Kia’s “Tasman Intensive” program provides participants with a unique driving experience guided by professional instructors. The program includes off-road courses and mountainous trails, culminating in an overnight stay at the “Ocean View Camping Ground.”
On May 22, the program took place in Taean, South Chungcheong Province. Instead of stopping at rising water levels, the Kia Tasman reduced its speed and proceeded confidently. Even on steep 35-degree inclines and muddy, gravelly rally routes, the car maintained stability.
The test vehicle was the Tasman X-Pro model, designed for off-road driving. It features a ground clearance of 252mm, which is 28mm higher than the base 4WD model, and is equipped with all-terrain tires. Additional features include X-TREK mode, Rock mode, and a Ground View Monitor, designed specifically for challenging terrains.
Before the main drive, participants received off-road driving technique training, learning proper driving methods and how to use the vehicle’s features across various terrains, such as slopes, gravel, sand, bumps, and waterways.
During the hands-on drive, participants felt the differences each terrain mode made while navigating the courses. At steep inclines, the X-Trek mode, which maintains low-speed travel (under 10 km/h) by controlling engine torque and brake pressure, enhanced the vehicle’s stability and control.
In various off-road conditions like gravel and mud, the Tasman maintained stability and control thanks to its advanced features. With a maximum fording capability of 800mm, the Tasman easily traversed channels up to 450mm deep.
Participants could monitor vehicle dynamics such as tilt and steering angles via the car’s off-road page on the cluster and infotainment screens.
After completing the driving experience at the center, participants traveled approximately 42 km on real roads to a camping site, where the mountainous off-road course offered further challenges. Tasman’s X-Pro specific functions were particularly useful on these rugged paths.
On the camping grounds, the vehicle’s practicality shines, with features like a storage area behind the passenger seat that doubles as a mini table and a built-in inverter allowing the use of electronic devices outdoors.
A Kia representative highlighted that the 1-night, 2-day Tasman Intensive program showcases the vehicle’s capabilities across various conditions, making it a viable choice for off-road enthusiasts and families looking for weekend adventures.