G’day. Kia has just released its next ‘Tasman Tale’ campaign and it’s as quintessentially Aussie as the new ute itself. The story continues with a tale that features some of Australia’s biggest sporting legends, Buck the Brisbane Bronco’s mascot and for the first time in Australia, the mighty Kia Tasman ute.
Kia is pulling no punches, ensuring the Tasman is not just another ute on the block but a game-changer in one of the industry’s most competitive segments. And true to Aussie style, it debuts with fanfare alongside a cavalcade of sporting legends, mascots, and nostalgia-tinged patriotism.
The Tasman, set to drop into Australian Kia showrooms mid-2025, brings serious muscle to the table. With a one-tonne payload, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and Integrated Trailer Brake Control (ITBC), this ute is not here to tow your toys gently—it’s here to tow your dreams, regardless of size. Designed and tuned with Australian terrain in mind, the Tasman has undergone rigorous local ride and handling tests to guarantee it can handle everything from the outback’s dust trails to weekend trips to Bunnings for a snag and timber.
Under the bonnet—or, as the locals might call it, the “bonnie”—rests Kia’s robust R2.2 Turbo Diesel engine, paired with an 8-speed torque converter transmission. Efficiency? Check. Longevity? Double-check. Off-road credibility? Kia checked that box twice for good measure, with features like a Low-Range Transfer Case, Rear Differential Lock, and a Traction Control System thrown into the mix. In short, if you feel like reenacting your favorite scenes out of “Mad Max” without leaving modern comfort behind, this ute says you’re good to go.
Versatility is the name of the game as the Tasman comes in Dual Pick-Up, Double Cab Chassis, and Single Cab Chassis configurations, with 4×4 and 4×2 drivetrain options to suit every Aussie adventurer’s dream—whether you’re conquering the city streets or the bush. This isn’t just Kia boldly planting its ute-shaped flag in the market; it’s Kia saying, “We’ve chucked the kitchen sink into this ute, and it’s still got room for your eskies.”
The campaign itself is as much about spectacle as the vehicle is about practicality. Premiering during the NRL season opener this Sunday, the Tasman’s national TV spot promises a continuation of the “Kia’s Getting a Ute” campaign—a celebration of Aussie vim and vigor featuring iconic sports stars and the beloved mascot, Buck the Brisbane Bronco. What better setting to ramp up excitement than Australia’s national sport, paired with a vehicle designed to tackle Australia’s roads like a true warrior?
Kia’s leap into the light commercial segment with the Tasman signals more than just an entry, it’s an emphatic arrival. Designed in collaboration with Australian focus groups and benchmarking tests, it’s clear this ute is engineered to fulfill local needs while embracing global standards. As Kia continues to lead in electrification and vehicle innovation on one front, the Tasman charges forward as proof the brand isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty—or at least let its consumers do so.
So mark your calendars for mid-2025. Kia’s Tasman is more than a ute—it’s a statement, one that’s bound to turn into a staple of Australian driveways and backyards. Need to tow a trailer, load a tray, or channel your inner bush explorer? Kia’s got your back. Movement that inspires? The Tasman inspires us to get moving.
