Scanning the comments on a Kia Tasman social media post reveals that the most talked-about design element is the wheel arches. While they serve a functional purpose—housing the fuel cap and potentially a storage compartment—their styling has been widely criticised.
In an interview with CarSales, Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith has confirmed that the Tasman will come with alternatives to the black rectangles that we’ve seen so far, including an option that extends all the way around the wheel arch.
“It’s very good news, I can assure you that accessory will be there at launch.”
Asked whether the options would be affordable, Meredith confirmed, “Yes, they will be.” Additionally, we anticipate seeing colour-coded wheel arches that match the body, which is a promising update.
This is great news, as it shows Kia is listening to public feedback. With the Tasman, Kia took some bold design risks, which is exactly the kind of opportunity you have when introducing a new model to the market.
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While recent entrants like the LDV T60 and BYD Shark have been criticised for mimicking Ford’s styling, Kia opted to try something different. If their approach doesn’t resonate, they’ve already made it clear they’re willing to make adjustments. Personally, I appreciate the path Kia’s taken.
