Kia Tasman ute: More spy photos but is this the real deal or a test mule?
A new round of spy photos of the Kia Tasman ute have emerged out of South Korea. But is the camouflage hiding a test ‘mule’ body or is this the final design?
The Kia Tasman ute has been caught on camera in South Korea for the third time in as many months.
However it is unclear whether the heavy disguise is hiding a mocked-up test ‘mule’ body (using bodywork cobbled together from other Kia models) or the final design.
The latest round of spy photos were posted on social media website Instagram by the user Shorts Car (see below).
Lending weight to the possibility the car under the covers is a mule: the grille and headlights are from the Kia Mohave SUV on sale in South Korea today – and the body seems ill-fitting, especially over the wheels.
But this could be due to the absence of fender flares. The rear bumper also seems to be too elaborate to be fake. Only time will tell – once more spy photos emerge.
Kia has confirmed a ute is coming to its local showroom line-up some time in 2025 and the heavy-duty rival to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger is said to have significant input from Australia.
It is expected to come with diesel power, 3.5-tonne towing ability and some variants will offer a one-tonne payload.
Kia Australia executives have also expressed interest in a Ford Ranger Raptor rival, possibly with twin-turbo V6 petrol power borrowed from the Stinger performance sedan.
Here is our most recent coverage of the Kia Tasman pick-up:
MORE: Kia Tasman could spawn Ford Ranger Raptor rival
MORE: Kia Tasman name trademarked locally
MORE: Kia Tasman ute confirmed for Australia
MORE: Will Hyundai get a version of the Kia ute?
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