What on earth is going on at Kia? We’re not simply speaking concerning the wild graphics package deal/camo on the brand new Kia Tasman pickup truck prototype, however about a whole lot of what’s going on on this teaser video. A teaser advert that has us unhappy, as a result of it may be the one time the Tasman is ever truly pushed in California.
The Kia Tasman is Kia’s Ute. A pickup truck designed for the remainder of the world that may compete with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi L200. These are severe rivals, which signifies that Kia wants to verify it’s as much as the problem.
Tasman Involves America
The place do you are taking your truck if you wish to present it could actually deal with severe off-roading in essentially the most distant components of the world? To California, in fact. Kia introduced the Tasman to Alabama Hills, Calif., the place it may put the truck by its paces.
These paces will embody all-terrain tires and, if we’re to imagine the Kia engineer within the video, 4Lo. Additionally they embody some questionable conduct.
We’ve spoken earlier than about irresponsible off-roading and a reckless regard for public land. That has Kia’s alternative of drifting the Tasman pickup within the desert, rubbing us the fallacious means. Whereas Kia didn’t say the place precisely the entire thing was shot, it’s seemingly on BLM land. Tread frivolously, people.
The Tasman is known as for the ocean off the coast of Australia. Australia is a rustic that’s severe about driving responsibly, with fines that may exceed $28,000 (AUD) and even jail time for doing a skid. Simply saying.
There’s additionally the Tasman’s engine noises. We’re undecided what’s going to energy this pickup, however we’re fairly certain that Kia’s audio/video time doesn’t know both. This advert’s sounds couldn’t probably have been recorded on-scene. Or in sync. Particularly since there’s a near-100% probability that this truck, certain for Africa, the Center East, and Australia, might be diesel-powered.
However Kia’s Pickup Is Not Coming to America
Can we sound a bit salty? Perhaps we’re, however take into account this: We love off-roading, and meaning we love pickups. The truck is having its sturdiness examined in California, however won’t be bought in California.
Kia USA instructed us that “the Tasman is at present not deliberate for the U.S. market.” To be truthful to Kia, this isn’t an enormous shock. Any pickups not inbuilt North America are topic to very hefty tariffs if the corporate desires to promote them right here.
Kia’s U.S. plant in Georgia is at present pumping out the Sorento, Sportage, and Telluride at a fee that’s filling its capability. An growth is already earmarked for EV9 electrical manufacturing, so there’s most likely not room for yet another mannequin. However right here’s the place you’ll find out extra about Kia’s Tasman pickup.
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