Driving Kia’s EV6 SUV today – and before I get into it I think back to the first
arrivals of the Kia brand – cheap and cheerful, with affordability the keynote
feature and it put the South Korean car maker on the map here. Today, after
pioneering 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty the brand has consolidated itself
with 7 per cent market share, our fourth best seller, now nudging Ford for third
place. The Kia EV6 comes in four models from $72,590 to $99,590. I drove the
EV6 GT-line all-wheel-drive at $87,590 – powered by a 77.4kWh battery the GT-line
with two electric motors provides 239kW and 605Nm of torque and delivers a
driving range of 484km which I found most accurate. Charging, on a standard
home charger around 71/2 hours, on a 350kW fast charger around 1 hour 15
minutes. The EV6 styling a standout that gives it a premium feel, more so to sister
company Hyundai’s more conservative Ioniq 5, inside however, its rather
workmanlike and somewhat bland, lacking the Ioniq 5’s class. Large well shod 20-
inch alloy wheels are tucked right into the body’s corners provide a very roomy
interior with great seats. Premium spec’d with all the driving aids and safety
elements. Next week my driving impressions. I’m David Berthon

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