Kia will launch four versions of its double-cab Tasman ute in New Zealand later this year, the entry-level model priced at $52,690 and the range-topper at $79,690.
The four will be followed later by a full range of Tasman variants, including two-door and four-door cab and chassis options.
“There will be a Tasman model to suit almost all requirements,” said Kia NZ managing director Todd McDonald. The total number of models is likely to number 10 – the same as Kia offers in Australia.
The NZ line-up amounts to a head-on assault on the competitive one-tonne market by Kia. It not only has to confront established nameplates like Ranger, Hilux, Triton, Navarra, D-Max, Amarok, but a number of newish Chinese offerings.
Expect Kia to chart in a support role to Tasman its growth in New Zealand over the past 10 or so years, where it has gradually eaten into the numbers of what were once go-to models from the likes of Japan’s Nissan, Mazda, Honda.
Last year Kia finished fourth with 8683 sales, behind No. 1 Toyota, No.2 Ford, No.3 Mitsubishi. Kia sold twice as many vehicles as Nissan (4333) and more than twice as many as Mazda (3886) and Honda (3176) combined. It also sold more than twice as many as its South Korean parent Hyundai (4078).
Launching with the full-time four-wheel-drive wellside double-cab is a given for Kia in a market dominated by the two-row configuration.
It’s “a style which is incredibly popular amongst Kiwi ute buyers thanks to its all-round functionality and versatility, whether it’s loaded up for work on the farm or for a weekend getaway,” said McDonald.
Under the bonnet of Tasman is a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel developing 154kW/440Nm and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. All variants get drive modes to suit different surfaces, low range gearing and a rear diff lock.
Suspension across the range is double wishbones up front and a rigid rear axle with leaf springs at the rear. Wading depth is 800mm, braked towing 3.5 tonne, payload upwards of 1000kg.
Significantly, Kia says Tasman offers best-in-segment second-row roominess for head and shoulder room. First in the Tasman line-up is the TX, at $52,690. Next up are models offering more equipment, the TXR at $58,690 followed by TXS at $62,690.
The premium examples are the X-Line at $69,690 and X-Pro at $79,690. Both have rear seats that adjust for rake and reach. X-Pro has a little more ground clearance than the others and is armed more for off-road adventures.
Kia is confident that Tasman is robust and ready for whatever is thrown at it. “It has been subject to tens of thousands of kilometres across a variety of terrain and environments,” said McDonald.