Redesigned Kia Tasman breaks cover

The Kia Tasman copped more online abuse than just about any vehicle in recent memory – even before it went on sale. Now, it’s toughened up, with Kia’s Special Vehicles Division revealing military-spec examples that could debut the first facelift for the Tasman.

Kia’s Special Vehicle Division might have just revealed the first facelift for the controversially styled Tasman ute.

Nicknamed ‘Sid from Ice Age’ by online critics, the Tasman has been mocked online for its quirky exterior design and wide-set headlights reminiscent of the cartoon sloth.

The relentless commentary around its styling has taken away from what is, in fact, a very competent ute for the South Korean brand’s first serious attempt into the popular pick-up truck segment.

With sale targets of 20,000 units annually, Kia can’t afford to ignore public feedback. If these beefed-up Tasman utes are anything to go by, the brand is listening. The catch? They’re just digital renders for now, with no official confirmation of a redesign.

The computer-generated images reveal a ‘Military Command Vehicle’ painted in a classic camo print and fitted with a module on the back. Considering the size of the refreshed design, it looks big enough for four soldiers or perhaps some firepower and ammunition.

A ‘Military Version Pickup truck’ is also shown, with a black bull bar and a slick matte green paint job.

Some of the specialised features listed for the heavy-duty defence models include: a steel bumper, snorkel, black-out lighting, a troop seat, electronic rear locking differential, electric power supply for additional equipment, and a ‘walk-through van’ option.

Most interesting are the front-end designs on both models, featuring larger headlights, a fresh grille, redesigned fender flares and what appears to be a reworked bonnet – which features the same turbocharged 2.2-litre diesel engine powering the Tasman locally. 

On the same website, Kia has listed a range of other uses for the Tasman – along with more digital renders based on the current Tasman – including a snowplough truck, armoured vehicle, police car, safari vehicle, ambulance, and more.

According to Kia’s Special Vehicle website, the Tasman has undergone “an intensive testing and durability program” and is “ready for the military market”. Given Kia’s five-decade long history of supplying military vehicles and materials to Korea and beyond, the military-spec Tasman appears ready for battle.

As for an upcoming facelift – we’ll wait with bated breath.

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