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New Configuration of the Kia Tasman Is Being Speculated and Promises to Directly Rival Models Like Toyota SW4 and Mitsubishi Pajero.
The Kia Tasman, recently presented as the brand’s new bet in the global midsize pickup market, may soon gain an SUV variation. Although there is no official confirmation, rumors indicate that a “closed” version is in the plans of dealers around the world, targeting competitors like the Toyota SW4.
An SUV to Expand Global Presence
The idea of transforming the Kia Tasman into an SUV is technically feasible and meets a significant demand. The platform used in the pickup, with a ladder-frame chassis, would be reused, ensuring robustness and durability.
However, to adapt to the SUV segment, the leaf springs would be replaced with coil springs, a solution widely used by competitors like Toyota SW4 and Mitsubishi Pajero.
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Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
Rumors indicate that the engine options for the Kia Tasman would be maintained in the SUV, including the 2.2 turbodiesel with 210 hp and 45 kgfm of torque, in addition to the 2.5 turbo gasoline engine with 281 hp and 43 kgfm.
The transmission would also follow the pickup’s line, with manual versions of 6 gears and automatic versions of 8 speeds, always accompanied by 4×4 traction and optimized driving modes.
Appearance and Comfort of the Possible Kia Tasman SUV: What to Expect?
The projection published by the Russian site Kolesa shows what the possible Kia Tasman SUV could look like. The design would maintain the striking lines of the pickup, with changes to the rear to accommodate the new style.
Internally, the digital dashboard with 12.3-inch screens and the Harman Kardon sound system would be retained, offering technology and comfort.
Furthermore, the new configuration would provide more space for rear seat passengers, a key feature for consumers seeking a robust and versatile SUV.
Tight Competition
The entry of the Kia Tasman into the SUV segment would represent a direct challenge to established models such as the Toyota SW4 and Mitsubishi Pajero. Although Kia has a broad line of SUVs, the brand still lacks a model with a robust chassis to tackle this specific niche.
The Mohave, which has played this role for years, is being phased out, leaving space for a worthy successor. An SUV derived from the Tasman could fill this gap, especially in markets like Latin America, Oceania, Asia, and the Middle East, where the demand for SUVs remains strong.
If confirmed, the Kia Tasman SUV has everything to be a surefire bet, combining the robustness of the pickup with the comfort and versatility of an SUV.
With powerful engines, striking design, and a market eager for novelties, the model could compete on equal footing with the Toyota SW4, further solidifying Kia’s presence in the segment.
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