Kia unveiled three new small to medium-sized electric models at the brand’s EV Day in Korea in October. The presentation featured the debut of the compact electric SUV, the EV5, as well as two concepts – the Concept EV3 and Concept EV4.
Kia Australia has confirmed the EV5 will make its way here in 2024, and it looks likely to be another winner for the Korean manufacturer.
The Kia EV5 is built on the brand’s dedicated E-GMP EV platform and draws inspiration from, the company said, the large EV9 SUV.
Production of the EV5 will take place in both China and Korea, and the Chinese market will have access to three variations: standard, long-range, and long-range AWD. A GT model is also on the cards.
The standard model, equipped with a 64kWh battery pack and a 160kW motor, is expected to have a driving range of 530km per charge according to the CLTC standards.
The long-range model, featuring an 88kWh battery and the same 160kW motor, aims to achieve a range of 720km per charge. The long-range AWD model will feature an 88kWh battery pack and a combined output of 230kW, with a front-wheel 160kW motor and a rear-wheel 70kW motor. With the AWD model, Kia is targeting a driving range of 650km.
Additionally, the model offers fast-charging capability, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 per cent capacity in 27 minutes.
While the EV5 is destined for Australia, specs for models to be available here are uncertain as yet.
However, details on the model that was unveiled include a battery that has been engineered to function effectively through extremes of hot and cold weather with a heat pump system incorporated to manage the battery’s temperature. It also offers regenerative braking and a one-pedal system that allows drivers to both slow down and accelerate using a single pedal.
Inside, the EV5 is equipped with cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity tech, including a connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system, and supports over-the-air software updates. It incorporates a Panoramic Wide Display, which combines a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment system, along with a 5-inch climate control display. There’s also an optional windshield Head Up Display.
Safety features include seven airbags and the brand’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), which helps drivers maintain distance, stay centered in a lane, change lanes, and adjust lateral positioning.
There’s also the Kia Digital Key 2 smart key, which can activate the vehicle’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2) system. This technology enables the SUV to park itself without the need for driver intervention, whether in or out of the vehicle. The RSPA 2 automatically maneuvers the vehicle into the designated parking space, controlling the accelerator, brakes, and gearshift. The system also automatically applies the brakes if an object representing an obstruction is detected in its path. It also features Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) to prevent collisions with oncoming vehicles when reversing.
Also incorporated in the EV5 is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functions. With V2L, the high-voltage battery can supply power to external electronic devices. Kia says it will concentrate on rolling out V2G in regions where the necessary infrastructure exists, enabling surplus energy to be shared with the grid.
The EV5 is available with a choice of seats featuring recycled PET fabric and Bio-PU leather coverings. For the Chinese market there are bench-type seats and the centre console armrest incorporates a table and storage.
Features also include relaxation seats that feature a four-mode massage function with three levels of intensity, and comfort seats that have massage air cells, four-way lumbar support, a three-step heater and ventilation function and a footrest.
There’s also a full-flat folding second-row camping seat and a rear console refrigerator/warmer and a Multi Table luggage board, which can be transformed into a table.
Details on the specs for the Australia-bound EV5 will be revealed at a later date.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2023)
21 November 2023
