Khaberni - In an initial appearance that was almost an explicit statement, Kia Tasman stormed the competition arena at the Moon Valley Rally 2026, achieving first place in the toughest rounds of the race, and stealing the spotlight from legendary cars that were accustomed to topping the podiums in this type of rally. Its presence was not just a trial participation, but a clear declaration that Tasman came to compete and to win.
Kia Tasman also managed to secure the third place in the PT4 category, in a result that reflects the car's competitive readiness and its ability to compete with brands that have long experience in these types of rallies, despite it being its very first participation at this level.
From the heart of the harsh terrains of Wadi Rum, among the sand dunes and complex rocky passes, Tasman proved its superiority in the toughest stage — the round that was a target for all teams to prove their worth and technical ability. Excelling specifically in this stage gave its victory additional weight and cemented its image as a real competitor despite it being its first participation in a navigational rally of this level.
What made this achievement even more thrilling was that the vehicle faced competitors with a long history in desert rallies, some of whom had participated for years in regional and global championships. Nevertheless, Tasman managed to impose its rhythm with steadiness and confidence, benefiting from clear mechanical readiness and accurate navigation systems using the Roadbook and GPS points.
However, this victory was not entirely surprising to observers, for when Tasman was first revealed last year in Wadi Rum, its features and design clearly indicated that it was born to face such challenges, and today, the victory has turned expectations into tangible reality.
The vehicle was driven by driver Yazan Jumah, representing the Arab National Automobile Company team alongside the navigator Mustafa Jumah, where the duo formed a well-coordinated team within the cabin, and delivered an
professional disciplined performance that aligns with the rally's philosophy, which emphasizes precision and control more than sheer speed. This harmony between the driver and the vehicle was one of the keys to success in the decisive stage.
What distinguished this race is that the rally took place simultaneously with the Jordan Baja championship, which added a stronger competitive dimension and greater media presence to the participation.
With this win, Kia Tasman did not just participate, but inscribed its name from its very first attempt in the record of the rally's most prominent moments, confirming that its entry into the world of desert competitions was not a fleeting experiment, but the beginning of a promising and exciting path at the same time.
