Later this year Kia will premiere its much-awaited Tasman dual cab ute to the
world, with its arrival here mid next year taking the South Korean manufacturer
into new territory and an opportunity for it to gain a larger share of the Australia
vehicle market. The Tasman ute has been undergoing significant on and off-road
testing here ready for its market debut. On Monday the company showcased the
Tasman’s testing regime via a teaser video series on YouTube providing an
inside look at the ute’s development, the company stating it has conducted “1777
specific tests and 18,000 plus rounds of evaluation”, testing the vehicle
extensively in “the Australian wilderness.” Australia is expected to be a key
market for the diesel-powered Kia Tasman, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota
Hilux currently our two top selling vehicles. I’m David Berthon

Later this year Kia will premiere its much-awaited Tasman dual cab ute to the world, with its arrival here mid next year taking the South Korean manufacturer into new territory and an opportunity for it to gain a larger share of the Australia vehicle market. The Tasman ute has been undergoing significant on and off-road testing here ready for its market debut. On Monday the company showcased the Tasman’s testing regime via a teaser video series on YouTube providing an inside look at the ute’s development, the company stating it has conducted “1777 specific tests and 18,000 plus rounds of evaluation”, testing the vehicle extensively in “the Australian wilderness.” Australia is expected to be a key market for the diesel-powered Kia Tasman, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux currently our two top selling vehicles. I’m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

Kia teases its much anticipated Tasman ute on YouTube

Driving Kia’s EV6 GT-line at $87,590, the third-tier model in the four-model range
which is now topped by the high-performance EV6 GT flagship at $99,590. The
dual motor GT-line however will satisfy most drivers looking for a performance
EV with a 0 to 100km/hour time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad when you consider it tips
the scales at 2105 kilos. Yes, its premium priced which has no doubt slowed
sales but it’s as good as it gets in a family sized electric SUV – offering less range
at 484km compared to rear drive EV6 models at 528kms but I found the stated
range to be fairly accurate despite a mix of urban and country driving in hot
conditions with the air-conditioning on. I’ve also driven the top spec high-
performance EV6 GT – too hard-nosed for me - the GT seats hard and
unaccommodating while its non-compliant suspension tune provides a too hard
ride for comfortable day to day use. However, as i said, the drive experience of
the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most new drivers – smooth, quiet with assured
handling and a very comfortable ride and for me the one to own. An electric car
with great styling and presence and superbly built. I’m David Berthon

Driving Kia’s EV6 GT-line at $87,590, the third-tier model in the four-model range which is now topped by the high-performance EV6 GT flagship at $99,590. The dual motor GT-line however will satisfy most drivers looking for a performance EV with a 0 to 100km/hour time of 5.2 seconds. Not bad when you consider it tips the scales at 2105 kilos. Yes, its premium priced which has no doubt slowed sales but it’s as good as it gets in a family sized electric SUV – offering less range at 484km compared to rear drive EV6 models at 528kms but I found the stated range to be fairly accurate despite a mix of urban and country driving in hot conditions with the air-conditioning on. I’ve also driven the top spec high- performance EV6 GT – too hard-nosed for me - the GT seats hard and unaccommodating while its non-compliant suspension tune provides a too hard ride for comfortable day to day use. However, as i said, the drive experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most new drivers – smooth, quiet with assured handling and a very comfortable ride and for me the one to own. An electric car with great styling and presence and superbly built. I’m David Berthon

Kia EV6 GT-line - impressive electric SUV

Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today. The Kia EV6 comes in four models. I drove the EV6
GT-line dual motor all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery the
GT-line with two electric motors and weighing 100 kilos heavier to the rear drive
models provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque. Delivering a driving range of
484km which I found most accurate with a mix of urban and country driving.
Energy consumption varied and ran from around 15kWh/100km to
18.5kWh/100km. Charging, on a standard 7kW home charger around 71/2 hours,
on a 350kW fast charger if you can find one not in use around 20 minutes. The Kia
EV6 styling a standout, sharp edge styling that gives it a premium feel and in my
eyes it’s the best-looking EV on the market. Large well shod 20-inch alloy wheels
are tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy interior with great
seats. Despite an impressive dash and instrumentation, the interior is somewhat
bland in terms of finishes. Premium specified however with all the driving aids
and safety elements and Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The drive
experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most drivers. More drive details in
my next segment. I’m David Berthon

Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today. The Kia EV6 comes in four models. I drove the EV6 GT-line dual motor all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery the GT-line with two electric motors and weighing 100 kilos heavier to the rear drive models provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque. Delivering a driving range of 484km which I found most accurate with a mix of urban and country driving. Energy consumption varied and ran from around 15kWh/100km to 18.5kWh/100km. Charging, on a standard 7kW home charger around 71/2 hours, on a 350kW fast charger if you can find one not in use around 20 minutes. The Kia EV6 styling a standout, sharp edge styling that gives it a premium feel and in my eyes it’s the best-looking EV on the market. Large well shod 20-inch alloy wheels are tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy interior with great seats. Despite an impressive dash and instrumentation, the interior is somewhat bland in terms of finishes. Premium specified however with all the driving aids and safety elements and Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. The drive experience of the Kia EV6 GT-line will impress most drivers. More drive details in my next segment. I’m David Berthon

Kia EV6 GT-line - about as good as it gets in a premium electric SUV.

Skoda has reduced the price of its run-out small Kamiq automatic SUV to just $29,990 drive-away, its lowest price in more than three years. With a new Kamiq model now in showrooms Skoda Australia has applied the discount to the final 250 examples of the pre-update base model. The Kamiq is Skoda’s best seller and represents around a quarter of the Czech-based car brands sales here. Although year to date Kamiq sales are running 26 percent behind the same time last year. The price reduced model is also available with a special guaranteed future value finance program for $69 per week, at a 6.99 per cent interest rate over a 60-month term and a $2,990 deposit. Kamiq standard features include a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full range of active driver assist functions. I’m David Berthon

Skoda has reduced the price of its run-out small Kamiq automatic SUV to just $29,990 drive-away, its lowest price in more than three years. With a new Kamiq model now in showrooms Skoda Australia has applied the discount to the final 250 examples of the pre-update base model. The Kamiq is Skoda’s best seller and represents around a quarter of the Czech-based car brands sales here. Although year to date Kamiq sales are running 26 percent behind the same time last year. The price reduced model is also available with a special guaranteed future value finance program for $69 per week, at a 6.99 per cent interest rate over a 60-month term and a $2,990 deposit. Kamiq standard features include a rear-view camera, LED headlights, keyless entry and start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a full range of active driver assist functions. I’m David Berthon

Kia teases its much anticipated Tasman ute on YouTube

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