Kia ute snapped testing in Korea

Is that this the long-awaited Kia ute?

Pictures of a camouflaged (and barely ragged) check mule posted to KiaClubOfficial present a Kia-branded pickup testing on Korean roads, carrying what seems to be the front-end of the Mohave SUV. Though the pictures are tight crops, it’s clear in one of many footage the cabin cuts off behind the rear seats to create a dual-cab ute physique.

Particulars concerning the Kia ute are skinny on the bottom, however the firm earlier this yr dedicated to constructing “a devoted electrical pickup truck and a strategic mannequin for rising markets”.

The model says it’ll produce one of many utes alongside an SUV within the USA from 2024, and talked about these can be mid-sized fashions. This implies it’ll have an electrical counterpart to the likes of the Ford Ranger.

Together with the electrical possibility, there are rumours the “strategic mannequin for rising markets” may be supplied with internal-combustion energy.

It’s potential the Mohave front-end is born of comfort, and bears no relevance to the completed product… but when Kia was to construct an internal-combustion ute, one thing just like the Mohave would make a logical base.

Constructed on a ladder body, it’s powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine making 186kW and 560Nm. Though it was as soon as offered within the USA because the Borrego, the Mohave (pictured under) is now reserved for South Korea. The actual fact it’s over a decade outdated means it’s unlikely the present Mohave’s body will underpin a brand new ute.

Which ute fashions will come to Australia isn’t clear. Mild business automobiles dominate the gross sales charts Down Below, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux usually occupying the highest two spots.

It stands to motive, then, Kia would prioritise getting utes to our market, given the potential they need to elevate it on the gross sales charts.

Within the case of the potential electrical pickup, Kia has already mentioned it needs each electrical car it will possibly get its fingers on domestically.

“There’s a plan for a minimum of seven [e-GMP cars] in complete within the Kia model,” mentioned Kia Australia product boss, Roland Rivero.

“We’re negotiating strongly to deliver as a lot of them to our shores as rapidly as potential. If we’re fortunate sufficient, there may very well be one other couple subsequent yr.”

Because it stands, the EV6 and Niro are main the electrical cost for Kia in Australia. A manufacturing model of the Idea EV9 may observe in 2023.

Measuring up at 2055mm broad and 4930mm lengthy with a 3100mm wheelbase, the family-hauling crossover idea is 80mm wider than a Hyundai Palisade, and rides on a wheelbase that’s 200mm longer.

Claimed vary is 483km, and the e-GMP platform helps 350kW ultra-rapid charging hooked as much as a public DC quick charger. Past the EV9, it’s not clear which of the fashions Kia teased in 2020 is subsequent in line.