Kia News

Why EVs are a smarter option than they get credit for

If there is one topic that dominated the conversations around both Hyundai and Kia in 2025 it was utes.

The Kia Tasman has made its mark.In the slow-burn lead-up to the launch of Kia’s new ute there were doubters, haters and those who were simply nonplussed about the whole thing.It didn’t help that Kia’s ad campaign – which tapped into Australia’s love of sporting icons and starred the likes of Ash Barty, Dylan Alcott, Steve Waugh and numerous others – left a lot of Aussies feeling decidedly unexcited about the launch of the new ute.But surely UFC world featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski, who featured in the ad, didn’t back a dud, did he? Of course, he didn’t.The Kia Tasman is a body-on-frame 4WD with a ladder chassis, rear diff lock (mechanical in all 4WD Tasmans, except the top-spec which has an electronic rear diff lock) and off-road drive modes. It has the latest-generation all-aluminium Smartstream 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine – producing 154kW at 3800rpm and 440Nm from 1750-2750rpm – and that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s not a hardcore 4WD as is, but the Tasman has ample appeal as a daily driver and that’s ultimately far more important than its 4WD capabilities.In terms of engine and transmission, useable power and torque output, effective driver-assist technology and overall off-road performance, the Tasman is very impressive.Kia may have experienced a slower-than-hoped start to sales of its ute but the Tasman is an intriguing entry in the dual-cab ute market: it’s a premium utility vehicle and at the very top of the class in terms of refinement, comfort and all-around driveability. Attention to detail is impressive, build quality is great, and everything inside and outside of the cabin looks and feels premium.Sure, it could do with more power and torque but it performs ably with what it has. This is an impressive all-round package – functional, comfortable and capable – and it’s a decent 4WD for light-to-moderate off-road touring straight out of the dealership.It can actually tackle reasonable-use off-road scenarios without compromising any of its day-to-day useability and, as such, it’s a strong indication of just what future 4x4s should be like.But to enhance its off-road potential even more, you’ll either opt for some of Kia’s genuine accessories or you’ll tap into the lively Australian off-road aftermarket industry.Kia’s genuine accessories range from tailored rubber floor mats, roadside assist kit and matt black bonnet protector through to a roof rack packing kit, towball-mounted three-bike carrier and electric roller shutter cover.So, why is the Tasman so well suited to an ongoing positive collaboration with our 4WD aftermarket industry? Well, it’s ripe for enhancement, that’s why.For one, Tasman owners can cover up the front end that so many naysayers and style masters have been complaining about – apparently they’re not at all keen on the Tasman’s wide-set headlights. According to those same people, the Tasman either has a ‘face’ only a mother could love, or a ‘face’ that is inherently punchable.Easily fixed. Throw on a bullbar (maybe a Summit MKII from ARB, which doesn’t affect the driver-assist safety systems), a UHF antenna mount, front recovery points and an LED light bar to disguise the nose, as well as, a bit further back, a snorkel (for those pesky creek crossings).And the good news there’s a whole lot more where that came from as top-notch Aussie aftermarket companies such as ARB have led the charge here with a full range of accessories for the Tasman, designed and engineered to make the Kia ute even better off-road than it is as standard.Start off with essential gear such as that aforementioned snorkel and a set of aggressive all-terrain tyres.The Taman’s standard suspension – double wishbone and coil springs upfront, live axle and leaf springs at the rear – is a traditional ute set-up made for heavy loads, but it’s better tuned for a softer, more compliant ride, even unladen, on all surfaces.But it can always be improved: get some aftermarket suspension, a new leaf pack tuned to suit your load-carrying requirements wouldn’t go astray, and a GVM (gross vehicle mass) upgrade while you’re at it.In terms of off-road angles the Tasman does well, especially the X-Pro with approach (32.2 ), ramp-over (25.8), and departure (26.2) angles that are better than standard, especially for a ute with a long wheelbase. It has 252mm of ground clearance and a listed wading depth of 800mm, which is plenty on both counts. However, under-vehicle protection is crucial to shield the vehicle’s vital components (think control arms, sump, transfer case and more) from damaging rock strikes while you steer your Tasman through challenging terrain on your way to Adventure Town! … or at least Bundaberg.For touring and storage, the aftermarket can provide the Tasman with an alloy canopy over the tub to keep your camping gear or work tools secure from thieves and protected from the elements if the weather turns ugly.That same canopy may have a spare wheel carrier at the rear if you so desire and a foldaway ladder so you can access your roof-top tent or whatever camping gear you have stowed away up top on the cargo platform atop the canopy.If your Tasman doesn’t come out of the factory equipped with side steps – as is the case with the top-shelf X-Pro variant – you can treat yourself to some of those (replete with anti-slip tread plates) and also get a set of sturdy side rails to protect the ute’s wheel arches and panels from damage while rock-crawling.Don’t forget to include all-important vehicle-recovery gear onboard, including soft shackles, snatch strap, vehicle recovery tracks and more.There’s plenty of work you can do on – and accessories you can add to – the Tasman (or any 4WD for the matter) via Australia’s aftermarket industry, so crack open your wallet and go for it.

Kia is planning something impressive for its big-selling SUV family favourite.

Kia has detailed a timeline of when to expect key updates for its Tasman ute, including its long-awaited Ford Everest-fighting SUV version and a petrol-hybrid powertrain.

Despite a huge onslaught of fresh competition in the Australian ute market, November new car registration figures show established players continue to lead the category by a healthy margin.

Aussies SUV shoppers will be spoiled for choice in 2026.Kia is the latest carmaker to confirm a new version of one its most popular models, with the new-generation Seltos breaking cover ahead of its Australian arrival late next year.The new Seltos ushers in a lot of changes to beef up its arsenal to battle newcomers such as the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 and old favourites including the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Kona from sister brand Hyundai.Kia’s compact SUV will come with hybrid power for the first time. The brand hasn’t revealed any details of the hybrid set-up, but it is believed to mirror the one found in the Kona.That likely means a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched with an electric motor and small battery. This set-up produces a combined 104kW and 265Nm in the Kona and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch auto that drives the front wheels. Fuel use should be sub-4.0L/100km, too.This will be joined by two petrol engines.The first is a familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder non-turbo motor found in the current Seltos (minus 1kW), which now makes 110kW and 179Nm. It will likely be matched to a CVT auto.Next up is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This is available in two tunes making either 132kW/265Nm or 142kW/265Nm. It is likely Australia will use the second option paired with an eight-speed auto, which is currently used in the Seltos albeit with 4kW more.Kia Australia hasn’t confirmed the Seltos line-up for Down Under yet, but it is likely to offer the two petrol options and hybrid from its Q4 launch.It will be available in front- or all-wheel drive layouts, with the AWD versions swapping out a rear torsion beam set-up for a more refined multi-link suspension at the back.Currently Kia fits the turbo motor to AWD versions and the non-turbo engine to FWD examples, this strategy is expected to carry-over to the new generation. No word yet on if the hybrid will be available in FWD or AWD layouts, but Hyundai only sells the Kona Hybrid in FWD.The Seltos will also benefit from a local ride and handling tune, which it said will take place at the start of next year.The company also claimed to have improved sound deadening to improve the driving experience.Kia has stretched the Seltos. It is now 45mm longer than before and with a 60mm longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase — or distance between front and rear axles — typically determines how much interior space a car has. The spacious cabin has also been enhanced with a column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector, which leaves the centre console free for other uses.The Seltos is also claimed to have class-leading boot space, with 536L of storage, according to Kia.A new design maintains the Seltos’ boxy physique but new lighting signatures front and back add some modern touches to its appeal. There is the option of 16-, 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.Kia has also confirmed a new X-Line trim, which will feature more rugged styling compared to the more glitzy GT-Line.High-end models will benefit from plenty of large screens inside and a head-up display that projects vital information, such as travelling speed and safety warnings, onto the windscreen in front of the driver.Kia has fitted plenty of advanced safety tech to the new Seltos, with all bases covered.Kia will produce the Seltos in China, India and South Korea, with Australian-delivered vehicles built in Korea.

We just got a closer look at a revamped compact SUV. Kia has released an official teaser video for its new-generation Seltos. The video runs for 27 seconds, so we do not get a comprehensive look at the new Seltos, but do get some key details. In the absence of full body shots of the car, the video focuses on specific elements of the exterior design. The car in the photos is an all-wheel drive version of the Seltos, bearing the ‘4X’ badging on the back. It gets a boxy overall design, and it is similar to what is found on the brand’s all-electric EV3 small SUV, and in keeping with the just-unveiled Telluride three-row SUV. It features a curious light design, with a light strip that runs along the length of the boot. Other elements include a rear spoiler, alluding to a sleek design, and hidden door handles.It is anticipated the new-generation Seltos will get a hybrid power set-up for the first time ever. This hybrid is likely to have the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor found in its sister car, the Hyundai Kona, producing a combined 104kW and 265Nm. It has not been confirmed where the new Australian Seltos will be built, with Kia capable of producing the car in either India or South Korea.It is likely that the Aussie version will continue to be built in South Korea to share the K3 platform also found on the Kona. The Seltos is currently available in Australia exclusively with a petrol engine. A hybrid set-up would bring it into line with much of Kia’s range, which has undergone a sustained hybrid shift. The brand recently unveiled a more comprehensive range of HEVs and PHEVs for its larger Sorento, with a now 20-strong variant lineup for the SUV. The Seltos is still battling to recapture its status as a strong seller in the Aussie market’s busy small SUV category. It sits behind many of its rivals, selling less than 9000 units so far in 2025. It trails its sister car the Kona, with MG’s ZS and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro among other better sellers. Its rumoured starting price in its native South Korean market is roughly 20 million won, which is around $21,000, but it will endure a bit of a tax-related price hike when it hits Australia. The new-generation Seltos will be officially unveiled tomorrow, with an Australian launch date in the second half of 2026.

America wants to see a station wagon comeback, but it won't be as easy as it sounds.

Hybrids surge in popularity in Australia.