The Kia Tasman‘s design is best described as polarising, but making the ute more visible may have ironically toned it down.
An example of the Tasman is on display at this year’s Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games in Hobart, with Kia supporting the annual sporting competition which runs from March 15 to 22.
Rather than present the Tasman in plain black – like those at its reveal – or in white like others spied on Australian roads recently, the APESG example is painted in navy blue and is adorned in a white chequered livery.
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While this is a generic livery that’s not specific to any region, the addition of a roof-mounted light bar shows Kia may be serious about getting the Tasman recruited to Australian police services.
It wouldn’t be the first time Kia vehicles have joined police fleets, with both the Stinger and Sorento widely used around the country.
The Kia Tasman pictured curiously includes a stepped lower element on its front bumper. It’s unclear if this will be on production versions when it rolls out from July 2025.
Last month, a Kia Tasman was spotted with its front wheel arches finished in the same colour as the body, rather than the contrasting black mouldings we’ve seen in previous images.
These boxy wheel arch flares at the rear conceal lockable storage and the fuel filler door, giving the odd design elements a practical purpose.
All Australian-delivered Tasmans will be powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 154kW of power and 441Nm of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Tasman has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg, matching the standard set by other popular utes.
MORE: Everything Kia Tasman
