Tasman starts at $52,690
Kiwi pricing for Kia’s debut ute has been announced along with confirmation that the Tasman will be in showrooms during the third quarter of this year.
The news comes two weeks after the model had its first down-under public appearance at Melbourne Motor Show.
The four-wheel-drive Tasman TX will start from $52,690, plus on-road costs, in this country.
Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia NZ, says: “Reaction to the Tasman has been phenomenal. It’s a statement-making machine which combines rugged aesthetics with an impressive powertrain and functionality that can be counted on to get the job done.
“We will be launching with the double-cab wellside variant, a style that’s popular among Kiwi ute buyers thanks to its all-round functionality and versatility, whether it’s loaded up for work on the farm or a weekend getaway.
“This will be the first of a number of new variants we will introduce over coming months, meaning there will be a Tasman to suit almost all requirements.
“At its heart is a custom-tuned 2.2-litre diesel engine, which is capable of producing 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission honed and tuned for the Tasman, delivering power and efficiency.”
McDonald says further highlights of the Tasman include its off-road capability, all-round durability and practicality.
He adds: “It offers 800mm wading depth across all models, a standardised locking differential is a feature on all variants as is low-range gearing while the top-of-the-line X-Pro delivers ground clearance of up to 252mm.
“The Tasman has undergone extensive durability testing from a performance and longevity perspective. It has been subject to tens of thousands of kilometres across a variety of terrain and environments.
“Driver-interaction features of the cabin, such as buttons, switchgear and componentry, have also been subject to rigorous testing. Kia is confident the Tasman is robust and ready for action, inside and out.
“This also applies to its all-round interior practicality. It offers best-in-segment second-row roominess when measures such as second-row headroom and second-row shoulder room are considered. This is further enhanced in the X-Line and X-Pro as they feature a sliding and reclining second-row seat.
“The Tasman features car-like interior fit, finish and appointment. This ute is a no-compromise experience and one which can be enjoyed by the driver and all passengers.”
Further enhancements relating to the overall user experience is the availability of five-year Kia Connect service, complemented with over-the-air updates, which contribute to improved safety and implementation of future advancements in features and easy-to-operate user interface.
Extra information and specification details will be released in coming weeks. The TXR 4WD is $58,690 and the TXS 4WD $62,690. The X-Line 4WD and X-Pro 4WD complete the range from $69,690 and $79,690 respectively.
