TAKING CHARGE

The South Korean brand has injected itself among the electric vehicle pacesetters

BACK when Corona was just a beer, Kia was playing the electric game cool in Australia. Super low volumes and lukewarm interest had the alternative fuel options firmly on the backburner as Kia skyrocketed up the sales charts with funky SUVs and value-packed small cars underwritten by the best warranty in the business.

Fast-forward two years and it looks like electric cars could be responsible for more than half of the vehicles sold here by the end of the decade.

Early Kia products like the Niro hadn’t been overwhelmingly convincing. Yet the EV6 sets a bold new standard.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: During the Australian Open, the EV6 immediately caught my eye in the television commercials. I’m glad that it doesn’t disappoint in the metal.

GRANT: Big wheels which fill the arches, curved tailight, sleek and aerodynamic from all angles, it’s an arresting sight on the road. Not long ago the Stinger large sedan was the star of Kia’s show, now it’s the EV6.

KEL: In the ads it was matched to some fast looking cars, including a Porsche, does that mean high prices?

GRANT: Those commercials were promoting the GT version, which isn’t in Australia yet, pumping out a massive 430kW and 740Nm to rival supercars. The EV6s currently on the market start from about $72,000 on the road for the rear-wheel drive Air, while the GT-Line allwheel drive surpasses $88k.

KEL: That sounds competitive with most other electrics we’ve driven in recent times. What’s the range?

GRANT: We drove the GT-Line in both rear and all-wheel drive configurations. The RWD is less powerful with one motor and does the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds, with a range of 504km. Upgrade to the AWD and it has two motors, manages the dash in 5.2 seconds and can travel 484km from one charge. KEL: The charging time is also important, I noticed it took some time to charge using our standard power point. GRANT: That was because the setting on the adaptor was low. After it was changed to full capacity it was back to normal. Using a 10-amp point takes about 34 hours, but a wallbox at home takes about seven hours and 20 minutes. Although use a superfast charger and it can inject 350km of range in 18 minutes.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: One thing I’ve come to love about electric cars is the space below the centre console under the shifter. It’s awesome to store my handbag, or small items like milk which stops it from rolling around.

GRANT: Some EVs are an adaptation of the combustion engine versions, but the EV6 was purpose-built.

KEL: From a storage and placement perspective it’s one of the best I’ve seen. The glovebox is massive, with more space in the centre console, cupholders that can also handle bottles, two USB points in the front (A and C types) and another pair at the side of the front seats for those in the back.

GRANT: It’s a funky looking cabin, large curved displays, with soft touch and modern materials throughout. The GT-Lines come with a solid features list, with the highlights a 14-speaker Meridian stereo with smartphone mirroring apps, wireless phone charging as well as heated and ventilated front seats.

KEL: I didn’t like the pop-out door handles because I felt as though my hand slipped off too easily when opening the door. Another thing which took some getting used to was switching between aircon and infotainment controls.

GRANT: Two dash buttons change the display depending on what function you require. The start button on the console also took me some time to become accustomed to – intuitively I look at the dash near the

steering wheel.

THE COMMUTE

KEL: Typically responsive from standstill, I like how all electric vehicles get away from the lights quickly.

GRANT: Having all that torque at the ready means slingshot starts. The all-wheel drive version is much quicker, although the RWD is no slouch.

KEL: Had you not told me I wouldn’t have noticed the difference but I don’t typically drive to push the performance envelope.

GRANT: A steering wheel button enables shifting between drive modes. Sport is the quickest with honed responses for steering and accelerating (plus it also gets an athletic artificial sound). If you’re just cruising around in “normal” most drivers wouldn’t detect the contrast between AWD and RWD.

KEL: I liked the head-up display which provides speed, lane keeping, speed limit and satnav instructions projected onto the windscreen. GRANT: It’s one of the better systems around. The radar cruise control works well and maintains preset distances from other vehicles, while the lane keeping function isn’t too aggressive.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Having the 360-degree camera view makes parking so much easier. I noticed it also had the rear cross traffic assist to warn of oncoming vehicles when reversing.

GRANT: Braking is also assisted if the driver fails to act. If the parking space is really tight you can use the buttons on the fob to slowly reverse or inch forward – it will stop automatically if an obstacle is detected.

KEL: The boot space is awesome, and I easily fit all the groceries.

GRANT: One of my favourite features in SUVs is levers in the boot to quickly drop the rear seats – and its standard in the EV6. While it’s no major imposition to walk around to press a toggle, I like the convenience of having the ability to quickly expand the load area.

THE SUNDAY RUN

KEL: During our test we travelled through some torrential rain, yet I never felt nervous in the EV6.

GRANT: The battery position under the floor provides a low centre of gravity. Kia’s Australian team has improved the suspension set-up for our conditions and it handled poor road surfaces well with a combination of comfort and prowess as well as well-weighted steering. KEL: Having about 500km of range meant that longer trips were anxiety free.

GRANT: Once more charging stations are available it will become less of an issue. The EV6 also has a “vehicle to load function” where it can charge other electric appliances, like bikes, laptops, camping equipment or household devices.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Our two boys loved the rear legroom, with air vents mounted on the side pillars and access to USB points.

GRANT: From the outside the EV6 looks more like a mid-size SUV, but internally it rivals a LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol. The floor is high so some taller occupants may find the position awkward.

KEL: Does Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty still apply?

GRANT: It does, but although the battery is covered for the same time it’s restricted to 150,000km. Three capped-price servicing plans are available, $594 for three years, $1089 covers five, while seven is $1584.

VERDICT

KEL: For the price, this has been my favourite EV so far. The look, easy to drive and functionality is everything I’d want and need. GRANT: We’ve driven a lot of electric cars this year, and the EV6 has shot into pole position due to its range, design and all-round performance. The greatest battle is getting one. Only 500 were initially earmarked for Australia and they are sold with a long waiting list.