The upcoming Kia Tasman has no shortage of polarising design cues, from its prominent snout to its enormous black plastic wheel arches. In good news for critics of the Tasman’s design, Kia appears to be working on a fix for at least one of these elements.
Multiple Kia Tasman have recently been spotted in Australia with wheel arches painted white to match the body colour of the vehicles. Images shared to the Kia Tasman Club on Facebook show a more conventional look.
Boxy & Black
The Tasman was initially revealed with unusual, boxy wheel arch flares—likened by some to eyebrows over the wheel wells—which at the rear conceal lockable storage and the fuel filler door. Kia Australia has confirmed it will offer different wheel-arch treatments, though these may forgo the clever storage feature.
In an interview with CarSales, Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith confirmed that alternatives to the black rectangles seen so far will be available, including an option that extends fully around the wheel arch.
“It’s very good news, I can assure you that accessory will be there at launch.”
Price & Availability
Asked about affordability, Meredith said, “Yes, they will be.” It has yet to confirm whether these will be available as dealer accessories or fitted at the port. Drive.com.au reports that these may not just be an optional extra but could be standard equipment on specific Tasman variants.
One prototype also features lower body cladding finished in body colour, including the front bumper, though it remains unclear if this will make it to production. Additionally, Kia Australia will offer wrap-around wheel-arches, giving buyers choice of black or painted and curved or flat.
Kia Australia acknowledges the criticism of the wheel-arch design but believes potential buyers are warming up to the Tasman’s styling after seeing it in person. Kia’s Vice President of Next Exterior Design, John Buckingham, previously stated that the Tasman’s styling was intended to make a “bold impression” and introduce “something new in the market.”
It’s definitely true that different body colours benefit from different wheel arches, and comments online reflect a variety of opinions. Luckily, Kia Australia has provided consumers with choice.
