While we didn’t test the Tasman’s off-road credentials in this short taster drive we did drive it on the road. Kia is talking up SUV levels of ride comfort in the Tasman thanks to the likes of urethane bump stops and frequency-sensitive valves in the shock absorbers. While generally good and, with plenty of wheel travel in particular and more sophistication than most rivals, it can’t ever fully cheat the body-on-frame construction so to call it car-like is pushing things slightly.
Otherwise it steers like a modern pick-up and handles like one, too, which means you have to respect its size and speed of response. Even so, it doesn’t require anywhere near as much adjustment from a car than in days past. One corner and you’ll have worked out that it’s nowhere near as intimidating to drive as you’d think.
The best bit about the Tasman, which is initially offered in dual cab form with a single cab to come, is the interior. Here you really could be in a top-end SUV. The material quality is superb, and while there are familiar parts from Kia’s road cars like the dual screen display, there are plenty of Tasman-specific features that really give it its own character.
These include sturdy grab handles in all the right places, some of the best interior door handles you’ll ever use (they feel very expensive but oh-so robust) and clever little usability touches like the Tasman’s dimension and key off road stats displayed on a graphic on the centre console. Great seat comfort, too. The only real concern would be getting it dirty and covered in sand.
Kia is a company exuding confidence at the moment, and again it shows in the Tasman. It is not another me too pick-up truck, rather an interesting addition to the segment in its own right. Given it’s already being made in right-hand drive for Australia, it’s a shame that the Tasman won’t be offered here.
Trim Kia Tasman X-ProPrice $74,990 AUD (£36,000) Engine 2497cc, four-cylinder, petrol, turbocharged Power 277bhp at 5800rpmTorque 311lb ft at 1700-4000rpmGearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 2237kg0-62mph 8.5sec Top speed 115mphRivals Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux