The highly anticipated Kia Tasman ute has been sighted on a car transport vehicle in New South Wales, marking a significant milestone in Kia's entry into the competitive Australian ute market. This exclusive CarExplore.com.au report provides the first glimpse of the vehicle on Australian soil, well ahead of its scheduled mid-2025 launch.
First Look at Kia Tasman on Car Transport Truck in Australia
The spotted Kia Tasman bore the New South Wales license plate "FJM40U", which, when checked through the Service NSW reego check tool, revealed a registration restriction typically associated with prototype or test vehicles. This confirms that the sighted Tasman is likely a pre-production model undergoing final testing and evaluation in Australian conditions.
Australian Development and Testing
The sighting of the Tasman in Australia underscores Kia's commitment to developing the vehicle specifically for the local market. The company has previously stated that Australia would be one of the largest markets for the Tasman, and seeing it on local roads reinforces this focus.
The presence of a prototype on a car transporter suggests that Kia is in the final stages of its testing and validation program for the Australian market. This aligns with previous reports of the Tasman undergoing extensive testing in various global conditions, including the challenging Australian outback.
With the Tasman spotted roughly 7-months before its scheduled launch, it indicates that Kia is on track with its development timeline and preparing for the vehicle's introduction to the market.
Tasman Specifications
While the sighting doesn't reveal specific details about the vehicle, previously reported information suggests the Tasman will feature:
- A 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque
- An eight-speed automatic transmission
- A towing capacity of 3,500kg with a 350kg tow ball mass rating
- Over 1,000kg payload capacity
- Advanced off-road capabilities, including low-range gearing and an automatic rear electronic locking differential
Ramping Up for Launch
This early sighting of the Kia Tasman on Australian roads is a clear indication that Kia is making significant progress in its preparations to enter the competitive ute market. It also suggests that Australian consumers may get a closer look at the vehicle sooner than expected, as Kia ramps up its testing and promotional activities ahead of the 2025 launch.
As anticipation builds for the Kia Tasman's arrival, CarExplore.com.au will continue to provide updates and insights on this groundbreaking new entry in the Australian ute market.
Aize Carter
Dylan Gow
