He has to say nice things otherwise KIA would black-ban him from all future events. That's how the Australian Market works, Just ask John Cadogan over at AutoExpert. ! I bet if you spoke to him off the record he would laugh his arse off and bag the shit out of the thing. Probably even describe the designers with a quick Simpsons Meme "Let the record show that the witness made the drinky-drinky motion."
Maybe ugly but that's what a pick up is suppose to be . My quip is just it's got 150kw of power but way less Nm for that power but it could be for higher top speed which I see sits at 185km/h . Pretty good in it's own way.
The lack of dual battery provision in the engine bay is a massive oversight, Also given they had a v6 diesel at their disposal I don’t think they’ve done enough to make Ranger buyers re consider,
I don’t believe it sits in the same market as a ranger buyer… It’s more in your triton, gwm, musso, Navara and dmax just slot in there and cheaper utes.
Sadly the Interior is where the name implies… with tinted windows no one is going to see it. That’s about the only thing I don’t mind about this. KIA has made a BIG MISTAKE. Best to do the 2025 Facelift BEFORE it arrives here in Australia.Poor little Fourby… even got kicked out of its cot by its Mum for being so Fugly.
The "styling is subjective and ultimately this ute had to look different" is the biggest cop out I've heard in a long time. I genuinely can't believe that KIA has come out with this, you literally can't take this thing serious. Remember the teaser ad with all the Aussie legends at the pub, you were kind of led to believe something with a bit of substance and conviction was coming out.
Our celebrities and sports personalities have always been shills who will spruik any product for a pay check. It’s sad but I don’t feel sorry for them and this abomination of a motor vehicle is exactly what they deserve.
Nice cover Paul, I'm glad you didn't take a lot of cut while doing this coverage. Lol. This must be an eye opener to the newly grads auto designer. Hopes they can do a better job for the next model. Cheer up everyone..
I am sure they are not. Toyota resale in 5 years $30,000 with 200,000kms. BYD close to zero dollars and off to the scrap heap ready to be crushed into a cube.
I think Toyota are laughing knowing any fool that buys a BYD will not be one of their loyal customers. The initial outlay for a BYD may seem logical until your battery dies, either in the middle of nowhere or at the end of its usable life. That’s why Toyota customers are who they are they buy for reliability which also comes under longevity.
@ I work at a dealer and the warranty doesn’t always make a happy customer, regardless of it, if the car breaks the customer will always give an account of what happened to their community as a breakage always happens when you are not in the mood. And who cares about warranty when you’re trying to enjoy a getaway camping trip with your family/friends and it just breaks. I can’t imagine those BYD being light.
Not sure why people are complaining about the engine tho, it's still more than enough for the school run and sitting 1 inch from the rear bumper of the car in front at all times. It is a ute after all.
Fantastic looking off roader, engine substantial for sure, great visuals inside out, materials quality and reliability. Suspension wow, Hope this gonna be the top funky off roader with proved Korean quality.
Highly competitive with Mahindra, it comes first in the looks department, needs to be priced accordingly $29.999 drive away, only then it should be considered! I could never review this car in a positive manner.
Remember a few years back when John spent 20 minutes telling us that Tesla was doomed due to competition from legacy car makers entering the EV market. Well that went as well as this one will.
I reckon it looks fantastic compared to the boring, safe, cookie cutter stuff that's dominated this market segment. The design language will confuse those with conservative taste for a while, but they'll come around eventually. Kudos to Kia for having the courage to do something new, different and interesting.
I agree, it does need a few minor changes for my liking but a set of decent muddies and a roll bar in the rear would set it off I reckon. I’m Surprised they haven’t done a concept for the media to be honest. I don’t trust pictures as they’re easily manipulated etc. I do think their engine choices will also hold them back. I’m looking forward to seeing one on the road
it doesn't look bad to just people with "conservative" taste. Any person with taste will think this is horrible. Apart of course from friends and partners of people in the design team
I like the look; I think it's one of those polarizing designs that grow on you. It'd be interesting if Kia would make it available here in the Philippines.
Paul, I love your work... But listen to me, you don't need to review this car ever again... Leave it. Your record does not deserve this on it. Walk away Paul.
When I first saw it, it hurt my eyes! But now, I really like it!! Looks very rugged and utilitarian. It also has a nicer interior than most. Too bad they didn't give it a high output engine option.
A 70 series LandCruiser is Fugly as well. Nobody growing up in the 80's had pictures of 4wds on their bedroom wall, it was a Ferrari, lambo or Porsche. People only drive 4x4 utes because it's become a manly size contest, at least the Tasman you'll stand out while being in supreme comfort.
Dare I say it, it’s ok!! Some great features for a ute. I think it will get a facelift pretty quickly. I’m trying to imagine it with a set of muddies at least and I think just that would make it look better. I’d probably buy the petrol version if I was considering one
Excellent description and depending on pricing and performance l think tradies will grow to like the design. Unlike all the others, you won't have to read the badge to know what this one is.
The Grill looks like the missing drain grate from out the front of our house. Dad said you'd better return it soon or he'll report you to the Council. May I suggest KIA attend a swap meet and pick up a grill from a HT Kingswood and a pair of the round sealed beam headlights to go with it. It will certainly be more stylish than what they have now.
First gen Nissan Pathfinder/Terrano is what reminded me of that fascia.. that's gone wrong. Honestly for such a large-size truck it needs more lights front and back and it's for other vehicles to see this thing at night.
Probably still better than a GWM tank. Front design might take a while to grow on you.. Not really fussed if it is not the class leader in the engine department. Reliability and longevity should be the headline. Advantages of a shared engine family are commonality ( read parts availability and pricing) not waiting for parts from the mother country. Def will go and check it out for curiosity when it comes out
Question, is the front axle solid or bat wing setup? It’s my only concern with any Ute outside of patrol or Land Cruiser , low power is unfortunately the way everything is going (unless you go for an American truck maybe?), but, as long as you can get there in one piece and the maintenance isn’t going to be an issue, I don’t see any problems with it! Some neat features like being able to fit a pallet in the tub, the 240 adapters… not a fan of the dash screens, but maybe I’m just old fashioned. Be interested to watch its progress!
@@COYSWEDEN i get what you meant. still.. a Tasman is not likely to outsell Tacoma and Tundra. Toyota sales figure almost trippled Kia in last month. I really doubt Kia Tasman can outsell Toyota's trucks.
Paul good review, enjoyed that, just wondering if there is any mention in the future for us IRISH lads that like to pull trailers,, a 3.0lt engine with few more ponies, again Paul thanks for that, Liam in IRELAND
Dash is very impressive and arm rest area, certainly leaves just about all other utes for dead in that area. Packed with other features as well like storage. New Triton looks crap as well , but with a few cosmetic aftemarket changes it will look a lot better. The real question is will it preform towing and off road. If the vehicle is used for on road there be no issues, i am use it will be able to do maximum allowed limits easily.
I don't think the engine is an issue more importantly will be the fuel consumption. Most of the other utes can't get near their claimed fuel consumption. The looks will grow on most people IMO. Kia is booming compared to other brands so you must take the brand seriously. Will be interesting to see how it sells despite the negative comments from many.
Yeah, it is probably low on power, but think of it this way. The V8 79 series land cruiser is pretty much the same power. Just need to change the front end design I think.
Plastic guards and trims will be white in 12 months with Australian climate. Nice design efforts for bringing out such a horrid looking ute Kia. BYD Shark, now thats another story.
Kia should have followed Holden's lead with naming. Remember the HD Holden (Hastily Designed) was quickly followed by the HR Holden (Hastily Re-designed)
I honestly don't mind it. It's got a kind of "jeepy" look to it. I wouldn't buy it personally, but I welcome another ute maker in the market. It'll be interesting how the design and drivetrain options develop over the next 5 to 10 years. Chuck a 2 inch lift and some fat tyres on it and it'll probs look interesting.
I DONT AGREE that it had to be visually that different, I saw some awesome projected /wished designs that looked great, if they wanted to try and take on RANGER or HILUX they've missed the mark with design and engines,, great to have all the other great things, but the biggest 2 things they've missed the mark by a long way
Top marks to Paul for being able to keep a straight face while reviewing this thing .
😂😂😂
He has to say nice things otherwise KIA would black-ban him from all future events. That's how the Australian Market works, Just ask John Cadogan over at AutoExpert. ! I bet if you spoke to him off the record he would laugh his arse off and bag the shit out of the thing. Probably even describe the designers with a quick Simpsons Meme "Let the record show that the witness made the drinky-drinky motion."
Paul was able to keep a straight face, unlike the Tasman ute
@@russellford9016 The difference is , Cadogan isn't an expert at anything except being a smart arse....
@@MickH60as compared to this paid review 😂😂😅
Stevie wonder was the head of design
People signing it off, were pure blind
Don’t say that! He’s got more style and common sense that😂
Stevie got soul . This does not
Homer Simpson
I quite like it. Weird eh.
I think the entire state of Tasmania should sue Kia for defamation…
everyone from Tasmania is backwards anyway, probably why it looks like this hahahaha.
Rising up, Tasmanian!!
No doubt it was designed by a Queenslander
I never thought that Kia Motors, known for its cool futuristic designs, would release a pickup truck with a rugged Soviet truck design.
It looks like a tractor mated with a Pontiac Aztec.😂
Fastest redesign in history on the cards I recon.
Wait for the discounts first
Ditto.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser still exists so there goes that argument.
@@GarryOzolsFJ Cruiser has some style about it. This thing is a design nightmare.
If anything the Fj was just 20 years ahead. The new Prado is very fj-esque. @GarryOzols
Kia Boss : Make it look different
Design engineers: let’s make it look ugly
Underrated comment there ☝️
Must have got the Tesla's Cyber Truck guys on the job!
@@Mungo-Man🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Kia knocked themselves out of the competition with the design!
At first glance .I thought it was old model Mahindra Ute 😂
its more ironic the mahindra ute looks better compared to this kia
Even the mahindra is better looking than this lol
Smart choice of black color. It blends in a lot of “creative” design imperfections 😅
It's shit, no amount of car journalists shilling it will change that fact.
Dear Aussie brothers, the Tasman gets more awesome with every road accident. This car is an innovation
This collab is pure gold!
When it was launched, it looked so awkward.. now it still looks awkward but I am starting to like it for some reason
Still looks like shit imo
No it's ugly. Put down the beer
That reason is stockholm syndrome
It’s ugly but I like it too. Sick of seeing ranger and hilux, they are so boring now.
shallow Hal syndrome 😂
this car is totally revolutionary. I love it. Kia keeps it goin!
Sorry, but it looks like crap, none of your sugar coating fixes this fundamental issue.
I Don’t know how anyone can love that every day. Wow 😊😅
@@beamtweez1210 I love it 😂😂😂
It would be helpful to mention the issue you are referring to
Should have gone to spec savers….
Maybe ugly but that's what a pick up is suppose to be . My quip is just it's got 150kw of power but way less Nm for that power but it could be for higher top speed which I see sits at 185km/h . Pretty good in it's own way.
I like the design it sure is different but in a good way
The lack of dual battery provision in the engine bay is a massive oversight,
Also given they had a v6 diesel at their disposal I don’t think they’ve done enough to make Ranger buyers re consider,
They have a V6 and an in-line six diesel available, and used neither!
I don’t believe it sits in the same market as a ranger buyer…
It’s more in your triton, gwm, musso, Navara and dmax just slot in there and cheaper utes.
Look out Raptor! Ever heard one being floored? . Raptor sounds like a muffled fart.
Paul is fully sold on these internal screens 😂
Every car with bigger and brighter screen and he is all over it 😅
Finally an interior tht outshines the Ranger ❤
Sadly the Interior is where the name implies… with tinted windows no one is going to see it. That’s about the only thing I don’t mind about this. KIA has made a BIG MISTAKE. Best to do the 2025 Facelift BEFORE it arrives here in Australia.Poor little Fourby… even got kicked out of its cot by its Mum for being so Fugly.
@johnlaine2654 Sadly, a facelift will not be enough. It needs a redesign.
@@johnlaine2654if i would be driving this car, i would tint the windows super black so nobody can see me inside too
I love the design! Great job Kia. Let the haters hate.
Even a mother couldn't love this vehicle
💀
1:11 did Kia reps have anything to say about your thoughts on the headlight position?
The "styling is subjective and ultimately this ute had to look different" is the biggest cop out I've heard in a long time. I genuinely can't believe that KIA has come out with this, you literally can't take this thing serious. Remember the teaser ad with all the Aussie legends at the pub, you were kind of led to believe something with a bit of substance and conviction was coming out.
Our celebrities and sports personalities have always been shills who will spruik any product for a pay check. It’s sad but I don’t feel sorry for them and this abomination of a motor vehicle is exactly what they deserve.
@@Jonoingram I reckon if all those Aussie legends knew it was going to be this they definitely would have pulled their support.
Nice cover Paul, I'm glad you didn't take a lot of cut while doing this coverage. Lol.
This must be an eye opener to the newly grads auto designer. Hopes they can do a better job for the next model. Cheer up everyone..
i think Toyota are more afraid of the BYD Shark. More power, looks better, and a hell of a lot cheaper to run!
I am sure they are not. Toyota resale in 5 years $30,000 with 200,000kms. BYD close to zero dollars and off to the scrap heap ready to be crushed into a cube.
I think Toyota are laughing knowing any fool that buys a BYD will not be one of their loyal customers. The initial outlay for a BYD may seem logical until your battery dies, either in the middle of nowhere or at the end of its usable life. That’s why Toyota customers are who they are they buy for reliability which also comes under longevity.
@@nevininni2709 specs please in Ausi in relation to BYD.
@@Peugeot_Lion_Atelier check out the warranty on both cars.
@ I work at a dealer and the warranty doesn’t always make a happy customer, regardless of it, if the car breaks the customer will always give an account of what happened to their community as a breakage always happens when you are not in the mood. And who cares about warranty when you’re trying to enjoy a getaway camping trip with your family/friends and it just breaks. I can’t imagine those BYD being light.
Not sure why people are complaining about the engine tho, it's still more than enough for the school run and sitting 1 inch from the rear bumper of the car in front at all times. It is a ute after all.
Looks like a Lego car I made when I was a child
great way of describing it . lego looks just like
Paul, you selling the Raptor for one, or the BYD since they are so good ??
Fantastic looking off roader, engine substantial for sure, great visuals inside out, materials quality and reliability. Suspension wow, Hope this gonna be the top funky off roader with proved Korean quality.
Not having this as a plug in is a missed opportunity. That’d entice a lot more people, especially those wanting a novated lease.
You gotta be kidding Paul, it just doesn't have to look freekin fugly and you just can't unsee it. And it's gutless, 420Nm what a joke.
440Nm
@@YZJB oh! Thats ok then, means that its only the lowest in class
Highly competitive with Mahindra, it comes first in the looks department, needs to be priced accordingly $29.999 drive away, only then it should be considered! I could never review this car in a positive manner.
the plastic bits on the outside make this look cheap. Too much plastic and things to fall off when off roading, unless you are a litterer!
I think it’s not too bad. My only complaint is those headlights they look too small for the huge front end.
I'll stick to the Raptor Paul.
We all admire your complete professionalism to each review 😂
Remember a few years back when John spent 20 minutes telling us that Tesla was doomed due to competition from legacy car makers entering the EV market.
Well that went as well as this one will.
I reckon it looks fantastic compared to the boring, safe, cookie cutter stuff that's dominated this market segment. The design language will confuse those with conservative taste for a while, but they'll come around eventually. Kudos to Kia for having the courage to do something new, different and interesting.
New, different and interesting... doesn't mean it defaults in to the attractive or desirable baskets.
@@firecrakka You think trucks need to be "attractive or desirable"?
It's a truck, a utilitarian vehicle my dude, not a date. 🤣
I agree, it does need a few minor changes for my liking but a set of decent muddies and a roll bar in the rear would set it off I reckon. I’m
Surprised they haven’t done a concept for the media to be honest. I don’t trust pictures as they’re easily manipulated etc. I do think their engine choices will also hold them back. I’m looking forward to seeing one on the road
it doesn't look bad to just people with "conservative" taste. Any person with taste will think this is horrible. Apart of course from friends and partners of people in the design team
@@oxi_tyxaioshow long before the facelift model is released?? I am looking forward to seeing people’s take on mods etc. I do think it has potential
I like the look; I think it's one of those polarizing designs that grow on you. It'd be interesting if Kia would make it available here in the Philippines.
Paul, I love your work... But listen to me, you don't need to review this car ever again... Leave it. Your record does not deserve this on it. Walk away Paul.
Paul did try his best to find something positive to say about this pile of junk.
I'm not a truck person but personally i dig the design lol
The front looks sad, like it wasn't proud to be introduce to everyone..
I LOVE THE DESIGN.
When I first saw it, it hurt my eyes! But now, I really like it!! Looks very rugged and utilitarian. It also has a nicer interior than most. Too bad they didn't give it a high output engine option.
Yeah bigger engine would have hurt Toyota and ford 😊
@lukewarm2075 Could've helped. Anyway, Toyota has enough problems these days.
I kind of agree. In the right colour with a steel tray I think it could look half decent. Different at least
...the Stinger 3.3 TT engine would be ape.
@1969cmp Agreed! It's just that they don't produce that engine anymore. The 3.5tt would be great though!
Honestly I like it. Power is the figure that matters anyway since torque is easily modified by gearing.
Toyota, Ford, Isuzu scared? 😂 the only thing this scares is the Ghost Train !😂
I am sure everyone is scared, especially the consumers.
A 70 series LandCruiser is Fugly as well. Nobody growing up in the 80's had pictures of 4wds on their bedroom wall, it was a Ferrari, lambo or Porsche. People only drive 4x4 utes because it's become a manly size contest, at least the Tasman you'll stand out while being in supreme comfort.
Top marks👍
Dare I say it, it’s ok!! Some great features for a ute. I think it will get a facelift pretty quickly. I’m trying to imagine it with a set of muddies at least and I think just that would make it look better. I’d probably buy the petrol version if I was considering one
Wish someone would do a video on the base model, that version with the tray bed actually looks good.
You are towing the company line, this is not a vehicle for Australia. Ugly and underpowered.
More power than a V8 cruiser….
This review is so off. It’s unforgivable.
Really dodgy review this one
@@rapps101 Yep, there's a lot of low intelligence people in the comments....!
Review.......more like just paid to read the sales brochure.
No buttons and no engine power, it’s hard with touchscreens on the road, let alone off road.
Saw this again and it's still good!
Spec Savers toots...
Love the looks
The ‘HOMER’ 😂😂😂😂😂
I’d be really interested to see the “flares” colour coded. I reckon that would help the looks a heap.
Excellent description and depending on pricing and performance l think tradies will grow to like the design. Unlike all the others, you won't have to read the badge to know what this one is.
Is the platypus logo indicating that it can be filled with water / ice for example that it’s a sealed box ?
Ok, so someone needs to come up with a replacement grill that will include pair of headlights as the ones provided need to be protected
Jurassic Park needs its vehicle back mate fair dinkum. 🤷🏾♂️🦖🦕 Anyways Paul your a legend handle your business lad. 💯🔥
Australia’s ugliest ute 👍
Ugliest ute in the whole world.
Seems like I’m the only one that likes it 😆 it has better tech and features than any other dual cab
Brilliant design, polarizing but definitely modern and cool!
that roller cover by the looks is an egr branded one... hopdefully they have fixed all the issues most oems where having with them
GWM Alpha has recline in the rear too, just with actual knee room
The Grill looks like the missing drain grate from out the front of our house.
Dad said you'd better return it soon or he'll report you to the Council.
May I suggest KIA attend a swap meet and pick up a grill from a HT Kingswood and a pair of the round sealed beam headlights to go with it. It will certainly be more stylish than what they have now.
First gen Nissan Pathfinder/Terrano is what reminded me of that fascia.. that's gone wrong.
Honestly for such a large-size truck it needs more lights front and back and it's for other vehicles to see this thing at night.
Looks great , twin turbo would be good to pump up the engine
I actually like how it looks.
Lifetime free headlights? A headlight hoop bullbar will be interesting - if it's possible.
cool interior and you can see they've put a lot of thought into it.. however the outside is as attractive as a two headed tasmanian
Probably still better than a GWM tank. Front design might take a while to grow on you.. Not really fussed if it is not the class leader in the engine department. Reliability and longevity should be the headline. Advantages of a shared engine family are commonality ( read parts availability and pricing) not waiting for parts from the mother country. Def will go and check it out for curiosity when it comes out
If you squint and forget your glasses it looks okay😊
looks like a beast
ARB is going to have a tough time designing a good bullbar for this
Interior is quite nice.
Question, is the front axle solid or bat wing setup? It’s my only concern with any Ute outside of patrol or Land Cruiser , low power is unfortunately the way everything is going (unless you go for an American truck maybe?), but, as long as you can get there in one piece and the maintenance isn’t going to be an issue, I don’t see any problems with it! Some neat features like being able to fit a pallet in the tub, the 240 adapters… not a fan of the dash screens, but maybe I’m just old fashioned.
Be interested to watch its progress!
That 8 year old who designed this truck needs to be fired immediately.
This will outsell Toyota for sure.
as much as i like Hyundai Group over Toyota, no way in hell would a Kia outsell Toyota.
@@YakubNg I mean Tasman will outsell Tacoma and Tundra.
@@COYSWEDEN i get what you meant. still.. a Tasman is not likely to outsell Tacoma and Tundra. Toyota sales figure almost trippled Kia in last month. I really doubt Kia Tasman can outsell Toyota's trucks.
If it had more traditional headlights and the fender trim fully wrapped around (not just on top) then MAYBE it would be easier on the eyes
Paul good review, enjoyed that, just wondering if there is any mention in the future for us IRISH lads that like to pull trailers,, a 3.0lt engine with few more ponies, again Paul thanks for that, Liam in IRELAND
Loving it!
Dash is very impressive and arm rest area, certainly leaves just about all other utes for dead in that area. Packed with other features as well like storage. New Triton looks crap as well , but with a few cosmetic aftemarket changes it will look a lot better. The real question is will it preform towing and off road. If the vehicle is used for on road there be no issues, i am use it will be able to do maximum allowed limits easily.
I do hope we get some multi colour interiors instead of that monotone grey. I also wonder if the front seats are electric or manual adjustment?
Crazy tech inside, crazier looks outside... and not the 'good' kind of crazy😅 these will rot in the dealership lots imho
Part Toyota and part titan look. I love kia
I don't think the engine is an issue more importantly will be the fuel consumption. Most of the other utes can't get near their claimed fuel consumption. The looks will grow on most people IMO. Kia is booming compared to other brands so you must take the brand seriously. Will be interesting to see how it sells despite the negative comments from many.
brother put down the crack pipe.
Heyy paul , when is the isuzu dmax blade review
Yeah, it is probably low on power, but think of it this way. The V8 79 series land cruiser is pretty much the same power. Just need to change the front end design I think.
Plastic guards and trims will be white in 12 months with Australian climate. Nice design efforts for bringing out such a horrid looking ute Kia. BYD Shark, now thats another story.
To my mind the Shark is the most attractive Ute since the Defender 130. I love it!
Makes a Pontiac Aztek look cool.
Wish utes would design a pass through from the tray so you can pop long items in without needing ladder racks
Kia should have followed Holden's lead with naming. Remember the HD Holden (Hastily Designed) was quickly followed by the HR Holden (Hastily Re-designed)
Ugliest ute I've ever seen 😄
Even uglier than those old Great Wall v240s 😂
@@Phil_Nuncethose should come up in value after seeing this thing on the road I don’t know what to make of it.
@@beamtweez1210 Oh yeah for sure, this thing is enough to make young children feel sick.
YUK
Im waiting ,ill buy one
I'm trying to think of who will buy this fugly ute.
I honestly don't mind it. It's got a kind of "jeepy" look to it. I wouldn't buy it personally, but I welcome another ute maker in the market. It'll be interesting how the design and drivetrain options develop over the next 5 to 10 years.
Chuck a 2 inch lift and some fat tyres on it and it'll probs look interesting.
I like it and would buy it!
It's a BRICK
do not insult my brick, it is quite self conscious.
I DONT AGREE that it had to be visually that different, I saw some awesome projected /wished designs that looked great, if they wanted to try and take on RANGER or HILUX they've missed the mark with design and engines,, great to have all the other great things, but the biggest 2 things they've missed the mark by a long way
F***o** to haters it is definitely best looking ute in Australia Keep it up Kia 👏👏👏