Kia has revealed its long-awaited Tasman dual-cab pick-up truck

Off-road toys ticked, then, and powering the Tasman will be two engine options from launch – one 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. The petrol produces an impressive 277bhp and 421Nm of torque, with the diesel reducing power to 207bhp, but upping torque to 441Nm. This gives the Tasman a heavy-duty 3,500kg tow-rating – a critical number for the class. Both engines are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission, but some markets including Africa and the Middle East will see a six-speed manual option.

The Kia Tasman’s impressive numbers continue with a class-leading 1,195kg payload capability when in 2WD mode, and a bed that’s 1,512mm long and 1,572mm wide, or 1,186mm between the wheels.

All this rugged capability hasn’t come at the cost of design and tech, though, with the interior closely mirroring Kia’s road cars. This is emphasised with the same triple-touchscreen infotainment system, with a new hard-wearing, but still stylish design. Outside, the Kia’s taken a more eccentric pathway, looking quite distinctive thanks to its bluff front end, small headlights and chunky bodywork.

But Kia’s tough new pick-up won’t find itself in the UK, or Europe at all in fact. Instead, the European market will continue to focus on its electric and hybrid offerings. A pick-up petition might need to start here