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Kia Tasman pick up set for radical overhaul after reveal of new Weekender Concept

Production Tasman was widely panned, but latest pick-up is a whole lot cooler, with a hint of Ford Ranger Raptor to it

Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis standing next to the Kia Tasman Weekender

The Ford Ranger-rivalling Kia Tasman caused plenty of controversy when it was revealed last year, with some fierce criticism of its unusual looks for a supposedly tough, dual-cab pick-up. 

But Kia’s already on track to right some of those wrongs with the introduction of the Tasman Weekender Concept – an early look at what the Tasman could look like with the right accessories. 

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As a refresher, the Tasman is Kia’s first foray into the fast-growing dual-cab pick-up market – a class currently dominated by the likes of the Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok. Despite these vehicles being large by European standards, buyers have warmed to the idea of a lifestyle-oriented pick-up, which has been reflected by the growing number of high-end variants. 

The Tasman has taken a rather more eccentric approach, with a design that was panned when it was first revealed for being just too unconventional. However, the Weekender Concept previews a revised version, with wider arches, new, chunkier bumpers and larger wheels.

There’s also a collection of modular tie-down points and a separate roof panel integrating LED floodlights, a ski-rack and some lockable storage. In addition, there’s now an aggressive bulged bonnet, exposed towing eyes and a set of chunky off-road tyres. 

Not dissimilar to the charismatic Ford Ranger Raptor in its ethos, the model is still a concept, but has genuine potential for production.

For now, though, Kia’s Tasman offering comprises dual-cab and single-cab layouts with an integrated bed, or an exposed steel tray on the chassis. Engine-wise, there’s both a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine available depending on the market, and both two- and four-wheel drive

Despite being available from the get-go in right-hand drive – largely to satisfy the lucrative Australian market – Kia has no immediate plans to bring the model to the UK or Europe, even though it would compete in one of Britain’s fastest growing segments. 

Tell us which new car you’re interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let’s go…

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Senior staff writer

Senior staff writer at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

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