All-new Kia Tasman debuts at Jeddah International Motor Show

ABU DHABI: Kia has officially entered the pickup truck segment with the much-anticipated launch of the Kia Tasman. The Korean automaker unveiled its first pickup truck with all pomp and show at the Jeddah International Motor Show in Saudi Arabia.

The Kia pickup truck comes in Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro Double Cab models, catering to the diverse needs of the customers. “Kia’s first-ever pickup truck was created from the ground up to transform the market and respond to the growing preference for lifestyle-oriented trucks with advanced features,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.

Let’s know the Kia Tasman in detail - 

Exterior 

The exterior design of the Kia Tasman looks fresh and straightforward focusing on rugged simplicity instead of bulky styling often seen in pickups. The classic Kia Tiger Face features a bold radiator grille and signature headlights. It boasts a strong silhouette with an upright windshield and angled graphic elements along with unique fender designs whichcombine functionality with style. 

The rear end is kitted with tiny C-shaped tail lights, a stamped logo on the tailgate, and integrated functional elements like the high-mounted stop-lamp and bed steps.

The Kia Tasman colour palette comprises nine options -  Clear White, Snow Pearl White, Steel Gray, Interstellar Gray, Cityscape Green, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, and new hues Tan Beige and Denim Blue.

Interior

The interior also emphasises simplicity and practicality with a rugged, balanced design. Key highlights include -

• A modern dashboard with intuitive controls, 
• Honeycomb-patterned ventilation system
• Panoramic widescreen display (12.3-inch instrument cluster + 5-inch climate control + 12.3-inch infotainment unit)
• Foldable console tables
• Hidden storage bins under the rear seats
• Sustainable materials, such as bioplastics and recycled fabrics
• Dual Qi wireless chargers
• 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system 

Engine 

Kia offers the Tasman in two powertrain choices. The first is a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol mill tuned to deliver a maximum power of 281 PS and a peak torque of 421 Nm. This comes paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Another option is a 2.2-litre common-rail diesel unit generating 210 PS and 441 Nm of torque. As for transmission, it comes with 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions.

Ride and handling 

Built on a body-on-frame chassis, the Kia pickup truck features double-wishbone front suspension units and a rigid axle rear unit with leaf springs.

The higher-end X-Line and X-Pro trims feature four-wheel drive as standard, while the base Tasman offers both rear-wheel drive and 4WD options. The latter comes with four off-roading modes: Desert/Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock.

Adding to the off-road capabilities is a rear Electronic Locking Differential (e-LD), X-Trek mode. X-Trek mode and Kia’s Ground View Monitor. 

Safety 

The Kia Tasman is equipped with a range of advanced safety features including lane-keeping assist, Blind spot collision warning, Remote parking assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2.

To sum up, the Kia Tasman marks the brand's bold entry into the pickup truck segment, combining innovative design and advanced technology for work and leisure activities.

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