Kia's EV5 Takes on the UK Market in a Bold New Drive
The clash at Hastings marked a crucial turning point in the history of Britain – from that moment onward, this island country would undergo significant changes.
The 1066 cross-Channel invasion involved William the Conqueror and his Norman troops landing on our shores in their intimidating Viking-style longships, aiming to defeat the final Anglo-Saxon monarch, King Harold, for the English throne.
Almost 1,000 years later, I am traveling from the location of that famous battle in the modern town of Battle, near Hastings in Sussex, to evaluate the lively new family-friendly five-seat Kia EV5 electric SUV.
In its own humble manner, the South Korean automotive company Kia had a significant impact on the development of Britain's car industry.
It is one company from a group of three East Asian countries whose vehicles have reshaped our views and purchasing habits—coming after Japan's influence from the 1960s and ahead of the current wave from China.
Arriving in the UK in 1991 with its Pride super-mini, Kia has transitioned from offering budget-friendly, functional cars with unremarkable designs to becoming a popular, growing brand known for stylish vehicles that feature comfortable and modern interiors, advanced technology – albeit at more premium prices.
This applies to the newly launched, roomy EV5 mid-size SUV, which comes in three well-equipped trims: Air (starting at £39,346), GT-Line (£42,645) and the top-of-the-line GT-Line S (starting at £47,145), which I tested.
Many features of the EV5 high-spec package have been adapted from the much larger and more costly EV9 SUV (priced at £66,035). It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels (18-inch for the Air variant) and is equipped with an 81.4kWh battery. The robust new EV5 is driven by a powerful 214bhp electric motor, accelerating from 0 to 62mph in a quick 8.4 seconds, with a top speed capped at 102mph, and an estimated range of up to 329 miles (313 miles in my vehicle). Roughly similar in size to a Kia Sportage, the EV5 offers an enjoyable driving experience, performing well on straight roads, and the sport mode provides confidence during sharp turns. It handles well in urban environments, even in slower 20mph zones.
You have the ability to select and adjust the intensity of 'one-pedal' driving using paddles on the steering wheel, which allows you to increase or decrease the level of regenerative braking and can stop you smoothly without needing to use the brakes.
The intelligent control panel combines physical buttons, touch controls, and a 30-inch display, along with a practical heads-up display.
The massage chairs in my car were a pleasant surprise, aiding me in both relaxing and remaining alert. Coupled with a sliding panoramic sunroof, tinted windows, and a spacious trunk.
The latest EV5 model features a prominent dashboard screen that extends nearly 30 inches, including a 12.3-inch display for the driver, a 12.3-inch touch screen for navigation, and a 5.3-inch section for climate controls.
The functional SUV provides a spacious 566 liters of capacity, which increases to 1,650 liters when the rear seats are folded down, plus an additional 44 liters of storage in the front trunk, known as the 'frunk'.
And it has received a five-star rating in the most recent Euro NCAP safety evaluations.
A 350kW DC fast charger can charge the vehicle to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, a 50kW DC charger will do so in just over an hour, while an 11kW AC home charger requires roughly 7.5 hours.
EV5 comes in seven color options such as Iceberg Green, Gravity Grey, and Frost Blue, depending on the configuration. It includes a seven-year/100,000 mile warranty that is transferable, with an additional year added to the battery pack's coverage.
Kia's latest line of electric vehicles is labeled from EV1 to EV9. At the Brussels Motor Show in January, Kia introduced the new EV2 compact SUV, as well as dynamic GT versions of the EV3, EV4, and EV5. These models are immediately identifiable as Kias due to their shared design language.
If you're a family with kids and you choose to purchase an EV5, make sure to educate them on the history of the Battle of Hastings from 960 years ago—and perhaps also share some information about Kia's 35-year presence in the UK. That'll be a small victory for King Harold.
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