The Kia Tasman, this pick-up struggling to attract attention in the Australian market, could it benefit from a fresh look inspired by the famous Telluride? A digital artist has envisioned a bold redesign, as the brand faces disappointing sales and questionable design choices.
A rocky start for the Kia Tasman
The Kia Tasman hasn’t had an easy life since its launch in Australia. Facing fierce competition in the pick-up segment, its sales are struggling to take off. One cannot say that the manufacturer’s aesthetic choices are to blame. Design details, such as angular plastic fenders and headlights deemed too small, have left some buyers perplexed. At this rate, the Tasman risks becoming the nightmare of any real estate agent in search of land to build on.
Recently, Kia even had to put an end to circulating rumours online regarding an imminent update of its model, following the use of AI-generated images that showed a pick-up with a revised design. No facelift in sight for now, the brand stated. But it is clear that a deep reflection on the style of the Tasman is necessary.
The Mohave dream: a new lease of life?
In light of this observation, digital artist Theophilus Chin decided to redesign the Tasman with stylistic elements inspired by the Telluride, the brand’s iconic SUV. In his project, he proposes a fictional version of the pick-up named Mohave, a name that echoes a pick-up concept launched by Kia in 2004. Imagine a Telluride that decided to swap its spacious cabin for a bed: this is what this vision offers.
The fictional Kia Mohave (above), compared to the current Tasman (below).
Chin opted for vertical LED headlights that bring a modern and aggressive touch, while incorporating a prominent front bumper that gives the vehicle a robust look. The side panels, smoother and more refined, contrast with the sometimes raw appearance of the original model. At the rear, the distinctive LED lights of the Telluride make their appearance, paired with an off-road bumper designed for adventure enthusiasts.
Kia on the path to change
Illustrations: Theottle
Kia seems determined to turn things around for the Tasman. The brand is already considering several updates for the future: an electrified powertrain and a more off-road oriented version inspired by the Weekender concept are on the agenda. Who knows? Perhaps a facelift will also arrive in the near future.
Ideally, these improvements will allow the Tasman to compete with heavyweights like the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Hilux, which currently dominate the Australian pick-up market. But until that materialises, one question remains: could a more conventional look inspired by SUVs have generated more interest among buyers? As Theophilus Chin himself points out.
