2 hours ago
5
Kia’s Australian arm has called for a ute that incorporates electrification, over one that prioritises performance.
The Kia Tasman is only just finding its feet in Australia, but the brand's Australian representatives have indicated a preference for a hybrid-powered version over a performance model to tackle the Ford Ranger Raptor.
There’s no shortage of performance-honed dual-cab utes in Australia – the Ford Ranger Raptor, Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw, Nissan Navara Warrior, and the Isuzu D-Max Blade are just a few options on the market for a performance-hungry car buyers.
But before Kia joins that fray, it’s got its eye on a hybrid version of the Kia Tasman.
“There [are] a lot of opportunities on the [Tasman] platform, but [we want] to go after the low-hanging fruit, for the big ones first. I don't know if that's sports utes,” said Kia’s chief ride and handling engineer, Graeme Gambold.
“I think it's a balancing act as well, because [Ford is] throwing in a V6 into [the Ranger Raptor]. Obviously, full [credit to Raptor], which is a great product, but then [we would have to] balance it out with what are the penalties under NVES as well,” added Roland Rivero, general manager of product planning.
“So, it's not that simple. We'd love to see one, but we've got to be mindful of the effects [to NVES] and applying that kind of a powertrain into [the Kia line-up].”
The New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) is now in effect in Australia and penalises manufacturers for selling cars that exceed a government-set carbon dioxide limit, which is continually tightened year-on-year.
Instead, Kia is focusing its attention on introducing a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid ute, which goes the other way to help Kia’s cause in regards to the NVES.
“What would probably be more of a priority, in line with NVES, is something like a plug-in hybrid or a hybrid down the track,” said Rivero.
“[If you ask us] to choose between a performance [ute] or an [electrified], we’d be leaning towards electrified.”
Drive previously reported that Kia is working to introduce an existing hybrid powertrain into its Tasman dual-cab ute, though the outcome of this feasibility study is unknown.
A ‘plug-less’ Kia Tasman petrol-electric hybrid ute would mark one of the first of its kind in Australia, following the introduction of plug-in hybrid utes like the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.
On a wider scale, Kia’s plans to introduce a dedicated electric ute – in addition to the Kia Tasman – are on hold, after ongoing policy instability in the United States has hampered its introduction.
Tom started out in the automotive industry by exploiting his photographic skills but quickly learned journalists got the better end of the deal. With tenures at CarAdvice, Wheels Media, and now Drive, Tom's breadth of experience and industry knowledge informs a strong opinion on all things automotive. At Drive, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.
