Is this the tough-as-nails Kia Tasman 4x4? Spy shots show a closed off prototype that could be preparing to fight the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado

The dream of the Kia Tasman spawning a tough-as-nails four-wheel drive to fight the Ford Everest might become a reality.

New spy images captured by Healer TV shows a camouflaged Kia Tasman prototype testing with an extended roof over the tray.

Kia Australia’s Head of Product Planning Roland Rivero has previously told CarsGuide the local arm would love to have a butch 4WD based on the Tasman.

"So we'd love to spawn a ladder-frame SUV, like an Everest competitor, out of that same (Tasman) platform. And theoretically you could, but it is something that we still have to negotiate hard with headquarters," said Rivero.

"What we need for it to happen is other markets, major markets that source Tasman, to also want to have a ladder frame SUV." 

"We're hoping that South Africa or the Middle East would be keen on it, but at the end of the day we need all of the stars to align for something like to happen," he said.

The spy shots could be showing a Tasman dual-cab with a canopy roof, which would suggest the brand is developing a range of accessories to go with the rugged workhorse when it launches early next year.

Kia has previously said there has been significant interest from fleets, which would require such accessories.

Rivero has previously said there are a range of non-negotiables for the Tasman that would make it attractive to fleet buyers, too. 

Kia Tasman 4WD render. (Source: NYMammoth)

These include a five-star ANCAP safety rating, a three-and-half tonne tow rating and greater than a one-tonne payload. It is likely to be available in two- and four-wheel-drive layouts.

The Tasman is likely to use a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that matches the best-selling versions of the Ranger and HiLux.

The most likely motor from Kia’s parts bin is the 2.2-litre turbo diesel used in the Sorento that makes 148kW and 440Nm and matched to an eight-speed automatic.

Any 4WD spawned off the Tasman platform would share these rugged credentials, too.

The Tasman is expected to be revealed in October before arriving on Aussies roads early next year.