KIA'S EV5 IS ALIVE AND IT'S UNDER 50 GRAND

KIA'S LATEST tech-packed EV was launched in Ireland yesterday at the scenic Kilruddery House in Wicklow and it’s a car that could be a real volume seller for the Korean brand.

- With JOHN MITCHELL

Roughly the size of a Sportage, the new EV5 is the first electric C-SUV offered by Kia, with prices from €47,625 and is available in three different trim levels.

It comes with impressive standard equipment and an 81.4kW long-range battery as standard paird with a 160 kW motor.

Top features include a WLTP range of up to 530 km, 30-minute fast charging capability, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality and a towing capacity of up to 1,200kg.

The EV5 has a rugged yet refined design, spacious and flexible cabin and with advanced electric features, it is specifically engineered to meet the expectations and lifestyles of European customers.

Ronan Flood, Managing Director at Kia Ireland said yesterday: “The medium SUV category, or CSUV, is the most popular vehicle segment in Ireland and accounts for 30% of all new car sales. Before today, Sportage was our only C-SUV and accounted for 35% of all new Kia sales this year.

“In addition, Kia EV sales are up 87% versus last year, so there is no denying the opportunity that exists for an electric C-SUV.