ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE NEW KIA EV5

The Kia EV range continues to expand with the South Korean carmaker offering one of the widest choices currently and recently I had the opportunity to take the wheel of the new EV5.

This is very much a vehicle for the family, roomy with five seats and it is set to compete in the C-SUV segment of the market, which is currently pretty crowded. With the hugely popular Sportage, with which the EV5 will be sold alongside and the SUV range offers the buyer the widest possible choice, something for just about everyone, full EV, ICE, hybrid and plug-in- hybrid.

Kia is a very ambitious company as it means to have fifteen EVs to choose from by 2030 and they are certainly very much on target. The new EV5 is built on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform and it is equipped with a long range 81.4kWh battery and front mounted 160kW motor with a very useful 214bhp. The good news story is that the range on a single charge can be as much as 530km (329 miles). With fast charging you can be on the way in just thirty minutes that is ten to eighty percent. Of course I must point out that obtaining the ideal range rests on a number of factors, the manner in which the EV5 is driven and varying temperatures as in the cold weather you are likely to use power for heating, demisting etc.

Styling reminds me very much of the top of the EV range from Kia, the EV9; the EV5 has a fair helping of on road presence, it is 4.610mm in length and 1.875mm in width, this aids greatly in delivering space for all on board. With a wide nose, Star Map daytime running lights and precision detailing this EV SUV really stands out from its competitors. Chunky wheels, a choice of 18 or 19 inch add the finishing touch. Moving to the extremely well appointed interior, the welcome is a very versatile cabin with excellent use of space and storage possibilities and there are a number of premium comfort features. It would be fair to say that the focus is very much on comfort. There is a wide centre console, which can be accessed by front and rear passengers and in the best tradition of an SUV, fold the rear seats and you have a generous load space.

Technology abounds with the new EV5, with a suite of friendly digital features that will make any journey undertaken a pleasure. There is a wide panoramic display, which features a 12.3 inch instrument cluster, a 12.3 inch infotainment screen and a 5.3 inch climate control display. Technology is certainly not limited to infotainment with the this new SUV EV having the very latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and a wide choice of active safety tools, designed to keep all who travel in this Kia safe. For me, as always, behind the wheel; the new EV5 really does deliver, it is extremely responsive and stability and agility are good aided by the fact that the battery is mounted low within the floor. Worthy of note Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 system allows adjustment of the level of regenerative braking to enjoy greater control and comfort.

Summing up, this is a good all-rounder and a welcome addition to what seems an endless ever growing SUV EV sector and Kia is right in there with the new EV5.

Ian Lynas