Visiting the Kia showroom in Glenmarie for the Kia Ownership Experience event today, we spotted a Tasman uncovered and plonked on a turntable, deep within the building. No, we were not expecting the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger rival (of all things) to show up here, either. Now, before we send you into a tizzy at the thought of the Korean pick-up coming to Malaysia, we should point out that the place also doubles as Kia’s Asia-Pacific headquarters, so it’s normal to see cars not meant for our market coming to this facility for regional dealer training events. However, the fact that the doors were fully open (with the spotlights turned on, no less) during a media event – and that we were not barred from taking photos and posting them for all to see – rather suggests that something is afoot here. Unveiled in October 2024, the Tasman is the Hyundai Motor Group’s first entry into the one-tonne, body-on-frame pick-up segment, distancing itself from the unibody Hyundai Santa Cruz. As per its competitors, it is available in single- and double-cab (like this one) versions and possesses a payload of over 1,000 kg, a towing capacity of 3,500 kg and a tow ball mass rating of 350 kg. All Tasman models have a maximum water wading depth of 800 mm at speeds of up to 7 km/h, thanks to an air intake mounted inside the front fender. Engine options include the 210 PS/440 Nm Smartstream D 2.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel from the Carnival and a 281 PS/421 Nm Smartstream G 2.5 litre turbo petrol mill from the Santa Cruz, both mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A six-speed manual is also offered on the diesel, and as is typical for the segment, the Tasman can be had with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The truck rides on the usual double wishbone front suspension and solid rear axle, but with frequency-selective dampers and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology to minimise vibration and improve body control and comfort. For a more rugged look, buyers can opt for the X-Line and X-Pro variants, with the latter adding an additional Rock off-road mode (adding to the usual Sand/Desert, Mud or Snow settings), all-terrain tyres, a 28 mm lift kit, an electronic rear locking differential and X-Trek off-road cruise control. The looks are certainly distinctive, with small outboard head- and taillights, a massive front Tiger Face grille, a chiselled body design and fender “pontoons” above the wheel arches. Kia claims double-bed models feature segment-leading cargo capacity of 1,173 litres, as well as built-in bed illumination, a sliding cargo floor to ease loading and unloading and a 240- or 220-volt power outlet. Inside, the Tasman feels a step up from the segment norm, with plenty of soft-touch plastics and a modern dashboard design with honeycomb-grille air vents and chunky toggle switches for things like the air con. The widescreen panel houses twin 12.3-inch displays for the instrumentation and infotainment, split by a five-inch multi-function screen for the climate controls – similar to what you’ll find in the EV9. You can even get an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Elsewhere, the broad centre console houses twin Qi wireless chargers and a large folding table, as well as a neat diagram of the Tasman’s dimensions. The heated rear seats can be folded down or up, the latter to reveal a hidden storage compartment. There are also rear air vents, unique zip-up seat back pockets and a centre armrest with built-in cupholders and a phone holder. Driver assists are aplenty and include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality. The big question is this – if Kia Sales Malaysia (KSM) wasn’t shy about displaying the Tasman today, could the truck really be coming to Malaysia? Company officials wouldn’t say for certain, but as ever its suitability for our market hinges on pricing. It’s understood that higher-end models of the Ford Ranger – such as the Wildtrak (which starts at RM171,888) and Platinum (RM192,888) – are the target rivals here. One ace in the Tasman’s hole is the availability of a (relatively) small turbo petrol engine, making it unique in a segment dominated by diesel trucks – sales of which are currently struggling with the high price of the fuel. Such a mill would be a good alternative for pick-up buyers who are used to torquey oil burners but are unable to stomach the high fuel prices, although the 2.5 litre petrol engine is pretty thirsty with an efficiency figure of just 8.0 km per litre. In any case, KSM has also not shied away from selling diesel vehicles in the current challenging climate – see the Carnival. Where the Tasman is currently built could pose a hurdle. It’s made in Korea, and according to the ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI), commercial vehicles sold in Malaysia have to be CKD locally assembled. Then again, the company does assemble its cars locally, so who knows? Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro. Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!
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