Kia EV5 officially on sale in NZ

This Kia EV5 mid-size SUV has been officially launched for sale in New Zealand after months of delays due to the market’s state here.

It comes in four trim levels priced from $67,990 for the Light Long Range two-wheel drive (2WD) model, with the Light + Long Range 2WD at $70,450, the Earth Long Range 2WD at $75,450, the Earth Long Range all-wheel drive (AWD) at $80,450 and the GT-Line Long Range AWD at $85,450.

The prices include GST plus on-road costs.

The 2WD models have more than 500km range (WLTP), while all trims have the 88.1kwh battery capacity and safety technology, says Kia New Zealand.

The combined system output of the 2WD models is 160kW power and 310Nm torque, increasing to 230kW and 480Nm in the AWD versions.

“An attainable price and an impressive range are two factors which consistently rank highly on a new electric car buyers consideration list,” says Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald.

“With the new EV5, it’s possible to have a great price and an incredible range, as well as a huge array of additional performance, technology, safety and comfort features,”: he says.

“This all-new model follows in the trailblazing footsteps of the larger and international award-winning EV9, opening up a world of exciting possibilities for families who desire a competitively priced midsize fully electric vehicle without any issues surrounding range anxiety.”

McDonald says the EVS “shares a strong family resemblance with its larger EV9 stablemate”.

“It has distinctive styling which will stand the test of time.”

The Light model features an impressive lighting display, including LED headlamps, daytime running lights and rear tail lights, says Kia New Zealand.

Other notable features include dual zone climate control, smart cruise control and rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors.

Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) is a feature found on all models in the range.

“HDA2 is a system that combines adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane change assist features, allowing for a semi-autonomous driving experience.”

The EV5 is the first Kia to offer Kia Connect, an app which turns your smartphone into a ‘remote control’ for the car, and allows tasks such as remote lock, remote climate control, destination send to vehicle and real-time vehicle tracking, says Kia New Zealand.

In an accident triggering airbags, Kia Connect will automatically contact the 24/7 call centre while an SOS button allows people to call the centre if necessary.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates are available to enhance key vehicle features such as powertrain, drivetrain, battery management, infotainment system and the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

All models offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Extra items on the Light+ include power driver’s seat, blind spot view monitor, 360 degree view camera, parking collision assist (front, side and reverse) plus parking sensors (front, side and rear).

The Earth features benefits from the addition of an optional AWD drivetrain, auto flush door handles, smart power tailgate, heated front seats, composite leather seat upholstery, wireless phone charger, full colour heads-up display and vehicle-to-load (V2L) function (interior and exterior).

The GT-Line’s highlights include a large panoramic sunroof, GT-Line exclusive body kit, heated steering wheel, a driver premium relaxation seat with massage function, eight-speaker Harman/ Kardon premium sound system, fingerprint recognition plus a console box with cooling and warming function.

The cockpit has a 29.6-inch integrated panoramic display, the main display comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a five-inch HVAC display and a 12.3-inch satellite navigation multimedia system.

Driving cluster graphics change to match the Drive Mode Select themes, switching between Normal, Sport, Eco and Snow.

Boot space is 513 litres, increasing to 1713 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

Up to 1714-litres (VDA, rear seats down) of cargo space plus 67-litres more in the front boot (frunk) are offered, and adjustable cargo hooks are available to hang bags.The alloy wheels found on the EV5 feature distinctive wheel covers which are designed to maximise aero-efficiency to maximise the range of the electric vehicle.

The Light and Light+ have 18-inch alloy wheels, Earth19-inch and GT-Line 20-inch.

Earlier this year, a team of 45 engineers covered almost 25,000km in an EV5 prototype and support vehicles, testing vehicle software and hardware.

Click here for more information or consult your nearest Kia dealer.