Kia EV5 now on sale in NZ
After a false start, the Kia EV5 is now on sale in New Zealand. What Kia describes as a ‘midsize fully electric vehicle’ is available from $67,990. It was originally planned to go on sale in September but then Kia NZ delayed its launch a few months due to market conditions in the EV sector. That’s probably allowed them to clear a bit of unsold stock, giving the EV5 some room to shine in the showroom.
Read our Kia EV5 launch report
EV5 line-up, specification and pricing
The EV5 range starts with the Light which is $67,990 and features LED lighting tech, dual zone climate control, rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors.
All models gain Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) which combines adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane change assist features allowing for a semi-autonomous driving experience on the motorway at least.
There is Kia Connect too, an app allowing for ‘remote control’ for your car. In case of an accident where the airbag is deployed, Kia Connect can also automatically contact the 24/7 call centre. The EV5 also has ‘over-the-air’ update functionality as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Light+ is $70,450 and adds a powered driver’s seat, blindspot view monitor, 360 view camera, parking collision assist (front, side and reverse) plus parking sensors (front, side and rear).
The Earth can be had with the same single motor FWD powertrain as the Light ($75,450) or with dual motors for $80,450. Spec wise it gains 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 function (interior and exterior).
Then there is the GT-Line ($85,450) with extras like a glass roof, body kit, heated steering wheel, premium relaxation seat with massage function for the driver and an eight-speaker Harman/ Kardon premium sound system.
Drivetrain, Battery and Range
Single-motor, FWD models have 160kW and 310Nm of torque while the AWD variants have two motors and a combined 230kW and 480Nm. All models use the same 88.1kWh while WLTP range figures are listed at 555km for the Light variants, 540km for the Earth FWD (500km for the AWD model) and 470km for the GT-Line.
Big screens inside
The cabin has plenty of screen space inside with two 12-inch displays, one of the instruments, the other for the infotainment and a third five-inch screen for the HVAC.
Boot space Kia rate at 513 litres, increasing to 1713L. There is also a 67L frunk.
