Outdoor and off-road adventure enthusiasts are in for a treat! Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in Brunei Darussalam marked a milestone yesterday with the official launch of its first-ever pickup truck, the Kia Tasman, at the Royal Brunei Yacht Club in Serasa.
Marking the latest addition to Kia’s extensive lineup, which includes sedan, SUV, and EV models, the Kia Tasman sets the benchmark for Kia’s future pickup range. The Kia Tasman has been designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible from a pickup and invites customers to ‘Dive into a New Dimension.’
With its purposeful design and cutting-edge technology, combined with class-leading convenience features and an ultra-spacious, comfortable cabin, the Tasman is poised to redefine standards in the sector, allowing drivers to explore new horizons.
The event brought together automotive enthusiasts, business leaders and members of the media for an exclusive first look at the rugged and refined Tasman, marking a historic moment for Kia in Southeast Asia.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Kia Asia Pacific Kevin Ahn said, “This is not only the first Tasman launch in Southeast Asia but also a historic moment for Kia as it introduces its first pickup truck. Launching in Brunei reflects our long-standing partnership and the trust the brand has earned here.”
Brunei Darussalam has played a pivotal role in Kia’s regional journey for nearly three decades through its distributor, Grand Motors Sdn Bhd. Kevin highlighted that the Tasman’s debut underscores the strength of this enduring collaboration.
Grand Motors’ Managing Director Frankie Ho said the Tasman represents more than just a new product. “The Tasman embodies Kia’s evolution and vision for the future. We are proud that Brunei is the first in Southeast Asia to welcome it.”
Ho added that the pickup reflects the company’s commitment to delivering vehicles that combine versatility, technology, and design tailored to Brunei’s lifestyle.
Bold, Rugged, and Ready to Explore
The Kia Tasman is more than a pickup – it is a premium vehicle built for modern living and outdoor exploration. Its purposeful design conveys strength and capability, featuring a bold radiator grille, signature Tiger Face headlamps, and an upright windshield that together create a commanding presence.
The pickup is available in eight striking colours, including Clear White, Steel Gray, Interstellar Gray, Cityscape Green, Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Tan Beige and Denim Blue.
Every detail of the Tasman’s exterior balances strength, capability, and style, making it a reliable companion for both urban roads and off-road adventures.
Interior: Spacious, Practical, and Refined
Step inside the Tasman and discover a cabin designed for comfort, functionality, and sustainability. The interior features a 12.3-inch panoramic widescreen for infotainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and in the X-Line variant, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Tasman offers class-leading headroom, shoulder space, and rear legroom, with reclining rear seats and hidden storage bins providing up to 33 litres of additional capacity. Thoughtful features such as dual wireless charging pads, a large folding console table, and eco-friendly materials including recycled fabrics and bio-plastics make the interior both practical and sustainable.
Performance and Capability
Powered by a 207PS 2.2-litre diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Tasman delivers up to 440 Nm of torque, ensuring confident towing and hauling. Its advanced suspension provides a smooth ride on highways and rough terrain alike.
The X-Line variant features four-wheel drive, multiple driving modes, and water fording capability up to 800mm. Its reinforced load bed offers a best-in-class payload of 1,145kg and a towing capacity of 3,500kg, making it ideal for both professional and recreational use.
Safety is enhanced with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including lane keeping assist, blind spot collision avoidance, and trailer profile functionality that optimizes driving dynamics when towing.
Leveraging more than five decades of expertise developing special-purpose vehicles, including off-roaders, the Kia Tasman is a truly transformative pickup truck that effortlessly meets the needs of both work and leisure activities.
The Kia Tasman is available as a double cab base model in LX, EX, and X-Line trims. The LX and EX variants come fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the X-Line is distinguished by larger 18-inch geometric alloys
The Kia Tasman has undergone 1,777 tests across 18,000 evaluations, ensuring durability, performance, and reliability in every environment.
Brunei drivers are invited to experience the Tasman firsthand at the Kia Showroom in Beribi, exploring its distinctive design, advanced technology, and powerful capabilities.
For the latest information and updates on the Kia Tasman and Kia’s range of vehicles, follow Kia Brunei on Facebook and Instagram at @kiabrunei or TikTok at @kia.brunei.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
