this 2025 Kia Tasman It will debut at two world premiere events within two weeks, taking place simultaneously at the Jeddah Motor Show in Saudi Arabia and the Hobart Motor Show in Tasmania.
Kia has yet to officially announce a release date for one of its biggest new models of 2024, but a Korean newspaper reported last month that the Tasman will be unveiled at the Saudi Arabian auto show, which runs from October 29 to November 2.
Australian media are now also invited by Kia Australia to travel to the Apple Island later this month, coinciding with the Middle East event.
“Please join us for the Australian premiere of a very exciting and highly anticipated new Kia product,” the invitation reads.
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“That’s all we can confirm at the moment, and an indication of how the event will proceed… The Kia Australia team will be in attendance, as well as executive visitors from the Kia Design Center and Kia Asia Pacific headquarters.”
“We look forward to seeing you in Tasmania…”
There’s little doubt that the much-anticipated Kia Tasman will make its debut in both Hobart and Jeddah, underscoring the importance of the booming Australian pick-up market for the South Korean carmaker’s first global pick-up truck.
The first customers of the new ute will be delivered to South Korea, South Africa, the Middle East and Australia in mid-2025.
The subject of an expensive and extensive teaser campaign, the Kia Tasman was developed at the request of Kia Australia and is currently undergoing durability testing around the world, including locally.
Kia said it has completed 1,777 specific tests and more than 18,000 rounds of evaluations.
Kia Australia executives long ago said the brand’s first direct rivals, the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux – two of Australia’s most popular models – would be available in a range of body styles and drivetrains.
While a battery electric (EV) version is expected to arrive around 12 months after launch in 2026, the Tasman is expected to be powered by Hyundai Group’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine.
In the Kia Sorento SUV and Fiesta people mover, this engine produces 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque.
However, we expect the tried and proven turbodiesel engine’s output to be increased to at least 150kW/500Nm to compete with Australia’s best-selling pick-up trucks.
Coupled with the seven-year warranty, it should help Kia Australia achieve its target of increasing Tasman sales by 20,000 units a year, which could eventually see it overtake Ford and Mazda as the country’s second most popular car behind Toyota Brands – up from fourth position in 2023.
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