Latest news with #Euro5
NDTV
a day ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
2025 Kawasaki Z900 Launched In India At Rs 9.52 Lakh
Kawasaki has launched the 2025 Z900 in India, with a price tag of Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom). This new model includes several upgrades, such as better electronics, improved looks, and compliance with the latest Euro 5+ emission standards. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the upgrades and changes in the 2025 Kawasaki Z900. 2025 Kawasaki Z900: Powertrain And Features The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 retains the engine from its previous iteration. It is powered by a 948cc, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine as before, producing 125 hp and 98.6 Nm of torque, and is mated with a 6-speed gearbox. 2025 Kawasaki Z900: Design The Z900 has a bold design, influenced by its smaller version, the Z500. It retains the headlamp setup from its smaller sibling, and even after an improved cushioning on the seats, it retains the overall rider triangle. 2025 Kawasaki Z900: Hardware And Features The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 has been updated with upgraded safety features. It gets a 5-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that supports various riding modes, traction control, and dual-channel ABS. The braking system has been improved with Nissin calipers and 300mm dual front discs. Additionally, the old Dunlop Sportmax Roadsport 2 tires have been upgraded to the more performance-focused Dunlop Sportmax Q5A tires. 2025 Kawasaki Z900 It now has a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, allowing riders to use turn-by-turn navigation and other features via Kawasaki's Rideology app. The new ride-by-wire throttle system also offers cruise control and a bidirectional quickshifter, improving the riding experience. 2025 Kawasaki Z900: Rivals The 2025 Kawasaki Z900 offers new technology, better safety features, and a fresh design, making it a strong option in the middleweight naked bike category. It competes with bikes like the Honda CB650R, Triumph Street Triple R, and Ducati Monster.
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh taxi drivers granted extra extension on age and emissions limits
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Cab drivers in Edinburgh have been given a one-year reprieve from possibly needing to sell off their old vehicles. Councillors voted on Monday to approve a waiver to the city's hire vehicle age and emissions policy, meaning cabs older than a decade are still allowed to travel on city streets. Under the city's hire car regulations, as of 2021, any petrol cabs or private hires need to be 10 years old or less, and either comply with Euro 6 emissions standards or be Euro 5 and retrofitted to meet council requirements. However, every year since 2020, the council has approved a four year extension to this time period, meaning the maximum age of a cab or private hire car on city streets is 14 years. Every six months after a vehicle passes ten years old, it needs to go through an inspection to make sure it is still in compliance with the city's regulations. A report by officers to councillors said that some members of the taxi trade had found difficulty in finding vehicles that meet the city's current age and emissions standards. SNP councillor Norman Work asked council officer Andrew Mitchell: 'Was there any sort of timescale for this? There have been these extensions. Was there any idea how long it would go on for?' Mr Mitchell said: 'The initial target was 2021. The pandemic intervened, and the committee quite rightly gave an adjustment to the timeline. 'So the final timeline for Euro 6 then became 2023. The vast majority of the fleet has been compliant for quite some time. 'A smaller number [of drivers] have struggled, either for financial reasons or various other reasons.' Regulatory Committee convener, Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross, asked: 'Over two thirds [of vehicles over ten years old] have failed their first presentation for testing. 'I know there have been efforts made to encourage compliance with these older vehicles, but I'm wondering if there's anything else that could be done to incentivise better presentations?' He said: 'You're in the territory of, if you repeatedly fail, then you bring the operators to committee. 'It's not something we've done except in fairly extreme examples. But if you're testing them twice a year, and they're still turning up for their annual tests and failing, I struggle to see [what can be done].' Another council officer, Catherine Scanlin, added: 'What we're finding on testing is that it's wear and tear of the rest of the vehicle. And with the best will in the world, it's very very difficult, and very expensive in the main, to keep on top of that. 'So when they're coming for tests, even when the vehicles are prepped, they can't forsee some of the issues. 'Historically, older vehicles were passed down the line to new people coming into the trade. That's not possible with these vehicles. 'Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the operator to ensure that vehicle is fit for public service. It is a challenge, and it's difficult. Even the best maintained vehicles – it's a challenge for them as well.' The report also said that a report would come to the committee in the near future updating on the council's progress towards a 100% wheelchair accessible taxi fleet.
The Advertiser
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Kia still mulling hybrid, EV power for Tasman ute
It may seem odd that the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute will soon be launched only with a diesel engine, and without any form of electrified powertrains. That's especially so given the Korean brand's well-stocked inventory of petrol-electric (HEV) and battery-electric (EV) vehicle technologies, and the number of competitors adding hybrid drivetrains. But the carmaker's first pickup is expected to eventually become available with at least EV power. Speaking with CarExpert at the a local prototype drive for the Tasman, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Tasman's new bespoke ladder-frame platform accommodates multiple powertrain types. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "So what's on the cards of being studied and reviewed, there's definitely hybrid and [full] electrification. When, is still very much TBC," Mr Rivero said. "I think the focus right now for all the markets that [Kia Global] has developed the Tasman [for] is 'we've given you the starting point, achieve your respective business plans and what you've promised to achieve with Tasman, and we can look at what needs to be done to sustain that or grow in the years to com'. "Tasman will have a long model life. Traditional [light commercial vehicle lifecycles] are anywhere from eight to 12 years – expect to see the same for Tasman, and to sustain demand and appeal for such a long period of time, you can't sit on your laurels." Mr Rivero added that the Tasman's ladder-frame chassis is a "fairly modular platform" which can "underpin numerous powertrains". For now, however, Australia is only getting a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version (ie: no AdBlue) of the carmaker's 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, matched to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Mr Rivero ruled out Australian availability of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offered in the Korean market, citing pressure from the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will see carmakers financially penalised for not meeting average emissions caps from July 1, 2025. The turbo-petrol motor available abroad could, however, be implemented in a future hybrid drivetrain. Last month the Hyundai Motor Group – parent of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – detailed the next generation of its hybrid technologies, hinting at its future product plans. Debuting in the new Hyundai Palisade large SUV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, the new set of electrified technologies are claimed to improve performance and efficiency, as well as general driveability. You can read more about it here, but the takeaway relating to the Tasman is a small note in the release stating that a rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid is in the works for a 2026 introduction. While this is likely being developed primarily for the Genesis luxury division, it could also be tailored to the Tasman ute, given it already employs the non-hybrid version of that powertrain. As for a battery-electric version, Kia South Africa's head of marketing, Christo Valentyn, told CarBuzz in December last year that a Tasman EV was definitely "coming", though he didn't give an indication on timing. "I'm probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming," Mr Valentyn reportedly said at a media roundtable. Kia confirmed globally in 2022 that it was working on two utes: "a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets", the latter of which is understood to be a battery-electric Tasman derivative. An electric Tasman would give Kia a rival for the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, while other brands like Ford have indicated globally that they're working on electric utes of their own to compete in this segment. There are also an increasing number of traditional hybrid (GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota Tundra) and plug-in hybrid (BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T) utes either already on sale here or coming to Australia. Are you hanging out for a Tasman Hybrid or EV? Tell us in the comments section! MORE: 2025 Kia Tasman review – Prototype off-road driveMORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from: It may seem odd that the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute will soon be launched only with a diesel engine, and without any form of electrified powertrains. That's especially so given the Korean brand's well-stocked inventory of petrol-electric (HEV) and battery-electric (EV) vehicle technologies, and the number of competitors adding hybrid drivetrains. But the carmaker's first pickup is expected to eventually become available with at least EV power. Speaking with CarExpert at the a local prototype drive for the Tasman, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Tasman's new bespoke ladder-frame platform accommodates multiple powertrain types. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "So what's on the cards of being studied and reviewed, there's definitely hybrid and [full] electrification. When, is still very much TBC," Mr Rivero said. "I think the focus right now for all the markets that [Kia Global] has developed the Tasman [for] is 'we've given you the starting point, achieve your respective business plans and what you've promised to achieve with Tasman, and we can look at what needs to be done to sustain that or grow in the years to com'. "Tasman will have a long model life. Traditional [light commercial vehicle lifecycles] are anywhere from eight to 12 years – expect to see the same for Tasman, and to sustain demand and appeal for such a long period of time, you can't sit on your laurels." Mr Rivero added that the Tasman's ladder-frame chassis is a "fairly modular platform" which can "underpin numerous powertrains". For now, however, Australia is only getting a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version (ie: no AdBlue) of the carmaker's 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, matched to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Mr Rivero ruled out Australian availability of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offered in the Korean market, citing pressure from the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will see carmakers financially penalised for not meeting average emissions caps from July 1, 2025. The turbo-petrol motor available abroad could, however, be implemented in a future hybrid drivetrain. Last month the Hyundai Motor Group – parent of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – detailed the next generation of its hybrid technologies, hinting at its future product plans. Debuting in the new Hyundai Palisade large SUV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, the new set of electrified technologies are claimed to improve performance and efficiency, as well as general driveability. You can read more about it here, but the takeaway relating to the Tasman is a small note in the release stating that a rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid is in the works for a 2026 introduction. While this is likely being developed primarily for the Genesis luxury division, it could also be tailored to the Tasman ute, given it already employs the non-hybrid version of that powertrain. As for a battery-electric version, Kia South Africa's head of marketing, Christo Valentyn, told CarBuzz in December last year that a Tasman EV was definitely "coming", though he didn't give an indication on timing. "I'm probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming," Mr Valentyn reportedly said at a media roundtable. Kia confirmed globally in 2022 that it was working on two utes: "a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets", the latter of which is understood to be a battery-electric Tasman derivative. An electric Tasman would give Kia a rival for the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, while other brands like Ford have indicated globally that they're working on electric utes of their own to compete in this segment. There are also an increasing number of traditional hybrid (GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota Tundra) and plug-in hybrid (BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T) utes either already on sale here or coming to Australia. Are you hanging out for a Tasman Hybrid or EV? Tell us in the comments section! MORE: 2025 Kia Tasman review – Prototype off-road driveMORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from: It may seem odd that the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute will soon be launched only with a diesel engine, and without any form of electrified powertrains. That's especially so given the Korean brand's well-stocked inventory of petrol-electric (HEV) and battery-electric (EV) vehicle technologies, and the number of competitors adding hybrid drivetrains. But the carmaker's first pickup is expected to eventually become available with at least EV power. Speaking with CarExpert at the a local prototype drive for the Tasman, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Tasman's new bespoke ladder-frame platform accommodates multiple powertrain types. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "So what's on the cards of being studied and reviewed, there's definitely hybrid and [full] electrification. When, is still very much TBC," Mr Rivero said. "I think the focus right now for all the markets that [Kia Global] has developed the Tasman [for] is 'we've given you the starting point, achieve your respective business plans and what you've promised to achieve with Tasman, and we can look at what needs to be done to sustain that or grow in the years to com'. "Tasman will have a long model life. Traditional [light commercial vehicle lifecycles] are anywhere from eight to 12 years – expect to see the same for Tasman, and to sustain demand and appeal for such a long period of time, you can't sit on your laurels." Mr Rivero added that the Tasman's ladder-frame chassis is a "fairly modular platform" which can "underpin numerous powertrains". For now, however, Australia is only getting a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version (ie: no AdBlue) of the carmaker's 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, matched to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Mr Rivero ruled out Australian availability of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offered in the Korean market, citing pressure from the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will see carmakers financially penalised for not meeting average emissions caps from July 1, 2025. The turbo-petrol motor available abroad could, however, be implemented in a future hybrid drivetrain. Last month the Hyundai Motor Group – parent of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – detailed the next generation of its hybrid technologies, hinting at its future product plans. Debuting in the new Hyundai Palisade large SUV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, the new set of electrified technologies are claimed to improve performance and efficiency, as well as general driveability. You can read more about it here, but the takeaway relating to the Tasman is a small note in the release stating that a rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid is in the works for a 2026 introduction. While this is likely being developed primarily for the Genesis luxury division, it could also be tailored to the Tasman ute, given it already employs the non-hybrid version of that powertrain. As for a battery-electric version, Kia South Africa's head of marketing, Christo Valentyn, told CarBuzz in December last year that a Tasman EV was definitely "coming", though he didn't give an indication on timing. "I'm probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming," Mr Valentyn reportedly said at a media roundtable. Kia confirmed globally in 2022 that it was working on two utes: "a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets", the latter of which is understood to be a battery-electric Tasman derivative. An electric Tasman would give Kia a rival for the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, while other brands like Ford have indicated globally that they're working on electric utes of their own to compete in this segment. There are also an increasing number of traditional hybrid (GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota Tundra) and plug-in hybrid (BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T) utes either already on sale here or coming to Australia. Are you hanging out for a Tasman Hybrid or EV? Tell us in the comments section! MORE: 2025 Kia Tasman review – Prototype off-road driveMORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from: It may seem odd that the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute will soon be launched only with a diesel engine, and without any form of electrified powertrains. That's especially so given the Korean brand's well-stocked inventory of petrol-electric (HEV) and battery-electric (EV) vehicle technologies, and the number of competitors adding hybrid drivetrains. But the carmaker's first pickup is expected to eventually become available with at least EV power. Speaking with CarExpert at the a local prototype drive for the Tasman, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Tasman's new bespoke ladder-frame platform accommodates multiple powertrain types. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "So what's on the cards of being studied and reviewed, there's definitely hybrid and [full] electrification. When, is still very much TBC," Mr Rivero said. "I think the focus right now for all the markets that [Kia Global] has developed the Tasman [for] is 'we've given you the starting point, achieve your respective business plans and what you've promised to achieve with Tasman, and we can look at what needs to be done to sustain that or grow in the years to com'. "Tasman will have a long model life. Traditional [light commercial vehicle lifecycles] are anywhere from eight to 12 years – expect to see the same for Tasman, and to sustain demand and appeal for such a long period of time, you can't sit on your laurels." Mr Rivero added that the Tasman's ladder-frame chassis is a "fairly modular platform" which can "underpin numerous powertrains". For now, however, Australia is only getting a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version (ie: no AdBlue) of the carmaker's 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, matched to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Mr Rivero ruled out Australian availability of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offered in the Korean market, citing pressure from the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will see carmakers financially penalised for not meeting average emissions caps from July 1, 2025. The turbo-petrol motor available abroad could, however, be implemented in a future hybrid drivetrain. Last month the Hyundai Motor Group – parent of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – detailed the next generation of its hybrid technologies, hinting at its future product plans. Debuting in the new Hyundai Palisade large SUV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, the new set of electrified technologies are claimed to improve performance and efficiency, as well as general driveability. You can read more about it here, but the takeaway relating to the Tasman is a small note in the release stating that a rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid is in the works for a 2026 introduction. While this is likely being developed primarily for the Genesis luxury division, it could also be tailored to the Tasman ute, given it already employs the non-hybrid version of that powertrain. As for a battery-electric version, Kia South Africa's head of marketing, Christo Valentyn, told CarBuzz in December last year that a Tasman EV was definitely "coming", though he didn't give an indication on timing. "I'm probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming," Mr Valentyn reportedly said at a media roundtable. Kia confirmed globally in 2022 that it was working on two utes: "a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets", the latter of which is understood to be a battery-electric Tasman derivative. An electric Tasman would give Kia a rival for the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, while other brands like Ford have indicated globally that they're working on electric utes of their own to compete in this segment. There are also an increasing number of traditional hybrid (GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota Tundra) and plug-in hybrid (BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T) utes either already on sale here or coming to Australia. Are you hanging out for a Tasman Hybrid or EV? Tell us in the comments section! MORE: 2025 Kia Tasman review – Prototype off-road driveMORE: Everything Kia Tasman Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Kia still mulling hybrid, EV power for Tasman ute
It may seem odd that the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute will soon be launched only with a diesel engine, and without any form of electrified powertrains. That's especially so given the Korean brand's well-stocked inventory of petrol-electric (HEV) and battery-electric (EV) vehicle technologies, and the number of competitors adding hybrid drivetrains. But the carmaker's first pickup is expected to eventually become available with at least EV power. Speaking with CarExpert at the a local prototype drive for the Tasman, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Tasman's new bespoke ladder-frame platform accommodates multiple powertrain types. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . 'So what's on the cards of being studied and reviewed, there's definitely hybrid and [full] electrification. When, is still very much TBC,' Mr Rivero said. 'I think the focus right now for all the markets that [Kia Global] has developed the Tasman [for] is 'we've given you the starting point, achieve your respective business plans and what you've promised to achieve with Tasman, and we can look at what needs to be done to sustain that or grow in the years to com'. 'Tasman will have a long model life. Traditional [light commercial vehicle lifecycles] are anywhere from eight to 12 years – expect to see the same for Tasman, and to sustain demand and appeal for such a long period of time, you can't sit on your laurels.' Mr Rivero added that the Tasman's ladder-frame chassis is a 'fairly modular platform' which can 'underpin numerous powertrains'. For now, however, Australia is only getting a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version (ie: no AdBlue) of the carmaker's 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, matched to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Mr Rivero ruled out Australian availability of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offered in the Korean market, citing pressure from the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will see carmakers financially penalised for not meeting average emissions caps from July 1, 2025. The turbo-petrol motor available abroad could, however, be implemented in a future hybrid drivetrain. Last month the Hyundai Motor Group – parent of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – detailed the next generation of its hybrid technologies, hinting at its future product plans. Debuting in the new Hyundai Palisade large SUV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, the new set of electrified technologies are claimed to improve performance and efficiency, as well as general driveability. You can read more about it here , but the takeaway relating to the Tasman is a small note in the release stating that a rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid is in the works for a 2026 introduction. While this is likely being developed primarily for the Genesis luxury division, it could also be tailored to the Tasman ute, given it already employs the non-hybrid version of that powertrain. As for a battery-electric version, Kia South Africa's head of marketing, Christo Valentyn, told CarBuzz in December last year that a Tasman EV was definitely 'coming' , though he didn't give an indication on timing. 'I'm probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming,' Mr Valentyn reportedly said at a media roundtable. Kia confirmed globally in 2022 that it was working on two utes: 'a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets', the latter of which is understood to be a battery-electric Tasman derivative. An electric Tasman would give Kia a rival for the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, while other brands like Ford have indicated globally that they're working on electric utes of their own to compete in this segment. There are also an increasing number of traditional hybrid ( GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota Tundra ) and plug-in hybrid ( BYD Shark 6 , Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T ) utes either already on sale here or coming to Australia. Are you hanging out for a Tasman Hybrid or EV? Tell us in the comments section! MORE: 2025 Kia Tasman review – Prototype off-road drive MORE: Everything Kia Tasman
Perth Now
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Kia still mulling hybrid, EV power for Tasman ute
It may seem odd that the Kia Tasman dual-cab ute will soon be launched only with a diesel engine, and without any form of electrified powertrains. That's especially so given the Korean brand's well-stocked inventory of petrol-electric (HEV) and battery-electric (EV) vehicle technologies, and the number of competitors adding hybrid drivetrains. But the carmaker's first pickup is expected to eventually become available with at least EV power. Speaking with CarExpert at the a local prototype drive for the Tasman, Kia Australia's general manager for product Roland Rivero said the Tasman's new bespoke ladder-frame platform accommodates multiple powertrain types. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'So what's on the cards of being studied and reviewed, there's definitely hybrid and [full] electrification. When, is still very much TBC,' Mr Rivero said. 'I think the focus right now for all the markets that [Kia Global] has developed the Tasman [for] is 'we've given you the starting point, achieve your respective business plans and what you've promised to achieve with Tasman, and we can look at what needs to be done to sustain that or grow in the years to com'. 'Tasman will have a long model life. Traditional [light commercial vehicle lifecycles] are anywhere from eight to 12 years – expect to see the same for Tasman, and to sustain demand and appeal for such a long period of time, you can't sit on your laurels.' Mr Rivero added that the Tasman's ladder-frame chassis is a 'fairly modular platform' which can 'underpin numerous powertrains'. For now, however, Australia is only getting a Euro 5 emissions-compliant version (ie: no AdBlue) of the carmaker's 154kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, matched to both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. Shifting gears is an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Pre-production model shown Credit: CarExpert Mr Rivero ruled out Australian availability of the 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine offered in the Korean market, citing pressure from the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will see carmakers financially penalised for not meeting average emissions caps from July 1, 2025. The turbo-petrol motor available abroad could, however, be implemented in a future hybrid drivetrain. Last month the Hyundai Motor Group – parent of the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands – detailed the next generation of its hybrid technologies, hinting at its future product plans. Debuting in the new Hyundai Palisade large SUV, which is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system, the new set of electrified technologies are claimed to improve performance and efficiency, as well as general driveability. You can read more about it here, but the takeaway relating to the Tasman is a small note in the release stating that a rear-wheel drive-biased version of the 2.5 turbo hybrid is in the works for a 2026 introduction. While this is likely being developed primarily for the Genesis luxury division, it could also be tailored to the Tasman ute, given it already employs the non-hybrid version of that powertrain. Supplied Credit: CarExpert As for a battery-electric version, Kia South Africa's head of marketing, Christo Valentyn, told CarBuzz in December last year that a Tasman EV was definitely 'coming', though he didn't give an indication on timing. 'I'm probably not supposed to say this, but… an electric one is coming,' Mr Valentyn reportedly said at a media roundtable. Kia confirmed globally in 2022 that it was working on two utes: 'a dedicated electric pickup truck and a strategic model for emerging markets', the latter of which is understood to be a battery-electric Tasman derivative. An electric Tasman would give Kia a rival for the upcoming LDV eTerron 9, while other brands like Ford have indicated globally that they're working on electric utes of their own to compete in this segment. There are also an increasing number of traditional hybrid (GWM Cannon Alpha and Toyota Tundra) and plug-in hybrid (BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T) utes either already on sale here or coming to Australia. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Are you hanging out for a Tasman Hybrid or EV? Tell us in the comments section! MORE: 2025 Kia Tasman review – Prototype off-road driveMORE: Everything Kia Tasman
