Kia Showcases First-Ever Pickup, the Tasman, with Exclusive Desert Drive in Jordan

TDT | Amman

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Kia Middle East and Africa has unveiled its first-ever pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, through an exclusive desert driving experience in Jordan, highlighting the vehicle’s strength, durability, and lifestyle appeal.

The event followed the Tasman’s world premiere at the Jeddah International Motor Show in October 2024 and a strong wave of pre-bookings across the region. The Jordan showcase marked the next milestone in Kia’s bold entry into the pickup market.

Participants embarked on a challenging desert journey from the Dead Sea basin to the historic rose-red city of Petra, navigating diverse terrains such as the shifting dunes of Wadi Araba, rocky trails in Al Bayda, and winding mountain roads. Each landscape was carefully chosen to highlight the Tasman’s off-road capabilities, versatile performance, and SUV-inspired interior comfort.

The test drive featured specially designed obstacles, including a bumpy mogul descent to demonstrate Kia’s X-Trek system, a steep 30-degree side slope to test stability, and uphill and downhill gradients that showcased traction, torque distribution, and suspension performance.

“With the Tasman, Kia is breaking new ground in the pickup segment,” said Ahmed Soudodi, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Kia Middle East & Africa. “This driving experience in Jordan demonstrates its ability to master the region’s toughest terrains while delivering the comfort and technology that define Kia. The Tasman empowers drivers to stand apart, combining capability with confidence.”

Developed with insights from more than 20 years of research and five decades of military vehicle expertise, the Tasman is purpose-built for rugged conditions. The X-Pro variant features 252mm of ground clearance and a 32-degree approach angle, along with advanced off-road drive modes, including a dedicated Desert Mode tailored for Middle Eastern landscapes. Reinforced underbody protection and balanced proportions further enhance performance across dunes, rocks, and steep gradients.

Despite its toughness, the Tasman prioritises comfort with a spacious, ergonomic cabin designed for long drives. The model also embodies Kia’s design philosophy, Opposites United, blending bold exterior styling with refined interiors, advanced in-cabin technology, smart storage solutions, and best-in-class rear legroom.

With its mix of power, versatility, and SUV-like comfort, the Kia Tasman is set to redefine the pickup experience for a new generation of buyers across the Middle East, combining individuality, practicality, and innovation in one bold package.