KIA’S SIX APPEAL
Kia is creating an electrical storm with its stylish and sporty new battery-powered EV6 coupe-like crossover. already picking up awards, it has more than 1,500 UK preorders to launch this feisty fiveseater. i’ve just been driving one on British roads.
There’s a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive powered by a 77.4 kWh high-voltage lithiumion polymer battery pack.
Priced from £40,945, the entry level, but well-stocked air trim spec comes only with rear wheel drive, while the GT-Line (£43,945 to £47,445) and GT-Line S (£48,445 to £51,945) have an all-wheeldrive option.
For performance and value, it’s a keen challenger to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and even Tesla.
i drove the mid-range EV6 GTLine rear-wheel drive on 19 in wheels, priced from £43,945 with a more than adequate range of up to 328 miles. Developing 226bhp and linked to a single-speed automatic transmission, it sprints to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds up 114 mph. it’s quiet, but has pace and is engaging in taut and dynamic Sport mode. Other modes are Eco, Normal and even Snow.
it’s a comfortable and practical family car with aerodynamic coupe styling, flush pop-out handles, privacy glass in the rear, plenty of space, a big boot with underfloor storage, sporty head rests and rear seats that fold down remotely. You can even use the car itself as a portable power supply to charge another car or electric bike, camping equipment, or just boil a kettle to make a cup of tea.
it’ll even tow a trailer of up to 1,600 kg and has a seven-year warranty. Vegan leather and recycled plastic is also available.
The all-wheel version with a dual motor offers 321bhp, goes from rest to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, and up to 116 mph with a reduced range of 314 miles. and the evenfaster flagship 577bhp GT arrives at the end of next year.