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Kia unveils its first ute in New Zealand - the Kia Tasman.
Just when you thought there wasn’t enough choices for a ute, Kia New Zealand has announced pricing for one of the most eagerly anticipated new model launches of 2025.
The marque’s first ute, the Kia Tasman, is scheduled to go on sale around the country in the coming months.
“Reaction to the Kia Tasman has been nothing short of phenomenal, it’s a statement making machine which combines rugged aesthetics with an impressive powertrain and functionality that can be counted on to get the job done,” said managing director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.
“Tasman will launch with the double- cab well-side variant, a style which is proving to be popular amongst Kiwi buyers, whether it’s loaded up for work on the farm or the family as a weekend getaway.”
Early details speak to a custom tuned 2.2-litre diesel engine, producing 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque. In turn, this is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Overseas testing of the new has been extensive and rigorous, to deliver standard features such as an 800mm wading depth, a locking differential and low-range gearing, across all models in the line-up, whilst the flagship X-Pro delivers ground clearance of up to 252mm.
“Driver-interaction features of the cabin such as buttons, switchgear and componentry have also been subject to rigorous testing, alongside its allround interior practicality, especially from a packaging perspective.
“Tasman offers best-in-segment second-row roominess when measures such as second-row headroom and second-row shoulder room are considered, which is further enhanced in the case of X-Line and X-Pro as they feature a sliding and reclining second-row seats,” said McDonald.
Enhancements to the ownership package include the 5-year Kia Connect service, complemented with fully fledged over-the-air updates, all of which contribute to improved safety and implementation of future advancements in features and easy-to-operate user interface.
Additional new model information and specification details relating to the Kia Tasman will be released in coming weeks. Pricing ranges from $52,690 for the TX 4WD to $79,690 for the X-Pro 4WD-all with ORC, with five variants in total.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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