NUMBERS GAME
Kia has limited supply of its new EV6 electric vehicle but demand is strong
throttle response and steps up the artificial sound, adding some aural excitement.
Eco mode dials back the power slightly in the quest to save electricity.
All models have a 77.4kWh battery, 4.8kWh more than the Hyundai. Claimed range is 528km for the Air, but that drops to 484km for the GT-Line AWD due to stickier 20-inch Continental tyres and additional weight.
The EV6 can accept up to 240kW when charging, enough to add up to 350km of range in as little as 18 minutes. Home charging takes about 34 hours from a regular power point or as little as seven hours and 20 minutes with a wallbox. But the EV6 is a lot more than a fast – and fast charging – electric vehicle. It can tow up to 1600kg, for example.
It’s also filled with technology, including dual 12.3-inch displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smart-key entry, satnav, wireless phone charging and adaptive cruise control. There are seven airbags – including a centre airbag up front – as well as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic assist.
None yet have the Kia Connect system that allows monitoring and basic controls from a smartphone app, although with the GT-Line you can drive it forward and back remotely from the keyfob.
GT-Line models are differentiated with unique bumpers, body coloured wheel arches and additional equipment that includes a headup display, 360-degree camera, blind-spot cameras, a heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, electrically adjustable seats and heated and ventilated front seats. A vehicle-to-load system allows you to power camping gear, gadgets or even charge another EV from an onboard power point. There’s also a 14-speaker Meridian sound system.
That sound system shaves 10 litres off the 490-litre boot capacity of the Air due to a subwoofer sitting below the floor. The dualmotor model gets a slender 20-litre storage cavity under the bonnet compared with the 52litre box for those without a motor up front.
Local suspension tuning has paid off. The EV6 demonstrates has impressive control and comfort over pockmarked country roads. From big hits to smaller imperfections, the EV6 does a good job of controlling two tonnes and cushioning occupants from bumps.
The grippier 20-inch tyres of the GT-Line contribute to sportier cornering, although occasional inconsistency in the weight of the steering takes the shine off the driving experience.
The biggest challenge for potential EV6 buyers could be getting hold of one. Some dealers will get only a single car and there have been 25,000-plus expressions of interest.