Australian Ultimate Suspension’s dedicated development program for this vehicle is built around Australian conditions

The dedicated Kia Tasman development program of Australian Ultimate Suspension goes beyond a single suspension upgrade, bringing together multiple suspension technologies, six defined suspension packages, custom-built solutions, vehicle protection, and cooling development for Australian conditions.
“For us, the introduction of an entirely new platform also presented an important question: how should the Tasman be prepared for the way Australian owners will actually use it?” Australian Ultimate Suspension’s Ken O’Keefe, said.
“Rather than simply developing one suspension package and applying it to every vehicle, we commenced a dedicated research and development program around the Kia Tasman, examining suspension behaviour, vehicle loading, towing requirements, protection and thermal management.”

Different vehicles require different suspension solutions
A major focus of Australian Ultimate Suspension’s Kia Tasman development program has been suspension, explains Ken.
“A standard Tasman used primarily for commuting has very different requirements from a vehicle fitted with a bull bar, winch, canopy, drawers, fridge, roof rack, long-range fuel tank ,and recovery equipment,” Ken said.
“That is why we don’t approach the Tasman with a one-size-fits-all philosophy.”
The Australian Ultimate Suspension Tasman development program incorporates multiple suspension technologies, including products from Japanese suspension specialist TEIN, Thailand-based manufacturer Progressive Corporation, and Australian Ultimate Suspension’s own in-house custom-built suspension solutions.
This allows suspension packages to be selected and configured according to the intended use of the vehicle, expected constant load, towing requirements, and the customer’s preferred ride characteristics.

Six suspension stages — not one universal kit
“One of the key differences in our approach is the availability of six defined Kia Tasman suspension stages, providing owners with a logical progression from a relatively simple shock absorber upgrade through to a complete suspension replacement package,” Ken said.
The Stage One Shock Replacement Pack is aimed at lighter-load vehicles, everyday driving, and owners looking for a straightforward suspension improvement. It combines front coil-over struts with rear non-coil-over shock absorbers. The front provides adjustable height and ride control, while the rear provides adjustable damping.
The Stage Two Light Load / Towing Pack progresses to front and rear coil-over suspension. It is suited to lighter vehicle configurations and towing applications where owners want greater control and adjustability at both ends of the vehicle.
For regular towing and moderate additional load, the Stage Three Medium Load / Towing Pack combines front coil-over struts, rear adjustable shocks, and rear coil-assist components. This gives additional support to the rear suspension while retaining a configuration suited to vehicles that still need to perform comfortably in everyday conditions.
Owners building a Tasman specifically for heavier touring or caravan duties can move to Stage Four Heavy Load / Caravan and Trailer Towing. The package combines front and rear coil-over suspension with coil assist and is designed around heavier and more permanent loads. The current Tasman specification lists the rear assistance for loads of up to 460kg.
Then there is the challenge of variable load. Stage Five Air Bag Load Assist Package combines front and rear coil-over suspension with an Ultimate Airbag kit designed to assist the existing suspension and help maintain vehicle height when additional load is introduced.
At the other end of the range is the Stage Six Full Suspension Replacement Pack, intended for vehicles carrying more consistent rear load. It incorporates front coil-over struts, rear shocks, Ultimate replacement rear leaf springs, heavy-duty U-bolts and a shackle and bush kit. The replacement rear leaf springs provide a more comprehensive solution for vehicles carrying permanent touring or work-related weight.
“The important point is that the six stages are not intended to force every customer into one predefined package.
They provide a starting framework,” Ken said.
“If a customer’s Tasman has unusual loading requirements or a specific combination of accessories, we can develop an in-house custom configuration around that particular vehicle.”

Looking beyond suspension
The Kia Tasman research program also extends beyond springs and shock absorbers.
Development is continuing around underbody and vehicle protection, with attention being given to protecting critical components when travelling through rough Australian terrain while maintaining appropriate integration with the vehicle.
Thermal management is another major area of research, particularly for vehicles that will regularly operate under additional load or towing conditions.
Working with HDi, Australian Ultimate Suspension is developing an Ultimate Cooling Systems range for the Kia Tasman, including HDi intercooler and HDi automatic transmission cooler solutions.
“The focus is on helping the vehicle manage the additional thermal demands that can arise during towing, touring and demanding driving conditions,” Ken said.

Developing the complete Tasman
The Kia Tasman is still a relatively new platform, and Australian Ultimate Suspension’s development program continues to evolve as solutions are tested, evaluated, and refined.
“The philosophy behind the program is straightforward: understand the vehicle first, understand how the customer intends to use it, and then build the appropriate solution around those requirements,” Ken said.

For more information, visit www.ultimatesuspension.com.au