NEW MODEL ARMY

The electric SUV class is hotting up with new Kia EV5 and Smart #5, plus an entry-level version of Tesla's Model Y

- Pete Gibson

KIA EV5 vs SMART#5 vs TESLA MODELY

Kia and Smart are the latest rivals to the Model Y, which has boosted its appeal with base-spec version

IT'S been a busy few months for Kia in terms of model updates and new vehicle launches.

The Sportage, Stonic and Picanto have all benefitted from a new look, the PV5 is taking the Korean brand into the world of vans, and fresh cars such as the K4 and EV4 are expanding the lineup.

But Kia isn't finished yet, with the new EV5 tested here offering an all-electric alternative to the Sportage compact SUV.

Based on its price, size and market position, the EV5 isn't going to have an easy task to make headway into the sector, however. For a similar price, the all-new Smart #5 is the biggest car yet from the company that's best known for its tiny ForTwo city car. Smart's newcomer offers unique style, plenty of space inside and a range of electric powertrains at a similar price point to the EV5.

But if there's one car that defines the electric-SUV niche, it's the Tesla Model Y. The American model is a regular in the list of the top 10 bestselling new cars in Britain each month, and the company has just launched a new entry-level rear-wheel-drive variant that offers better value for money than any Model Y before.

With such strong competition for sales in a market that's bursting with talented machinery, can the new Kia EV5 really stand out? Or do the Smart #5 and Tesla Model Y offer that much more than their latest competitor? Those are the questions that we'll be answering over the next 16 pages, before naming our winner.

ON THE ROAD

WHILE the Kia is front-wheel drive and the other two send power to the rear, all three models deliver predictable, vice-free handling. The Smart has the softest ride of these three, and there's more body roll here than in the Tesla. The Kia offers a good balance.