Kia EV5 arrives ahead of mid-year launch

The first example of the new Kia EV5 has landed in New Zealand.

The smaller sibling of the multi award-winning seven-seat EV9 will be used for local testing and evaluation before being launched here mid-2024.

More than 20 research and development engineers in seven different departments from Kia head office are participating in extensive local engineering testing.

“The EV9 has enjoyed a great response since launch in New Zealand late last year,” says Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald.

“The EV9 is laden with technology, offers impressive range and performance, plus a spacious interior thanks to the Electric Global Modular Platform which provides Kia designers the ability to produce a vehicle interior which is free from traditional restrictions.

“These same characteristics and features will be found in the EV5, albeit in a slightly smaller package, so we expect it to have particular appeal for families who want an innovative, fast charging and attractive fully electric vehicle.”

Aimed at a smaller SUV segment than the EV9, the new EV5 will offer two rows of seats for five people.

A new EV5 section of the Kia New Zealand website goes live next week, so people who want to be the first to know about local details relating to the new model are invited to visit the site and register their interest.

Further information about pricing, specification and range will be released during coming months.