2025 Kia Tasman targets Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger will have a fight on its hand to retain its crown as Australia’s best-driving ute once the Kia Tasman launches in 2025.

That’s the confident forecast from the Kia Australia crew intrinsic to the Tasman’s development.

“We have benchmarked the best in the category, particularly the award-winning and volume-selling Ford Ranger and it [Tasman] will be a competitive package,” Kia Australia product planning chief Roland Rivero told media at last night’s global reveal in Hobart.

“On-road the Tasman is very competitive, off-road capability is even better, amongst the best in the category, if not the best.”

Due on-sale in Australia by mid-2025, the Tasman is Kia’s first ute. It’s also a mechanically orthodox design underpinned by a ladder frame chassis, double wishbone front suspension, a leaf spring/solid axle rear-end.

The drivetrain comprises a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic and a choice of 4x2 and dual-range 4x4 systems.

The initial launch range will comprise two single-cab-chassis variants (one with 4x2), two double-cab-chassis and five dual-cab pick-ups (one with 4x2).

Rivero told the media Kia Australia’s involvement in fundamental Tasman product development had been much more influential than the usual access to tune suspension and steering late in a new vehicle’s development process.

A big reason for that is the strong sales forecast here in the huge ute market. Kia is forecasting a combined 20,000 Tasman private and fleet sales in the first full year on-sale.

“We’ve made countless trips to Namyang, [Kia’s Korean technical centre] the number of Kia engineers we have hosted has been unprecedented,” Rivero said.

“Every step of the way, Kia HQ and R&D have asked for our advice and our opinion. From concept development, to naming, to seat design, towing, wading, durability, vehicle dynamics. The list goes on.

“For this first-generation ute, Kia Australia has acted as a mini-technical centre and we’re pretty proud of our involvement and influence.”

In particular Rivero highlighted the local influence over on- and off-road driving behaviour.

Kia Australia and its long-time dynamics consultant Graeme Gambold were involved in “short-listing” Tasman chassis “hard parts” such as springs, sway bars and bump stops.

These have now been set and fine-tuning for the Australian market specifics is now underway.

“Our feedback and robust yet respectful negotiations have influenced the Tasman’s on-road dynamics,” Rivero said.

“Our initial tuning is looking very promising and up against the dynamic benchmark Ford Ranger the Tasman is competitive.

“Tasman offers excellent ride comfort, capable and confident cornering capability. It is a competent urban dweller and even better on the open road or rough country roads.”

Hinting at the level of negotiation Kia Australia has been involved in, the prototypes on display last night were fitted with dual-spring rear-ends as opposed to the three-leaf set-up destined for production.

There will also be an Australia-specific shock absorber tune and potentially a local steering tune as well.

In addition to the chassis basics, Rivero spruiked the Tasman’s off-road features including ZF Sachs smart frequency dampers, traction control and terrain modes, “substantial” approach and departure angles, a choice of mechanically and electronically locking rear differentials and off-road crawl control called X-Trek.

“The off-road capability of Tasman was a major focus for R&D. As a major USP, the Tasman has been designed to be a very capable off-roader,” Rivero said.

“[It’s been] put through some extreme off-road conditions all around the world across five continents in mud, snow, sand, rocky terrain, extreme climate, deep ruts, steep inclines and descents.”

During his presentation Rivero also confirmed:

- A five star ANCAP is crucial to fleet sales and is being targeted. It will be tested locally mid-2025. Safety equipment will include seven airbags including a centre-side airbag and a suite of driver assists systems.

- A 3500kg braked towing capacity across the range. Kia has developed its own integrated trailer brake controller to go with it. 

- The entire range will be capable of a one-tonne plus payload, although pick-up variants with less than one tonne payload will be available for novated leasing customers. 

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