Kia Tasman Design fix: Design boss responds to Tasman criticism

In the wake of at-times intense criticism of the exterior construct of the Kia Tasman ute, the logo has on the current time revealed a drivable prototype of a widebody Tasman that seriously addresses key complaints.

Chasing Cars has been up end and non-public with the Tasman Weekender theory that runs on better wheels and a wider observe than the routine automobile but uses linked working equipment including the 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine making 154kW/441Nm.

When requested about whether the Weekender’s styling cues are destined for manufacturing as a repair to the Tasman’s styling, head of Kia global construct Karim Habib told Chasing Cars that Kia “has to be versatile, has to learn and realize (market suggestions).”

“Now we have played with the assumption of body color(ed fenders). It’s something we can impact in some unspecified time in the future in diverse systems, in diverse shapes and kinds.”

Physique-colored fenders, headlight safety and wider observe

The sand beige Tasman Weekender modified into as soon as revealed quietly on the sidelines of this week’s 2025 Seoul Mobility Recent—an tournament at which Kia modified into as soon as great extra smitten by discussing its fresh PV5 electric van, which has previously been shown in rugged Weekender trim.

Just like the PV5, the Tasman Weekender has lime green visual highlights. Its extended flares take a seat within the aid of a cutaway entrance bar whereas a winch sits within the aid of the entrance number plate. A big storage field sits within the tray whereas snow sports equipment is mounted to the roof.

We already know that Kia will supply body-colored fenders in Australia—but how in regards to the Tasman Weekender’s widebody and wider observe, most definitely in a Raptor rival?

“Perhaps that will attain,” mentioned Habib. “If (Australia) presentations obvious hobby, that is something we are able to imagine … when that it is most likely you need to those wider tracks, these bigger wheels—trucks stay from that wheel-to-body proportion. It’s if truth be told, if truth be told crucial.”

And would a Tasman Raptor rival need an even bigger engine than the 2.2-litre diesel? “I am a clothier, so I would prefer that very great!”

Kia construct boss hits aid on the haters

While Habib acknowledged buyer suggestions from Australia, which has tended to be forthright, Kia’s global construct boss mounted a clear defence of the manufacturing Tasman’s irregular styling.

“The decide-up market is a in point of fact exact market and it is obviously very extinct for obvious producers. For (Kia) to impact an entry of price we felt we had to present something diverse and that is what we tried to impact. We tried to impact something in accordance to our principles … I contemplate that’s what the Tasman is,” Habib told Chasing Cars.

How does global Kia construct boss Habib feel in regards to the ‘haters’ who’ve been scathing on-line about Kia’s fresh ute—after the construct crew achieve this great effort in?

“I am no longer an aim particular person. My perception is that the suggestions has been polarising. To me, that is diverse. That implies there might be highly a variety of negative suggestions but there might be highly a variety of obvious suggestions. The gross sales (of Tasman) in Korea have been reasonably obvious.

“Our procedure modified into as soon as to create something that isn’t any longer love what’s available. Whilst you happen to impact something love that, it is most likely you’ll well most definitely have to settle for there are issues that (shall be) properly permitted and obvious issues no longer. It’s something we’re attentive to. Yes, (Tasman) does no longer please every person. We don’t do a query to to be leaders within the (decide-up) market upright away.”