Latest news with #X-Line
NZ Autocar
5 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Kia Tasman first drive: Ready for the rough stuff?
Kia has finally entered the ute game. And not with a half-baked attempt, either. The Tasman – built on a ladder-frame chassis, armed with a torquey diesel, and styled to stand out – arrives in New Zealand as a genuine contender in a fiercely competitive segment. We travelled to Korea to drive the Tasman in preproduction form, and also got early seat time with a local-spec diesel prototype on New Zealand roads. The verdict? There's a lot to like already, and even more to look forward to once local tuning is finalised. Bold Looks, Real Utility Let's start with what you can't miss: the styling. The Tasman's looks have been a topic of debate online, but in person, the design comes together better than expected. There's a distinctive upright nose with vertical LED lamps that wrap around the corners. Some have raised concerns about their placement in off-road scenarios, but they're recessed behind a chunky black bumper that looks ready to take a knock. High sides, squared-off cab lines, and chunky black body cladding give the Tasman a tough, purposeful look – especially in the darker shades. The X-Pro variant, in particular, turns heads with its all-terrain tyres and rugged exterior touches. Around the back, there's a deep-lined tray with factory tie-downs, integrated step corners, and an in-tray 220V power outlet delivering 200W. That's enough to charge tools but not quite enough to run heavy gear like an EV's V2L system. One clever addition: a small lockable storage cubby behind the right-hand rear wheel arch – perfect for muddy boots or a tow strap. The tray itself is competitive in size and function. In the TX, TXR, and TXS variants, the tray measures 1573mm long, 1600mm wide, and 543mm deep, offering a volume of 1212L. In the X-Line and X-Pro, the tray is slightly shorter and narrower at 1512mm long and 1157mm wide, with a volume of 1173L. All variants feature multiple tie-down points, including in-tray rails and corner hooks, providing flexibility for securing loads. Big on Practicality Size-wise, the Tasman is a full-size ute. Measuring 5.4 metres long and nearly 1.9 metres wide, it goes toe-to-toe with segment staples like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Payload capacity peaks at just over 1,025kg, while all variants offer a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. Kia's accessory range is also extensive, with options including snorkels, electric roller covers, roof racks, and load slides. No doubt the aftermarket will be jumping in too. You can tell thought has been put in for add ons, for example the roof rails have been rated for a hefty 100kg. A Proper Cabin, Finally Step inside, and this is where Kia sets a new benchmark for the segment. The Tasman's interior doesn't feel like it belongs in a workhorse. Instead, it borrows heavily from Kia's SUV playbook, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. For those – like me – that thought the BYD Shark was a step forward for ute interiors, be prepared to be shocked. This is, without question, the best interior in the ute segment. It's not even close. The materials, layout, screen integration, and features are more akin to a luxury SUV than a light commercial vehicle. Like other Kias, the panoramic display houses dual 12.3-inch screens: one for the instrument cluster, the other for infotainment. Kia's interface is responsive, and physical shortcut buttons remain below for climate and media functions – a relief in today's touch-heavy world. Seat materials and finishes vary by grade. Lower trims get cloth or composite leather, while the upper variants go all-in with ventilated and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, premium Harman Kardon audio, and even a sunroof. Perhaps the most surprising feature? Sliding and reclining rear seats in the X-Line and X-Pro – a first in the segment. These seats tilt back via a clever mechanism that moves the base forward, increasing comfort without sacrificing cabin space. It's a small but meaningful touch, especially for families using the rear row on longer trips. Rear-seat flexibility is also excellent. The base cushions flip up and lock in place, freeing up a huge floor space for tools, gear, or groceries. Hidden trays under the seat bases keep smaller items stowed away neatly. Powertrain and Pricing All New Zealand-bound Tasmans are powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel making 154kW and 440Nm. It's paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission that's been recalibrated specifically for ute duty. The transmission is one of the Tasman's strengths, providing crisp, intelligent shifts in a range of driving scenarios. There are five trim levels, all with 4WD and a double cab bodystyle at launch: Model Price (NZD, +ORC) TX 4WD $52,690 TXR 4WD $58,690 TXS 4WD $62,690 X-Line 4WD $69,690 X-Pro 4WD $79,690 A single cab chassis and a double cab chassis variant will join the lineup in early 2026. For now, all five models land in Q3 2025 with comprehensive spec lists. Even base models get LED headlights, a trailer brake controller, and terrain mode selection. From the TXR up, you gain extras like 18-inch alloys, dual 240V outlets, mood lighting, and wireless phone charging. The TXS and above bring a surround view monitor, heated seats, second-row slide and recline, and upgraded upholstery. X-Line and X-Pro models add an electromechanical rear diff lock, underbody protection, and enhanced off-road software, including a ground view camera. Kia Connect – the brand's remote services and OTA update system – is included free for five years across the range. On the Road (and Off It) In Korea, we tested the petrol model with 206kW and 422Nm – a powertrain not destined for New Zealand. That engine felt strong and refined, but even more impressive was how well the eight-speed handled the delivery. There's little lag, and the gearbox stays in the sweet spot without hunting unnecessarily. Ride quality on Korea's smooth highways was polished, quiet, and controlled – a promising preview, though not the whole story. On New Zealand roads, we sampled the diesel in preproduction form. That same eight-speed transmission remains a highlight, working well to deliver mid-range torque and clean shifts. Kia has done a good job isolating diesel noise and vibration too – it never clatters, and the cabin remains calm under acceleration. However, the unladen ride on local highways felt less composed than in Korea. Like many leaf-sprung utes, the Tasman can feel jittery at the rear when running empty. Kia is aware of this and has confirmed a specific Australasian ride and handling tune is underway ahead of launch. If it lands right, the Tasman could seriously challenge the benchmark set by the Ranger and Amarok. Steering is light and consistent but not overly communicative. Kia has done well to isolate road shock, though that comes at the expense of some road feel. Still, for most ute buyers, comfort and predictability outweigh pure feedback. Serious Off-Road Credentials Off-road, the Tasman impressed. Ground clearance, wading depth, and traction systems are all up to spec. A rotary dial lets you toggle between 2H, 4H, 4A, and 4L – giving you full control over the drivetrain. Kia's off-road interface includes tyre pressure, pitch and roll monitoring, and a front-facing camera under the vehicle. There's also a terrain mode selector for snow, mud, sand, and rock – depending on your 4WD setting. One standout feature is the 'X-Track' low-speed off-road cruise control system. It manages throttle and braking automatically at speeds up to 6km/h, allowing drivers to focus solely on steering. We tested X-Track on a prepared off-road course in Korea, where it performed confidently – and it's the sort of feature that should shine in serious low-speed crawling back home. Fully prepared Kia might be late to the ute party, but they've shown up fully prepared. The Tasman brings fresh thinking to a well-trodden segment, combining genuine off-road ability with modern cabin comfort and standout tech. Yes, the styling is divisive, and the unladen ride on local roads needs refining – but both are solvable. Once local suspension tuning is complete, the Tasman has every chance of sitting among the segment leaders.
Mint
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Is Kia working on Seltos EV? Spy shots hint at a radical dual-fascia design: What all to expect
Kia appears to be readying the next-generation Seltos for an electric overhaul, with fresh spy images pointing towards the development of a battery electric version of the popular SUV. This move would see the Seltos follow a path similar to that of its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Creta, which is already slated for an all-electric debut. Though the carmaker has yet to officially confirm the development, camouflaged test mules suggest Kia is working on at least two variants of the 2026 Seltos—both featuring distinctly different front-end designs. Notably, each prototype could sport a front-mounted charging port, a strong indicator that at least one is a fully electric model. According to an HT Auto report, the biggest talking point from the spy shots is Kia's adoption of a dual-front-fascia design strategy. Unlike the current X-Line trims, where styling differences are purely aesthetic, these test vehicles showcase entirely reworked bumpers, grilles, and alloy wheels. It is likely that Kia is creating visual separation between the EV and petrol or hybrid versions of the Seltos. This approach mirrors Hyundai's strategy with the Creta Electric, which uses a distinct design while retaining the overall silhouette of the standard model. One of the test cars could therefore be a pure-electric Seltos, while the other might represent a more performance-oriented hybrid or petrol variant. While Kia has managed to keep the interiors out of sight for now, the EV version is expected to receive cabin updates suited to its electric drivetrain. Likely additions include a steering-column-mounted gear selector, redesigned trim elements, and a more minimalistic dashboard featuring enhanced digital interfaces. Given Kia's reputation for feature-rich interiors, the upcoming Seltos EV is expected to continue this trend, possibly incorporating elements from the brand's existing electric offerings to cater to the growing demand for high-tech, comfortable cabins. If the Seltos EV borrows its underpinnings from the upcoming Creta Electric, it could arrive with either a 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh battery pack, powering a 169 bhp electric motor mounted on the front axle. This configuration is projected to deliver a driving range of up to 473 kilometres (claimed), aligning with what's expected from the Hyundai counterpart. Performance is also anticipated to match, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of around 7.9 seconds. In addition to the electric variant, Kia is expected to offer a hybrid version of the Seltos as well—aimed at rivalling Toyota and Maruti's electrified SUV offerings.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Kia Tasman to get split safety rating
Kia Australia says the new Tasman dual-cab ute's success in the fleet market hinges on a five-star ANCAP safety rating which it expects to achieve, though the entire range isn't expected to be rated by the safety authority. Speaking with CarExpert at the prototype drive of the brand's first dual-cab ute, general manager for product at Kia Australia – Roland Rivero – said the local range will offer two front bumper variations, with the off-road bumper on the X-Line and X-Pro models less effective in pedestrian detection. "[The front bumper of lower grades] is safety related, in that the lower approach angle in effect assists with pedestrian safety, or vulnerable road user detection, and with the high approach angle the X-Line and X-Pro it's not as friendly from a lower leg perspective – so we want to give the Tasman a chance of hitting the five-star mark," Mr Rivero said. "Particularly because it's a non-negotiable for many fleets, we don't want to lose that potential 50 per cent of business if we don't achieve that five-star rating." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. When asked if there will be a split rating for the Tasman similar to how the previous-generation Kia Cerato had a split rating depending on specification, Mr Rivero said the off-road-focused models will likely go unrated instead. "At this point in time, the off-roaders will be unrated, in effect. But you can still take an S, SX or SX+ 4×4 off-road if you wanted to, and get a reasonable approach angle if you change the bar and put a bullbar in its place that will grant you a lot more clearance," Mr Rivero continued "We envisage some of the big fleets will do that – QFleet, Department of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries – they do that, and they need a five-star rating from the get-go. "[Those customers] do a lot of rural driving, and kangaroos can become a problem, so they'll put the bull bars on. That's how we see the market playing out in that regard, from a bumper perspective." While the top-selling Ford Ranger (excl. Raptor) and Toyota HiLux (excl. GR Sport) feature five-star ANCAP ratings across most of their ranges, they're also subject to older test criteria, whereas the Kia is up against the latest standards. Standard safety equipment includes: Tasman SX adds: Tasman X-Line adds: Kia Australia has yet to confirm the Tasman's airbag count. The Kia Tasman is available for pre-order now, ahead of a first deliveries around July. Prices start from $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S 4×2 dual-cab pickup, climbing to $74,990 for the loaded, off-road focused X-Pro. Read our full price and specs breakdown here. MORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from: Kia Australia says the new Tasman dual-cab ute's success in the fleet market hinges on a five-star ANCAP safety rating which it expects to achieve, though the entire range isn't expected to be rated by the safety authority. Speaking with CarExpert at the prototype drive of the brand's first dual-cab ute, general manager for product at Kia Australia – Roland Rivero – said the local range will offer two front bumper variations, with the off-road bumper on the X-Line and X-Pro models less effective in pedestrian detection. "[The front bumper of lower grades] is safety related, in that the lower approach angle in effect assists with pedestrian safety, or vulnerable road user detection, and with the high approach angle the X-Line and X-Pro it's not as friendly from a lower leg perspective – so we want to give the Tasman a chance of hitting the five-star mark," Mr Rivero said. "Particularly because it's a non-negotiable for many fleets, we don't want to lose that potential 50 per cent of business if we don't achieve that five-star rating." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. When asked if there will be a split rating for the Tasman similar to how the previous-generation Kia Cerato had a split rating depending on specification, Mr Rivero said the off-road-focused models will likely go unrated instead. "At this point in time, the off-roaders will be unrated, in effect. But you can still take an S, SX or SX+ 4×4 off-road if you wanted to, and get a reasonable approach angle if you change the bar and put a bullbar in its place that will grant you a lot more clearance," Mr Rivero continued "We envisage some of the big fleets will do that – QFleet, Department of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries – they do that, and they need a five-star rating from the get-go. "[Those customers] do a lot of rural driving, and kangaroos can become a problem, so they'll put the bull bars on. That's how we see the market playing out in that regard, from a bumper perspective." While the top-selling Ford Ranger (excl. Raptor) and Toyota HiLux (excl. GR Sport) feature five-star ANCAP ratings across most of their ranges, they're also subject to older test criteria, whereas the Kia is up against the latest standards. Standard safety equipment includes: Tasman SX adds: Tasman X-Line adds: Kia Australia has yet to confirm the Tasman's airbag count. The Kia Tasman is available for pre-order now, ahead of a first deliveries around July. Prices start from $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S 4×2 dual-cab pickup, climbing to $74,990 for the loaded, off-road focused X-Pro. Read our full price and specs breakdown here. MORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from: Kia Australia says the new Tasman dual-cab ute's success in the fleet market hinges on a five-star ANCAP safety rating which it expects to achieve, though the entire range isn't expected to be rated by the safety authority. Speaking with CarExpert at the prototype drive of the brand's first dual-cab ute, general manager for product at Kia Australia – Roland Rivero – said the local range will offer two front bumper variations, with the off-road bumper on the X-Line and X-Pro models less effective in pedestrian detection. "[The front bumper of lower grades] is safety related, in that the lower approach angle in effect assists with pedestrian safety, or vulnerable road user detection, and with the high approach angle the X-Line and X-Pro it's not as friendly from a lower leg perspective – so we want to give the Tasman a chance of hitting the five-star mark," Mr Rivero said. "Particularly because it's a non-negotiable for many fleets, we don't want to lose that potential 50 per cent of business if we don't achieve that five-star rating." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. When asked if there will be a split rating for the Tasman similar to how the previous-generation Kia Cerato had a split rating depending on specification, Mr Rivero said the off-road-focused models will likely go unrated instead. "At this point in time, the off-roaders will be unrated, in effect. But you can still take an S, SX or SX+ 4×4 off-road if you wanted to, and get a reasonable approach angle if you change the bar and put a bullbar in its place that will grant you a lot more clearance," Mr Rivero continued "We envisage some of the big fleets will do that – QFleet, Department of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries – they do that, and they need a five-star rating from the get-go. "[Those customers] do a lot of rural driving, and kangaroos can become a problem, so they'll put the bull bars on. That's how we see the market playing out in that regard, from a bumper perspective." While the top-selling Ford Ranger (excl. Raptor) and Toyota HiLux (excl. GR Sport) feature five-star ANCAP ratings across most of their ranges, they're also subject to older test criteria, whereas the Kia is up against the latest standards. Standard safety equipment includes: Tasman SX adds: Tasman X-Line adds: Kia Australia has yet to confirm the Tasman's airbag count. The Kia Tasman is available for pre-order now, ahead of a first deliveries around July. Prices start from $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S 4×2 dual-cab pickup, climbing to $74,990 for the loaded, off-road focused X-Pro. Read our full price and specs breakdown here. MORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from: Kia Australia says the new Tasman dual-cab ute's success in the fleet market hinges on a five-star ANCAP safety rating which it expects to achieve, though the entire range isn't expected to be rated by the safety authority. Speaking with CarExpert at the prototype drive of the brand's first dual-cab ute, general manager for product at Kia Australia – Roland Rivero – said the local range will offer two front bumper variations, with the off-road bumper on the X-Line and X-Pro models less effective in pedestrian detection. "[The front bumper of lower grades] is safety related, in that the lower approach angle in effect assists with pedestrian safety, or vulnerable road user detection, and with the high approach angle the X-Line and X-Pro it's not as friendly from a lower leg perspective – so we want to give the Tasman a chance of hitting the five-star mark," Mr Rivero said. "Particularly because it's a non-negotiable for many fleets, we don't want to lose that potential 50 per cent of business if we don't achieve that five-star rating." Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. When asked if there will be a split rating for the Tasman similar to how the previous-generation Kia Cerato had a split rating depending on specification, Mr Rivero said the off-road-focused models will likely go unrated instead. "At this point in time, the off-roaders will be unrated, in effect. But you can still take an S, SX or SX+ 4×4 off-road if you wanted to, and get a reasonable approach angle if you change the bar and put a bullbar in its place that will grant you a lot more clearance," Mr Rivero continued "We envisage some of the big fleets will do that – QFleet, Department of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries – they do that, and they need a five-star rating from the get-go. "[Those customers] do a lot of rural driving, and kangaroos can become a problem, so they'll put the bull bars on. That's how we see the market playing out in that regard, from a bumper perspective." While the top-selling Ford Ranger (excl. Raptor) and Toyota HiLux (excl. GR Sport) feature five-star ANCAP ratings across most of their ranges, they're also subject to older test criteria, whereas the Kia is up against the latest standards. Standard safety equipment includes: Tasman SX adds: Tasman X-Line adds: Kia Australia has yet to confirm the Tasman's airbag count. The Kia Tasman is available for pre-order now, ahead of a first deliveries around July. Prices start from $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S 4×2 dual-cab pickup, climbing to $74,990 for the loaded, off-road focused X-Pro. Read our full price and specs breakdown here. MORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
2025 Kia Tasman to get split safety rating
Kia Australia says the new Tasman dual-cab ute's success in the fleet market hinges on a five-star ANCAP safety rating which it expects to achieve, though the entire range isn't expected to be rated by the safety authority. Speaking with CarExpert at the prototype drive of the brand's first dual-cab ute, general manager for product at Kia Australia – Roland Rivero – said the local range will offer two front bumper variations, with the off-road bumper on the X-Line and X-Pro models less effective in pedestrian detection. '[The front bumper of lower grades] is safety related, in that the lower approach angle in effect assists with pedestrian safety, or vulnerable road user detection, and with the high approach angle the X-Line and X-Pro it's not as friendly from a lower leg perspective – so we want to give the Tasman a chance of hitting the five-star mark,' Mr Rivero said. 'Particularly because it's a non-negotiable for many fleets, we don't want to lose that potential 50 per cent of business if we don't achieve that five-star rating.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . When asked if there will be a split rating for the Tasman similar to how the previous-generation Kia Cerato had a split rating depending on specification, Mr Rivero said the off-road-focused models will likely go unrated instead. 'At this point in time, the off-roaders will be unrated, in effect. But you can still take an S, SX or SX+ 4×4 off-road if you wanted to, and get a reasonable approach angle if you change the bar and put a bullbar in its place that will grant you a lot more clearance,' Mr Rivero continued 'We envisage some of the big fleets will do that – QFleet, Department of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries – they do that, and they need a five-star rating from the get-go. '[Those customers] do a lot of rural driving, and kangaroos can become a problem, so they'll put the bull bars on. That's how we see the market playing out in that regard, from a bumper perspective.' While the top-selling Ford Ranger (excl. Raptor) and Toyota HiLux (excl. GR Sport) feature five-star ANCAP ratings across most of their ranges, they're also subject to older test criteria, whereas the Kia is up against the latest standards. Standard safety equipment includes: Tasman SX adds: Tasman X-Line adds: Kia Australia has yet to confirm the Tasman's airbag count. The Kia Tasman is available for pre-order now, ahead of a first deliveries around July. Prices start from $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S 4×2 dual-cab pickup, climbing to $74,990 for the loaded, off-road focused X-Pro. Read our full price and specs breakdown here . MORE: Everything Kia Tasman
Perth Now
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Kia Tasman to get split safety rating
Kia Australia says the new Tasman dual-cab ute's success in the fleet market hinges on a five-star ANCAP safety rating which it expects to achieve, though the entire range isn't expected to be rated by the safety authority. Speaking with CarExpert at the prototype drive of the brand's first dual-cab ute, general manager for product at Kia Australia – Roland Rivero – said the local range will offer two front bumper variations, with the off-road bumper on the X-Line and X-Pro models less effective in pedestrian detection. '[The front bumper of lower grades] is safety related, in that the lower approach angle in effect assists with pedestrian safety, or vulnerable road user detection, and with the high approach angle the X-Line and X-Pro it's not as friendly from a lower leg perspective – so we want to give the Tasman a chance of hitting the five-star mark,' Mr Rivero said. 'Particularly because it's a non-negotiable for many fleets, we don't want to lose that potential 50 per cent of business if we don't achieve that five-star rating.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Tasman S Credit: CarExpert Tasman X-Pro Credit: CarExpert When asked if there will be a split rating for the Tasman similar to how the previous-generation Kia Cerato had a split rating depending on specification, Mr Rivero said the off-road-focused models will likely go unrated instead. 'At this point in time, the off-roaders will be unrated, in effect. But you can still take an S, SX or SX+ 4×4 off-road if you wanted to, and get a reasonable approach angle if you change the bar and put a bullbar in its place that will grant you a lot more clearance,' Mr Rivero continued 'We envisage some of the big fleets will do that – QFleet, Department of Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries – they do that, and they need a five-star rating from the get-go. '[Those customers] do a lot of rural driving, and kangaroos can become a problem, so they'll put the bull bars on. That's how we see the market playing out in that regard, from a bumper perspective.' While the top-selling Ford Ranger (excl. Raptor) and Toyota HiLux (excl. GR Sport) feature five-star ANCAP ratings across most of their ranges, they're also subject to older test criteria, whereas the Kia is up against the latest standards. X-Pro Prototype with accessories Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Integrated trailer brake controller Lane-centring assist Lane-keep assist Parking sensors – front, rear Reversing camera Trailer sway control Tasman SX adds: Tasman X-Line adds: 360-degree parking cameras Blind Spot View Monitor Parking Collision Avoidance Assist Kia Australia has yet to confirm the Tasman's airbag count. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Kia Tasman is available for pre-order now, ahead of a first deliveries around July. Prices start from $42,990 before on-road costs for the entry-level S 4×2 dual-cab pickup, climbing to $74,990 for the loaded, off-road focused X-Pro. Read our full price and specs breakdown here. MORE: Everything Kia Tasman
