Kia PV5

FIRST DRIVE Why the new Cargo-based Passenger model is so much more than a van with windows

- Richard Ingram

HAS the unrelenting popularity of SUVs finally plateaued? Are buyers becoming wise enough to the inherent compromises in space and efficiency to divert their hard-earned cash into something boxier and more family friendly?Kia is hoping so, and its answer is this: the all-new PV5 Passenger.

It's based on the PV5 Cargo, and is an alternative to Volkswagen's retro-styled ID. Buzz, as well as to seven-seat SUVs such as the Peugeot E-5008 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Pre-orders are open now, and deliveries are due before the year's end.

Measuring 4,695mm long, the PV5 is 17mm shorter than the base Buzz, and while a choice of five and seven-seat layouts will be available, there's no extra-long version as offered on the VW. In addition to being a little more compact, the Kia is also down on power, range and charging speed compared with its European counterpart.

ESSENTIALS

Kia PV5 Passenger Long Range Plus Price: £38,295 On sale: Now Powertrain: 71.2kWh battery, 1x e-motor Power/torque: 161bhp/250Nm Transmission: Single-speed auto, fwd 0-62/top spd/range: 10.7sec/84mph/256 miles Max charging: 150kW (10-80% in <30 mins) Size (L/W/H): 4,695/1,895/1,923mm

More on those points in a moment, however, because the fact is the new Kia is also a lot cheaper to buy. While we don't yet have full UK spec, the maker has confirmed that the Cargo version will start from £27,645 (plus VAT) before the plugin van grant, while the seated model we're driving here costs £32,995 if you can make do with the smaller battery and cheaper trim. At the time of writing, you can't buy a Buzz for less than £59,135.