Home

Electric vehicle game changer, Kia style

Peter AtkinsonAAP
Kia's EV6 is breaking the mould of expensive and scary electric vehicles.
Camera IconKia's EV6 is breaking the mould of expensive and scary electric vehicles. Credit: AAP

In a few years' time, in discussions about which car has had the most profound influence on the motoring industry, there will probably be a photo of this machine: Kia's EV6.

History might well record that it was not necessarily the most affordable electric vehicle, nor was it the fastest, the prettiest or, perhaps, not even the most popular.

But more than any other, this car has built a bridge between fossil fuel engines and emission-free EVs - a bridge that many Aussies are about to cross.

The EV6 will be remembered as a car that many modern families could afford, and one that met their needs - a handsome, clever and compelling vehicle that almost any driver could adopt without fear or compromise.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Let's face it - one of the principal things still steering some buyers away from the EV pond is the suspicion that, somewhere, somehow, they might need to make sacrifices. But that's not the case with the EV6.

In a world where electric-powered cars are mostly expensive and a bit scary, the Kia is neither.

It has taken all of the ambition, technology and imagination of the dazzling Korean motor industry and combined it all in one terrific vehicle. Well, two vehicles. The EV6 and its alter-ego, the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The two Korean-built cars share most of their underpinnings but look very different. In fact, for two cars that are almost identical in most ways, they are astonishingly different.

The Ioniq's boxy, futuristic shape certainly screams "EV" and commands attention. Its George Jetson looks are futuristic and unique.

The EV6, despite riding on the very same platform, looks much more "normal" - muscular and shapely - with a sleek profile like the part-SUV, part-hatchback that it is.

While many competing electric models are simply electrified versions of an existing nameplate, the Kia is purpose built - most noticeable when climbing in to find there's no space-stealing transmission tunnel running up the middle of the cockpit.

Buyers will initially have the choice of three models and two drivetrains. The entry-level Air sets the bar at $67,900 plus on-road costs. Step up to the GT-line with more fruit, but the same single-motor configuration for $74,990.

The GT-Line AWD, as tested, introduces a second motor, driving the front wheels as well as the rear - resulting in a feisty 239 kilowatts and 605Nm. The punchy dual-motor output converts to smart acceleration of 0-100 in a breezy 5.2 seconds. The single-motor does it in a lazy 7.3 seconds.

Neither is particularly quick for an EV, but the performance is more than enough for a family machine. A fearsome GT model will arrive by the end of 2022 packing supercar-like performance.

The EV6 has been on the market for the better part of a year, but due to supply issues (lots of people want one) it has taken its time arriving down under. Those ordering now have been told not to expect delivery before 2024.

So, why has it made so much noise - with dozens of best-car awards?

Well, it's as sophisticated and as well-equipped as a German or high-end Japanese rival, but can be bought for roughly half the price. It is effortless to drive - with so much pace and space it gobbles up people and their belongings.

Styling is eye-catching without being over the top (something the Koreans have a tendency for). The chequered-flag style motif on the passenger dash had the potential to look cheap but in reality looks quite the opposite.

The three EV6 models offer impressive electric range (between roughly 480km and 550km, depending on the model).

It's an accomplished and comfortable highway cruiser, fitted with a full complement of gizmos to ensure correct speed and driving positioning.

It has perhaps the best head-up display - the numbers are so vivid they look like they've been painted onto the vehicle in front.

Likewise the cockpit is a study in efficiency and modernity - with minimal buttons except those needed to start the car and select forward or reverse.

The instrument display is configurable in multiple ways, but always displays the remaining range and percentage of charge used. There's also a little message, beside the charge display, telling you how far it is from the next charging point. It's remarkable how frequent and how close together these charge points have become, even in this relative infancy of EVs.

The central infotainment screen is also a touch-and-go affair, with very few buttons or knobs used in the minimalist cabin.

The glove-compartment offers some handy space in the spot where the centre console would normally be - a good spot to put a handbag or a couple of shopping bags without needing to use the boot (electrically opened). There's also a couple more storage bins but they are so low down they are almost impossible to use (at least while steering the car).

The artificial leather seats look smart and offer decent support, and in the GT Line they were heated, ventilated and adjustable electrically (how else?).

Perhaps best of all, the little flush-fitting door handles pop out when the car senses the key in close proximity.

Perhaps they'll be talking about those in a decade's time, too.

KIA EV6 GT-LINE AWD

* HOW BIG: Surprisingly. From a distance it looks like a mid-sized hatchback. But those slinky lines disguise a car that's comparable in size to a Holden Commodore (remember them?). Heaps of space for a family of five, plus luggage.

* HOW FAST? This one is decently quick, with its dual motors and all-wheel grip. The high-performance GT model will deliver sub four-second performance.

* HOW THIRSTY? The EV6 has a cruising range of up to 550km.

* HOW MUCH? Prices start from $67,000 for the two-wheel-drive base model. The GT-Line AWD costs $82,990 plus on-road costs.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails