ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW KIA EV4 AND EV4 FASTBACK

Recently, I had the opportunity to take the wheel of the new Kia EV4, yet another excellent introduction from the large South Korean carmaker.

A first, an EV hatchback and EV Fastback from Kia, thus giving the customer the widest possible choice. The grades are very familiar to Kia buyers, with the Air only on the EV4, GT- Line and GT-Line S; no doubt grades will differ across various markets. I was interested to learn that the HQ for the launch was the Oakley Court Hotel with its distinctive Gothic style and it was a major location for the Dracula series of films that once sent a chill down our spines, films which by the standards of today are rather tame! This was also the location for the launch of the first Kia to reach our shores, the Pride.

In a relatively short time, the Kia brand has become one of the most important in global terms and when it comes to EVs few manufacturers can offer such a choice. While the cars are associated with South Korea, the manufacture takes place at the Zilina facility in Slovakia. Power choice, two battery packs, a 58.3kWh standard range or 81.4kWh, the latter delivers a longer range. With a number of EVs I often find when it comes to exterior styling, at best it can be described as bland, not such with these two newcomers, a modern design which is pleasing to the eye and it delivers a nice helping of on road presence. The finishing touch, just like the icing on a cake, are the LED star map lighting and daytime running lights. The choice of wheel sizes, 17 and 19 inch and colour choice for many is paramount when buying a new car; again Kia has come up with the goods with a palette of shades.

The moment I climbed on board both versions, immediately I was comfy, I was surrounded by a high quality cabin offering premium materials and standard throughout the range a 12.3 inch touchscreen including an easy to operate sat nav system. The absence of a gear liver in the traditional sense, instead a steering column mounted selector for the gears which in use is very easy to operate. Forward and rear vision is good and of course further assistance with a number of cameras and parking aids, all part of the package; of course we have now to expect that with the modern set of wheels. The EV4 which is a Hatchback is also a practical vehicle with 435 litres of boot space and fold down the seats and in the twinkling of an eye you have 1,415 litres to work with, a little less with the Fastback version. Technology abounds with both versions of the new EV4, a very high standard right across the entire range. Just a few highlights, a digital key is on the GT-Line and GT-Line S models, 360 degree surround view monitor, blind spot monitor and my favourite a head up display, standard on the GT- Line S variants and so the list goes on and on and each model comes with a raft of safety items to keep all safe.

The question I am asked most re EVs, is on the subject of range. Good news – both EV4 Hatchback and Fastback do deliver a range which should accommodate most needs from around 435km (270m) to 580km (360m) plus; this depends on the version chosen and with rest to 100kph (62mph) with some models as fast as under eight seconds; certainly in my book no complaint on performance. Summing up, two newcomers which will have wide appeal and which further strengthen the Kia EV family.

Ian Lynas