Plug-and-play Kia
First came Kia Motors New Zealand’s launch of the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models in March, and now the company reports strong interest in the all-electric Niro EV recently unveiled in Korea.
Its utilitarian looks make it stand out from the crowd, taking cues from the military vehicles Kia has built since 1973. It invariably draws comment like “looks that only a mother could love”, but in the flesh, that chunky, slab-sided look certainly grows on you.
Built on a ladder chassis and measuring 5.4m long by 1.9m wide, the Tasman lines up with its rivals from Ford and Toyota, offering a payload of 1025kg and a braked towing capacity that meets the industry standard of 3500kg.
Offered in five grades, the TX, TXR, TXS, X-Line and X-Pro are all configured with selectable 4WD with double-cab and well side layout, with single and double cab chassis option available later this year and early 2026.
Power in all models is delivered by a 4-cylinder, 2.2-litre turbodiesel, producing 154kW and 440Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
While the exterior looks might induce a Vegemite moment - you’ll love it or hate it - the interior will quickly be the benchmark that the rest of the industry will aspire to, with a combination of highquality materials, excellent fit and finish and well thought out layouts. Dual 12.3- inch screens - one for instrumentation and one for infotainment - also sees shortcut buttons for media and climate control.
Depending on the model, the front seats are cloth or faux leather, with the higher grades getting ventilation or heating, while the roomy rear space offers slide and recline for its occupants, alongside flip-up seats that reveal a large floor area for tools or supplies, with hidden storage cubbies under the base.
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All models get LED lights, a trailer brake control system and terrain selection modes for mud, snow, sand and rocks. Higher grades get surround view cameras, alongside electro-mechanical rear diff locks, underbody protection, ground view cameras and enhanced off-road software.
Our short test in the hills east of Otaki consisted of muddy trails, rock-strewn ascents and descents, deep water-filled holes and multiple blind crests and tight turns. The Tasman certainly inspired confidence in its offroad abilities, with the X-Pro on test offering the choice of 2WD High/4WD High/4WD Auto and 4WD Low settings. Of particular interest, the X-Trac System – in effect an off-road cruise control feature – manages throttle and brake functions at speeds of up to 6km/h. In practice, once set, it meant the ute tackled the toughest inclines and difficult ground conditions with no need for any manual throttle input.
Depending on the grade, look out for the likes monitoring of tyre pressure and pitch & roll, parking sensors and an extensive range of around 150 New Zealand designed and manufactured accessories including snorkels (standard wading depth is 800mm), load bay securing systems and side steps.
Rural News looks forward to extended drive time in this serious market challenger in the coming weeks, so watch this space; rival manufacturers certainly will be!
