KIA TASMAN UTE PREVIEWED IN AUSSIE WRAP

The Kia Tasman ute has been wrapped in a special camouflage by artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop, with the theme named ‘The Path Never Taken’.

Kia has partnered with a 'Tasman' artist to create a unique camouflage wrap, previewing the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux rival ahead of its 2025 launch. Along with pictures of the model in its Australian-flavoured wrap, a video has also been released to whet the appetite of buyers looking to jump into the Korean carmaker's first dual-cab ute.

The camouflage wrap is the creation of artist Richard Boyd-Dunlop, who hails from the other side of the Tasman Sea, in New Zealand. Kia claims that the graphics on the wrap translate 'the untamed beauty of Australia’s diverse landscapes, the unique graphics visualise a journey of inspiration encountered while driving along the coast and across the outback' onto the Tasman. Boyd-Dunlop’s work here is directly inspired by his own trip around Australia.

This design resonates as it evokes my own personal experiences travelling across Australia and the encounters that I had,” said Boyd-Dunlop. “These experiences are influential to my work, and the Tasman enabled me to create a continuation of this, depicting the connection, joy, and sheer sense of adventure that is inherent to Australian culture.”

Kia has already confirmed that its upcoming ute will be called the Tasman, attempting to forge a strong name that will arrive into a hotly contested segment in Australia. Current top-tier competitors include the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and new Mitsubishi Triton.

To be capable of making any sort of dent into the market, the Kia Tasman will need to have expected capabilities such as a diesel turbo engine with around 150kW and 500Nm, 3500kg braked towing capacity, 1000kg payload, low range 4x4, and, if fleet sales are in sight, all the relevant safety systems to score a five-star ANCAP rating. We would also expect Kia to equip a barrage of interior and connected technology available from its other models, although stand-out features like full-time 4x4 and a V6 diesel turbo with even more grunt are not as likely.

Scheduled for debut in 2025, key markets for the model include Australia, Korea, Africa, and the Middle East.

2024-04-23T01:32:27Z dg43tfdfdgfd