ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS TAKES THE GT LINE WITH THE NEW KIA EV9

There is no escaping the fact the Kia EV9 is a formidable vehicle with a huge helping of on road presence thanks to its Tonka like styling and I have been behind the wheel of two further models to the range, the GT- Line and the Air. The awards continue to stream in for the EV9 which is worthy to have the honour of being the flagship of this South Korean carmaker’s range and one which is set to challenge a number of better established premium brands, especially those of German origin. Make no mistake Kia is out to conquer with their impressive EV and if badge is not the thing that attracts you; this vehicle offers so much, in fact it is the complete package.

The GT-Line features all wheel drive as the Air (badged in the ROI as Earth) relies on rear wheel drive and there is a considerable difference in price, yet the latter offers an array of standard equipment. The EV9 is added to an impressive list of EVs from Kia and its sister company Hyundai, such as the Niro, EV6 and the Ioniq 5 and 6 and as we move forward according to Kia there is more to come; later this year expect to see an EV3, followed I suspect by 4 and 5 models. There is no doubt if your eyes are clearly set on becoming a part of the EV revolution Kia will have plenty to choose from and today the modern driver desires choice and why not. My opportunity to take the wheel of the GT-Line and the Air came in the South of England over many roads which I have encountered over the years for test drive purposes. What hit me right away, the sheer quality of drive, the build quality and of course for many the all engaging performance. I would challenge anyone to take the wheel of an EV9 and better still if they own and drive one of the three German premium brands, a surprise awaits, take it from me.

The all-wheel drive GT-Line in company with GT-Line S is powered by dual 141kW electric motors, one on each axle and these produce a maximum combined power output of 378bhp and maximum torque of 700Nm, 350Nm for both the front and the rear. Performance the GT-Line has a top speed of 200kph (124mph) and rest to 100kph (62mph) in 5.3 seconds and the manufacturer states, an all-electric driving range of up to 503km (313 m) and for urban driving up to 667km (415m). Those who opt for the rear-wheel drive entry level version will certainly not be disappointed, power is courtesy of single motor on the rear axle, producing 149.5kW (200bhp) and a maximum torque output of 350Nm. Top speed is 184kph (114mph) and the dash from rest to 100kph (62mph) is achieved in in 9.4 seconds and it has an all-electric driving range of up to 561km (349m) and up to 772km (480m) on the urban cycle. So if range is the main desire, then for many who do not require all wheel drive and who would appreciate a better range, then the lower powered version of the EV9 will be a good choice; it retains the same quality of drive and build as the more powerful GT-Line. The list of standard equipment on board both versions is extensive and unlike so many manufacturers an absence of an options list- the EV9 is the real deal. The EV9 also comes standard with the latest generation of safety equipment, such as Highway Driving Assist with Hands-on Detection, Lane Change Assist, Blind View Monitor and Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist and so the list goes on. I must add the EV9 range offers six or seven seats which adds further to its appeal and a strong selling point for Kia is a seven year warranty.

Behind the wheel. despite its generous dimensions. handling is good and I wonder if the GT-Line with its all wheel drive system will be used for what I would term as serious off road driving; certainly would be a benefit as weather conditions present a challenge to drivers. Summing up a great all rounder, a vehicle which displays the engineering, technology and sheer quality achieved by Kia.

Ian Lynas