Kia Tasman: Unveiled Prototype vs. Predictive Art – Spot the Differences

Kia pickup truck Tasman
Finally took off the camouflage
Compared to the predictive rendering

Tasman will be Kia’s second pickup truck after Brisa. This new vehicle, developed primarily for the Australian market, takes its model name from Tasmania Island and the Tasman Strait, located at the southernmost tip of Australia. Contrary to its name, it has been confirmed to be launched in Australia and the South Korean market, raising the expectations of South Korean consumers.

The Tasman prototype vehicle was officially unveiled and has recently become a hot topic. The thick camouflage film was removed, leaving only the uniquely designed camouflage film, virtually ultimately revealing the outline. Many responded that the predictive image resembled the rendered image posted by professional creators. So, we took a closer look to see how well they matched.

Body length: 5.4 m (17.71 feet)
The single cab is also released

The overall silhouette is not much different from what we expected. It features a rugged yet sophisticated exterior, and its large-looking body overwhelms its surroundings at a glance. Kia has not yet mentioned the size specifications of the Tasman, but according to the industry, it has a length of 5,410 mm (17.75 feet), a width of 1,930 mm (6.33 feet), a height of 1,870 mm (6.14 feet), and a wheelbase of 3,270 mm (10.73 feet).

The wheels and tires that fill the large wheelhouse imply that the new car was designed for full-scale off-road driving. The prototype unveiled this time is a double cab, and Kia is also developing a single-cab model with only one row. Various options are expected based on the two body shapes, such as 2-seater, 3-seater, 5-seater, and 6-seater.

Although the synchronization is not perfect
Commonalities found everywhere

There are quite a few differences between the predictive image and the actual vehicle, but there are also many things in common. Compared to the New York Mammoth’s predictive image, the front wheelhouse cladding, integrated headlamp, and bonnet parting line reminiscent of a tiger nose attract attention. Vertical fins inside the grill that protrude forward and exposed tow hooks in the front bumper are also standard features.

However, the vertical headlamp details, which seem to be inspired by Telluride, are distinguishable. Kia’s unique Star Map Signature Lighting was applied to the daytime running lights, but it is simpler than the predictive image. Unlike new vehicles with sharp hook-shaped ends, they are finished relatively bluntly, giving both a rugged look and a future-oriented sensibility.

Unpopular Design Not Applied
Full Reveal Expected by Year-End

Creator Studio (stuDio), which specializes in predictive images for new vehicles in South Korea, also expected a similar atmosphere at the front end. Many elements, such as the shape of the front bumper and the outline of the headlamps, are similar, but a major difference can be found in the grille. The Tasman in the predictive image has a two-layer grille from the edge to the inside. Netizens’ reactions to this were mainly concerned, but fortunately, the design was not applied to actual vehicles.

In addition, in the case of the actual vehicle, additional vents are provided in the front bumper below the main grille. A front camera is applied to the upper center of the area, giving part of the surround view screen. Netizens focus on what the rear and interior will look like. Kia is expected to officially unveil the Tasman as early as the end of 2024 and begin mass production and sales in February 2025.