025 Kia Tasman ute, Kia has released a new teaser video showcasing the vehicle undergoing rigorous testing. The video, set in the United States, shows the Tasman being put through its paces on track, focusing on its handling, towing capabilities, and payload capacity.

Testing Grounds: A Glimpse into the Future

The Kia Tasman's on-track testing is being conducted at the Hyundai Motor Group proving grounds in California, near the Mojave Desert. This state-of-the-art facility provides the perfect environment for comprehensive vehicle testing, featuring a 10.3-kilometer oval track, a vehicle dynamics area, a handling course, and a paved hill road. The proving grounds also have various surfaces designed to simulate the diverse road conditions found across North America.

In addition to outdoor testing areas, the facility boasts a 30,000-square-foot office complex and an indoor testing space where safety features like airbags are evaluated, including scenarios such as side-impact collisions.

Focused Testing for a Global Market

Despite being tested in the United States, the Kia Tasman ute will not be available in North America. Instead, Kia is targeting key markets such as Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, and South Korea. This strategic focus aligns with the vehicle's design and testing objectives, which cater to the needs of drivers in these regions.

The testing showcased in the teaser video includes various evaluations, such as:

• Chassis Development and Towing Evaluation: Ensuring the Tasman can handle heavy loads with stability and reliability.
• Handling and High-Speed Stability: Testing the ute's behavior on track to confirm its agility and control at higher speeds.
• Lane-Keep Assist System: Evaluating the stability and effectiveness of this feature, even while towing.

Kia's extensive testing program for the Tasman includes "1777 specific tests conducted over 18,000-plus rounds of evaluation," demonstrating the brand's commitment to quality and performance.

Under the Hood: Powering the Tasman

The Kia Tasman is expected to feature a robust 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, similar to the one found in the Kia Sorento and Carnival. In these vehicles, the engine produces 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque. However, it's speculated that the Tasman could see a slight power boost, potentially delivering around 150kW and 500Nm of torque. This enhancement would allow the Tasman to compete more directly with popular models such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Mitsubishi Triton.

Coming Soon to a Showroom Near You

The Kia Tasman ute is set to make its way into Australian showrooms by mid-2025. While the exact reveal date is yet to be announced, we can expect a full unveiling between October and December 2024. This exciting addition to Kia's lineup is sure to capture the attention of ute enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as Kia continues to release new information about the Tasman ute in the lead-up to its official reveal. Whether it's conquering off-road trails or handling heavy loads on the highway, the Kia Tasman is shaping up to be a versatile and capable contender in the ute market.