The Kia Tasman Weekender (WKNDR) Concept made headlines at this year’s Seoul motor show and, while it hasn’t been confirmed for production as yet, it could preview future design updates for the Korean’s brand’s first ute.
Speaking with CarExpert at a local pre-production drive of the Tasman X-Pro this week, Kia Australia’s general manager for product planning Roland Rivero said the polarising design of the launch vehicle is here to stay for the time being.
“At the moment, to be honest – it’s just a concept. It’s a concept for enhancement of the brand… [to] further promote the Tasman,” Mr Rivero said.
“Across the lifecycle, [there is] plenty of opportunity to enhance [the Tasman] and, who knows, the facelift might draw inspiration from it, I don’t know.”
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Revealed at the Seoul show last month, the Kia Tasman Weekender concept – or WKNDR, as it was badged – is kitted out with hardcore off-road equipment including larger front and rear bumpers housing recovery points, all-terrain tyres, and sturdy-looking side steps.
There’s also a chunky roof rack that leads into a large rear sailplane, plus what appear to be dual winches and a sizeable storage box above the rear tray. It all previews what could be possible in the realm of heavy-duty genuine accessories for the polarising new Korean dual-cab.
One of the other key changes for the Tasman WKNDR is the use of body colour for its controversial horizontal wheel-arches, which makes them appear less prominent than the dull black plastic material for which the production model attracted so much criticism.
The Weekender is finished in a matte beige paint, which closely resembles the Tan Beige colour available for the production-spec Tasman – also reminiscent of the Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series‘ iconic Sandy Taupe. It’s augmented by lime green accents on the front and rear bumpers, as well as tie-down straps attached to the side of the Tasman’s bed.
All of the chunky accessories, including the lower portion of the bed and cabin, are finished in matte grey.
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Weekender Concept -
Tasman X-Pro prototype -
Weekender Concept -
Tasman X-Pro prototype
Kia Australia has committed to making a range of genuine accessories available from the Tasman’s market launch in July – Mr Rivero indicated around 40 items will be available via dealers from the get-go.
The Korean brand’s local arm has collaborated with local suppliers like EGR Auto and Triple M for its catalogue of Tasman add-ons, which are said to include everything from bull bars, canopies, trays and side steps.
Mr Rivero confirmed that numerous variations of each accessory will also be available to suit different Tasman variants as well as customer needs – think standard versus heavy-duty, as well as Single versus Double Cab, and Pickup versus Cab Chassis.
Kia offers a number of wild and wacky extras for the Tasman in the Korean domestic market, but Mr Rivero said these options aren’t locked in for Australia at the moment, largely due to the cost from factory.
Do you want to see a production version of the Tasman Weekender Concept? Sound off in the comments!
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