ON THE ROAD- A TALE OF TWO EVS FROM KIA, BY IAN LYNAS

Kia is certainly on the offensive as regards the EV and we can expect so much more from this company; recently I have been behind the wheel of two of their EV range. The Niro EV and the totally impressive new EV9. Design and engineering are in harmony with the flagship of the Kia EV family the EV9; not to put it mildly a generous large SUV which no doubt will appeal to the family and business motorist Kia has its sights firmly set on the expanding EV market and over the next three to four years, the South Korean carmaker will have an electrified vehicle to suit all needs.

I had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an EV9 over some driver focussed routes in the Scottish Highlands, roads many of which I have ventured on before to put new vehicles to the test; they certainly were ideal for this flagship of the Kia EV family. I was in for a pleasant surprise despite its weight, handling was much better than I had expected and comfort levels of the utmost standard, leaving me to state that this is the best EV I have driven to date. My test vehicle was on twenty one inch wheels and yet one of many surprises, low road noise, helped in no small way by tyre choice.

Certainly if you ever had a doubt about an EV, this is one vehicle that can change minds and I have to be honest and say that I am not the number one EV fan. All of the models have a 99.8kWh battery pack with a heat pump and the manufacturer states a range of 504km (313m); the entry level rear wheel version delivers an even better range. My test drive was with the more powerful version and I fell short of that figure, but still with a range that others might struggle to achieve. The 800V ultrafast charging technology, this is good news, means that the EV9 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in under twenty five minutes. Performance was more than adequate with the version I drove, I had 380bhp at the command of my right foot meaning rest to 100kph (62mph) is achieved in a whisker over five seconds, more akin perhaps to a sports car and top end is 200kph (124mph).

Already noted are the elements of design and engineering, I add a third, technology, the latter is certainly a key element of the overall package. There are twin 12.3 inch displays and the system’s wide panoramic display features a 5.3 inch touchscreen for climate control functions. I found the head up display extremely useful and very safe while on the move. A feature which should be included in a new vehicle. Communications and music on the move includes full smartphone integration and there are charge points for all who travel in this vehicle. The navigation system is easy to use and very clever in that if the battery is running low, it alerts and recommends charging stops and even the time this should take. Sound is sheer quality, courtesy of the Meridian sound system and its fourteen speakers. All of this may sound that Kia with the EV9 has taken the fun out of driving; nothing could be further from the truth. All of the many aids simply allow a focus on a quality drive and with the various drive modes I promise you will come away with a smile on your face. It is all very well having technology, power etc, but for most there is the practical side to a vehicle and here again this new Kia scores well. Choice is six or seven seats and a nice touch for those travelling in the back, the seats can swivel so passengers can speak face to face; no doubt the junior members of the family will utter full approval!

Safety is paramount and while I was on the launch event, news came through of five stars re safety. Equipped with a wide range of passive and active safety systems the engineers have truly delivered. I hope to have an EV9 on test on home tarmac, providing an even better opportunity to further put it through its paces. Finally a choice of trim levels in N.I.Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S while in the ROI, GT-line and Earth.

The Niro, launched in 2016, has been yet another success story for the South Korean carmaker, available in a number of grades to suit individual taste. The range has been further boosted with the addition of an EV to the line-up, with a stated range of 458km (285m); however during my week behind the wheel I came away with a range of 372km (231m); still better than many of its competitors. Performance is what we have come to expect from an EV, the 201bhp delivering lively driving, rest to 100kph (62mph) in just under eight seconds and on to a maximum speed of 165kph (103mph). Topping up the Niro EV’s 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery from 10 to 80 per cent takes just 43 minutes with a 350kW DC rapid charger under optimum conditions, and 45 minutes when connected to a 100kW DC rapid charger. When temperatures are low, the system uses navigation-based battery conditioning to pre-heat the battery when a fast-charging point is selected as the destination, this is not on all grades, which helps shorten charge times and optimises battery performance and there is a standard CCS charging port for added convenience.

Onboard technology and there is a giant helping, driver aids, easy to operate and within minutes of stepping into the driving seat I was completely at ease, a good point which says a lot for the design of a vehicle. On occasion when I get a test car, one niggle can be connecting my mobile phone, not the case with this Kia, it was almost instant and let’s face it we rely on this small item for a number of tasks. Full marks to Kia for delivering the Niro EV, it will appeal to both the private and business motorist and I must admit styling wise it shines above many of its rivals and this sector of the market seems to grow day by day. Kia is really going for the electric highway, their target 14 EV modes by 2027; the aim is to offer EVs across a wide range of segments and there is that seven year warranty which has proved to be a winner.

Ian Lynas