• Styling elements from the Hyundai Kona and Santa Cruz could suit a new pickup quite nicely.
  • Kia will offer the Tasman with a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel.

The Kia Tasman has caused quite a stir since it was unveiled to the world recently, sporting an unusual design that makes it stand out from many pickups out there. Only time will tell if Kia’s move into the world of trucks was a good idea, but the Tasman has inspired one designer to imagine what a Hyundai variant could look like.

It’s important to note that Hyundai has not made any commitment to building a pickup based on the Tasman. In the US, it already sells the Santa Cruz, although it’s more lifestyle-oriented than the Kia and not quite as rugged. Nevertheless, Hyundai could no doubt tap Kia on the shoulder and borrow the underpinnings of the Tasman to build another pickup if it wanted to.

Read: Will Kia’s Tasman Accessories Make You Forget Its Odd Looks?

In creating this new Hyundai for the virtual world, Theottle has used styling elements from several existing Hyundai models. For example, the truck has an LED light bar similar to the new Kona as well as a rugged grille that resembles the one on the Santa Cruz. Sharp creases and lines like those from the Kona are also featured down the sides of the pickup.

Perhaps the single biggest improvement made is the removal of the Tasman’s ghastly mustache-style fender flares in favor of more traditional fenders that look far more refined. We also like what the designer has done with the rear of the car, adding a light bar and new LED taillights.

When the Kia Tasman hits the market, it will do so with a turbocharged 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder with 277 hp and 311 lb-ft (421 Nm) and a 2.2-liter turbodiesel produces 207 hp and 325 lb-ft (441 Nm). Unlike the Hyundai Santa Cruz, which uses a unibody architecture, the Tasman has a ladder-frame chassis and will directly rival the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.