Kia Tasman SUV Next, With Global Consensus

An SUV based on the forthcoming Kia Tasman ute could become a reality, provided there’s enough support from key markets.

However, senior Kia Australia executives reiterated to CarSauce the company’s commitment to getting the launch of the Kia Tasman right before a wagon version could be considered.

A Tasman wagon would compete directly with other ute-based SUVs, such as the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith confirmed a long-roof Tasman model was certainly a possibility, and it would be on the company’s wish list if it were to become a reality.

But while Kia’s Australian arm has expressed its interest, there would need to be strong consensus from other divisions of Kia – such as the Middle East and South Africa – before production could be given the green light.

“There is nothing concrete regarding it, but there has been talk about it,” Mr Meredith admitted to CarSauce.

“There’s always interest,” he said, adding, “I think [a Tasman SUV] makes sense, doesn’t it?”

It’s understood Kia’s global ute and SUV markets are humming a similar tune – however all of their focus is on “getting the Tasman launch right” before the development of other derivatives is even considered.

According to sources inside Kia, customers have been asking about an SUV version of the Tasman since the ute was unveiled

Some have even suggested it might be a suitable replacement for the previous-generation Toyota LandCruiser Prado, which many believe has gotten too big and too expensive in its latest form.