By Ian Strachan.
Kia’s electric evolution continues apace. The latest battery powered offering – the EV5 – fills a gap in the range, with a much-anticipated family SUV.
I test drove the GT-Line S version of this impressive SUV, in front wheel drive spec (an all wheel drive version is available.) Its electric motor develops a more than adequate 214 bhp, has a top speed of 102 mph and will take you from 0 to 60 mph in not much more than eight seconds. In addition it gives you engaging driving with good road manners.
The appeal of the EV5 – as a family SUV – is its carrying capacity and practicality. It has good head and legroom front and back but still manages a luggage capacity of 566 litres, which can be increased to 1,650 with rear seats folded.
As well as being practical the EV5 is a good looker and will undoubtedly turn heads. My test car came in a very pleasing Iceberg Green (an extra £675). Its external looks are enhanced with 19-inch alloys, gloss balc trim on wheel arches, sills and door mirrors, a rear spoiler and body coloured automatic flush door handles.
The interior of the EV5 is modern and well laid out, with a good driving position giving great all-round visibility. The comfortable heated and ventilated seats are two-tone faux leather, and all trim materials are of a high quality. The driver’s seat has powered adjustment with memory.
You also get a heated multifunction steering wheel, heated outer rear seats, all-round electric windows, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and ignition with fingerprint recognition, smart cruise control, panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate.
Satellite navigation and other functions are controlled via a 12.3 inch touchscreen with a further 12.3 inch driver display screen. In-car entertainment includes Apple CarPlay with voice control, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker premium sound system.
Specification on the EV5 GT-Line S also includes front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, 360-degree around view monitor, all-round parking sensors, remote parking assist which allows you to back the vehicle out of tight parking spaces, head-up display, wireless phone charger and a range of safety technology including lane keeping aid, blind-spot monitor, driver attention warning, forward collision avoidance assist, parking collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert and brake assist.
Published range for the EV5 214 bhp is up to 313 miles in combined driving and 448 in city driving. Putting the heater on reduces range but there’s a heat pump option. Charging times are good with a 10-80 percent charge time of 30 minutes with a 150kw charger.
This EV5 isn’t cheap, coming in at £47,145 on the road, but you get one of the best fully electric family SUVs around with a very high specification and Kia’s industry-leading seven year warranty. In addition you get an eight year battery warranty and a year’s roadside assistance..
