Amid considerable global interest and more than significant local pre-sales interest which has resulted in 41-unit registrations in its first month on-sale, Kia New Zealand’s EV6 has already made it into the top 5 of the medium over $60k segment.
Here, the Korean EV takes on the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Polestar, Tesla and Volvo, with a five-model range – two of which come in under the Government’s Clean Car Rebate $80k ceiling.
These are the standard and long range ‘Air’ models – both rear wheel drive cars with an 58kWh / 394km range battery and 77.4kWh / 528km range battery respectively.
Above these are the long range, dual motor all-wheel drive ‘Earth’ and ‘GT-Line’ models with the 77.4kWh batteries and ranges of 506km and 484km on the WLTP (see page 22) test cycle.
Aesthetically balanced from a visual perspective, the EV6 is uniquely identifiable, thanks to its long and low design which results in a low centre of gravity for a more engaged driving experience, according to Kia NZ.
The contemporary exterior appearance is accentuated by the inclusion of an LED lighting package around the vehicle and the adoption of auto-flush door handles. The overall look is completed with a black glossy beltline.
The prodigious size of the EV6 suggests a very spacious interior, and Kia does not disappoint with the EV6’s inner dimensions comparing favourably to vehicles from larger segments.
Without revealing too much, the cabin’s interior is dominated by two dual-curved 12.3-inch screens – a total 24.6 inches of high-definition liquid crystal display, delivering all vehicle and infotainment information.
In keeping with the look of tomorrow’s motoring, the EV6 incorporates tomorrow’s technology with remote start parking assist, an extension over the remote parallel parking systems of the Sorento and Sportage models.
EV6 owners can stand alongside their vehicles and use the remote to give parking commands for the vehicle, making it handy for getting into and out of tight parking spaces such as garages, or for retrieving the vehicle from carparks when someone has inadvertently parked too close to the driver side door.
The EV6 has the ability to do more than just provide a mode of transport.
It features the ‘Vehicle to Load’ (V2L) and ‘Vehicle to Vehicle’ (V2V) plug, which gives the EV6 the ability to support external electrical appliances from power tools, through to all manner of camping equipment.
Kia claims the V2L system can power 70 40-inch TV screens – though quite why you’d want to, is another story.
Perhaps of greater use is the knowledge that the EV6 has had a tuned handling package designed for Australasia which has resulted in the EV6’s ride being described as ‘accomplished’ and ‘polished.’
The EV6 Air RWD Long Range is rated to tow up to 1600kg braked* and is capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in 18 minutes.
