Kia Tasman Conquers Highway and Path in Twin Take a look at Drive Expertise

• Kia Tasman subjected to over 190 km^[1] of off-road testing within the palms of 25 worldwide journalists
• Kia highlights the intense capabilities of its first pickup truck throughout 9 grueling off-road programs
• Tasman demonstrates best-in-class 800mm fording skill by confidently crossing over 9 km1 of river
• Regardless of its elite off-road efficiency, the Tasman gives SUV-level consolation, together with reclining rear seats and premium infotainment
• Launching in Korea within the first half of 2025, the Tasman is about to reach in Australia, Africa and the Center East later within the yr

Deep within the Korean countryside, removed from paved roads, the Kia Tasman X-Professional revealed its true character. With its rugged body-on-frame building, switchable all-wheel drive (AWD) system, rear digital locking differential (e-LD), subtle suite of off-road help techniques and class-leading 252mm of floor clearance, Kia’s first ever bespoke pickup truck wasn’t designed to remain confined to the asphalt.

To show it, Kia invited 25 journalists from 11 international locations to place the Tasman by means of its paces in two difficult environments: a steep mountain path riddled with harsh undulations, and a technical, purpose-built off-road course that includes 9 grueling obstacles.

The result? A placing demonstration of a automobile as assured off-road as it’s on it.

Chapter One: The place Sea Turns into Sky — Gaining Altitude and Perspective

The journey commenced within the picturesque fishing port of Sokcho, tracing a coastal route the place mountains meet the ocean. It was a serene introduction — an opportunity to understand the Tasman’s calm, composed cruising manners, with its laminated acoustic glass and superior noise extractor expertise delivering a pleasingly hushed inside atmosphere.

However tranquility quickly gave method to sharp climbs and hairpin bends because the convoy turned inland towards the enduring Seoraksan Nationwide Park. With slim sections and extreme gradients unfolding forward, it shortly turned evident to the assembled media that this was no odd take a look at drive.

Drivers had been inspired to interact Sport mode and discover the Tasman’s full efficiency potential — not that they wanted a lot encouragement.

Powered by a stout 281 PS 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automated transmission (badged 2.5T-GDi 8AT 4WD), the colourful convoy conquered the Hangyeryeong mountain cross — one of many tallest in Korea — with ease, arriving on the base of the Bakdalgochi Path simply in time for a spot of lunch. 

Chapter Two: The Summit Path — Power Meets Stillness

With the drivers refueled with cake and occasional it was time to go away the tarmac behind.

Forward lay a slim strip of asphalt that shortly gave method to gravel, rocks and muddy ruts. Drivers had been suggested to pick Mud Terrain mode — optimizing torque distribution — and drop the automated gearbox into four-low through the two-speed Lively Switch Case. This setup ensured most traction throughout the unpredictable terrain, whereas real-time telemetry delivered a reside view of floor circumstances.

Unique to the Tasman, the Off-Highway Web page — accessible through the central 12.3-inch panoramic touchscreen — shows crucial knowledge akin to pitch/roll angle, tire strain and oil temperature in actual time. Informative for the driving force, participating for the passenger, it provides each perception and confidence.

Because the path steepened and grew extra technical, X-Trek Mode got here into play — a low-speed off-road cruise management system that manages each acceleration and braking. Drivers had been free to give attention to steering alone; a welcome characteristic once you’re flanked by a rock face on one facet and a steep drop on the opposite. The smiling faces of the drivers, and the easy advance of the vehicles, made it clear the system was doing its job.

After 73 kilometers of driving and a 740-meter climb from sea degree to the summit of the Bakdalgochi Path, the convoy reached a stepped observatory overlooking the Naerincheon River. The Tasman had shrugged off each impediment in its path.

The reward? Stillness. And sky.

Chapter Three: Off-Highway Park — Engineering by Trial

The ultimate take a look at for the Tasman was much less poetic, extra primal. As soon as the convoy had descended from the Bakdalgochi Path, they had been met with a purpose-built off-road course that includes 9 obstacles designed to push the Tasman to its limits.

Water Crossings showcased the truck’s best-in class 800 mm fording depth. The route started gently with a 500 mm-deep pool crossing, permitting the convoy to construct confidence earlier than descending down a protracted stretch of flowing river; an journey made potential by the rear-mounted air consumption, cleverly positioned contained in the fender and elevated 950 mm above floor to stop water ingress. Publish-crossing drainage pauses had been inbuilt to guard the surroundings.

Moguls and Mud Tracks required the usage of terrain-specific modes and showcased the advantages of the progressive Floor View Monitor. Navigating steep strategy and departure angles (as much as 32.2° and 26.2° levels), journalists used the digicam feeds to put the wheels with surgical precision — important when all you’ll be able to see out the windscreen is sky.

Rock Sections demanded exact torque distribution. Rock Mode as soon as once more got here into play as did the rear digital locking differential (e-LD), the latter making certain each rear wheels turned in unison, delivering most traction even when particular person wheels left the bottom. Which occurred, fairly typically.

Facet Hills, angled at as much as 30 levels, gave journalists the chance to check their bravery and the automobile’s lateral stability. From behind the wheel, the lean may very well be monitored reside by means of the infotainment system’s Off-Highway Web page, whereas exterior, the X-Professional’s AT tires and chassis geometry saved all the pieces grounded.

A ‘Bumpy Course’ with diagonal dips had been a take a look at of the suspension’s articulation and the four-wheel drive system’s skill to place energy to the bottom. The suspension — double wishbone up entrance, inflexible leaf spring on the rear — absorbed hour after hour of unrelenting punishment, proving the Tasman was made to endure the harshest of terrains. 

Hill Climbs and Descents had been tackled with out breaking a sweat. By ceding throttle and brake management to the X-Trek system, drivers had been capable of scale and descend 30-degree gradients in full management — a easy reminder that management is not all the time about doing extra.

‘Yet one more spherical’

The Tasman’s skill to shrug off all the pieces our esteemed journalists threw at it speaks volumes concerning the dedication of Kia’s engineers. It’s the results of 1,777 growth checks, 18,000 analysis cycles, and rigorous discipline validation in environments as diverse as Swedish snow, Center Japanese desert, Australian bush, and North American trails.”

Extra details about the Kia Tasman is accessible right here.

* Features, expertise and claimed figures could differ relying available on the market.