… could be very competitive–if they decide to market it in The US:
Maybe successful here. It would likely compete with the Ford Ranger. The Ranger has significantly more horsepower and torque compared to the Tasman. IMO Kia would need a more powerful engine. The Canyon/Colorado offer significantly better power too. The article compares it to the Jeep Gladiator, but Stellantis is not building trucks and muscle cars for the US consumer anymore. It’s no wonder that they have poor sales.
Here’s the scenario I envision . . .
It’s sold here and people love it
Some time afterwards, it’s apparent the powertrain is absolute garbage
And Kia/Hyundai . . . whoever the parent company is . . . comes out with worthless “fixes” and then it’s clear the engine is mechanically garbage and the replacement “improved” new crate engines are backordered until the end of time
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Kind of ugly, not cybertruck ugly, but still ugly.
Positive side: pictures show a standard cab along with the four door.
GM and Ford eliminated standard and extend cabs, choosing to market to soccer moms that do not like minivans.
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I think it will sell. I think the power is adequate.
I think @db4690 is right, the powertrain will be garbage.
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I think it will sell like crazy, at least at 1st, it has enough uniqueness to it, it will be taken off roading and stuff and then all the weak points will show up as well as the junk engine Hyundai/Kia are known for… I think it will try to take some of the Toyota/Nissan market… Who knows, maybe we will see a Monster Truck version at the fairgrounds soon… lol
It is very unique an just ugly enough that it is almost kind of cool looking, but I see plastic panels falling off over rough terrain…
Would be subject to the chicken tax unless made here, really planned for Australia and Africa more than US buyers. The base trim Toyota Tacoma makes about the same power as the gas engine on the Kia, Kia admits they thought outside the box for this one. Looks better as a flatbed.