Tasman ute — it’s all show and go

Kia has revealed its all-new Tasman Ute will be priced from $43,000 plus on-roads when it goes on sale in July.

Based on an all-new ladder chassis, Tasman will be available in five grades: S, SX, SX+, X-Line, and X-Pro — in 4×2 or 4×4 configuration.

All are powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel that develops 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic.

The dual cab version comprises all five grades:

S (4×2 or 4×4)
SX (4×4)
SX+ (4×4)
X-Line (4×4)
X-Pro (4×4)

Single cab chassis is limited to:

S (4×2)
S (4×4)
SX (4×4)

Dual cab chassis is either:

S (4×4)
SX (4×4)

The range kicks off at $42,990 plus on-road costs for the S (4×2) and tops out at $74,990 the flagship X-Pro (4×4) that has been specifically engineered for enhanced off-road performance.

Kia says the dual cab pick-up will launch in July, while the dual cab chassis will arrive about four weeks later, followed by the single cab chassis later in the year.

Pricing for these two variants will be announced at a later date.

All Tasmans will be available with a payload of at least 1000kg.

All dual cab pick-up versions will also be offered with a reduced payload option, to meet criteria for novated leases which often require a payload of under 1000kg.

This diversity of options is backed by impressive overall load carrying and tow ratings for all variants aside from those intended for novated leasing, with all payload ratings exceeding 1000kg based on a gross vehicle mass (GVM) rating of 3250kg across all variants, contributing to a gross combination mass (GCM) rating of 6200kg.

This GCM figure is based on a braked tow rating of 3500kg, which matches the industry benchmark for light commercial utes.

Unbraked loads are limited to 750kg.

Helping to manage heavier towed loads as safely as possible is Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC), which is fitted to all Tasmans, enabling electronic trailer brakes to be calibrated for optimal stability, with an override function within easy reach of the driver.

ITBC integrates with Towing Mode (TBC), which enables the driver to set up specific towed loads and optimise all other towing related functions including Trailer Sway Control.

Dual Cab Pick-Up Tasmans set a new benchmark for tub size, with the ability to fit an Australian pallet along with an overall capacity of 1173 litres (VDA), thanks to overall measurements of 1512mm in length, 1572mm in width and 540mm in height.

All dual cabs also set a new benchmark for under-seat storage, with a 45-litre area under the second row seat base enabling smaller items to be stored out of view.

Significantly, this under-seat storage is maintained with the segment-first slide and recline function for the second row seating on X-Line and X-Pro models, where the seat cushion slides forward while the seatback reclines to create a comfortable and relaxing experience for rear passengers.

Another segment first is a folding console table on X-Line and X-Pro models, where the centre console lid folds out to form a versatile table for meals, work and more.

X-Line and X-Pro models are also equipped with dual wireless smartphone charging capability, enabling the charging of two phones at once.

All Tasmans feature Kia’s latest integrated panoramic display, comprised of 12.3-inch driver, 5.0-inch climate control and 12.3-inch multimedia displays, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Kia Connect with remote control as well as innovative in-car services and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

It comes in eight colours, with three two-tone interior trim varieties spread across the trimlines.

Tasman S and SX models feature cloth trim, while SX+ steps up to a combination of cloth and artificial leather.

X-Line and X-Pro grades go a step further by featuring artificial leather throughout.

Kia’s Damien Meredith said Tasman is by far Kia Australia’s most anticipated model yet, reflecting the scale of Australia’s ute market and the passion of owners.

“We are confident the input from Kia Australia at each stage of its development, along with its competitive value and versatility, will make it a very strong contender in the local market,” he said.

Dual cab pick-up prices and options

Grade	Drivetrain	Body coloured flares	Payload < 1000kg	RRP

S	4 x 2	N	N	$42,990
S	4 x 2	N	Y	$42,990
S	4 x 2	Y	N	$42,990
S	4 x 2	Y	Y	$42,990
S	4 x 4	N	N	$49,990
SX	4 x 4	N	N	$54,490
SX+	4 x 4	N	N	$62,390
X-Line	4 x 4	N	N	$67,990
X-Pro	4 x 4	N	N	$74,990 See also Retro autos 2 min read Austin 1800: less than success
S	4 x 4	Y	N	$49,990
SX	4 x 4	Y	N	$54,490
SX+	4 x 4	Y	N	$62,390
X-Line	4 x 4	Y	N	$67,990
X-Pro	4 x 4	Y	N	$74,990
S	4 x 4	N	Y	$49,990
SX	4 x 4	N	Y	$54,490
SX+	4 x 4	N	Y	$62,390
X-Line	4 x 4	N	Y	$67,990
X-Pro	4 x 4	N	Y	$74,990
S	4 x 4	Y	Y	$49,990
SX	4 x 4	Y	Y	$54,490
SX+	4 x 4	Y	Y	$62,390
X-Line	4 x 4	Y	Y	$67,990
X-Pro	4 x 4	Y	Y	$74,990