ON TEST: KIA EV6
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One issue that has bedevilled electric cars is not letting them get too frisky when there is limited charge available. Andrew Walker thinks KIA has cracked the problem with the EV6, a stunner to drive that doesn’t leave you short on range
KIA’s has drivers in seventh heaven with stunning EV6 models fitted with 19” wheels and up to 300 miles for GT-Line S models with larger 20” wheels.
glossy insert, a roof spoiler and rear lights that wrap around the edges of the boot hatch.
Models and powertrains There’s a choice of two powertrains: 226bhp RWD single motor or 321bhp AWD dual motor, both coming with 77.4kWh battery packs as standard. From launch you can choose from three models; ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ or ‘GT-Line S’, with a high-performance ‘GT’ flagship to join the range later. Entry level ‘Air’ is only offered in rear-wheel drive, with ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models available with both rear or all-wheel drive.
Charging The EV6 comes with a multi high-speed charging system which is compatible with both 800V ultra-fast charging and more mainstream 400V fast charging, without the need for a special adapter or additional on-board charger. All models are equipped with a Type 2-to-Type 2 charger, as well as a Type 2-to-Domestic three-pin plug charger. For home use, a 7kW home charger will recharge the EV6 from 10 – 100% in 7 hours 20 minutes. Out on the road, a 50kW rapid charger will take the car from 10-80% in just 1 hour 13 minutes. Plug in to a 350kW ultra-fast charger and it only take 18 minutes to recharge from 10-to-80%. Our advice as always is to invest in a home charger and plug in whenever you can. We recommend Rolec; see http://www. rolecserv.com/home-charging .
Interior The uncluttered dashboard is dominated by the infotainment and instrument cluster screens, which stretch across two-thirds of the dash. Below them sits the new multi-mode display, something which will feature in future Kia cabin designs. It replaces physical buttons with a dedicated ‘haptic’ touchscreen, providing shortcuts to climate control, infotainment and SatNav. You don’t need to delve into too many sub-menus to choose what you want, a problem associated with many existing car infotainment systems. It’s easy to work, too. Thinking outside the box, Kia has cleverly incorporated premium relaxation seats on GT-Line and GT-Line S models. At the touch of a button, the seats can lift and recline, enabling the driver and front passenger to relax while the EV6 is parked or charging, something electric car drivers spend plenty of time doing.
Battery range and performance The RWD EV6 can travel up to 328 miles on a single charge. With a power output of 226bhp and maximum torque of 350Nm, it can sprint to 62mph in 7.3 seconds and will go on to reach a maximum speed of 114mph. The AWD EV6 with dual motor, offers 321bhp and 605Nm of torque. It accelerates to 62mph in just 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 114mph. Battery range is 314 miles on the combined WLTP cycle for GT-Line
Exterior Kia has resisted the temptation to over ‘SUV’ the EV6, so what you get is a five-door Sportback with plenty of internal space. The front comes with a new ‘Digital Tiger Face’ which includes a sequential dynamic light pattern. Below this sits a low air intake for optimum aerodynamics. A character line runs along the bottom of the doors and at the back, there’s a sloping C-pillar with an integrated black
2021 saw the number of electric cars coming to market gather speed. The latest to arrive is the KIA EV6, the brand’s first dedicated electric vehicle. It’s underpinned by the new E-GMP platform and is the first of 11 all-new BEVs to be launched by Kia by 2026, which just goes to show how quickly electric cars are taking over. After spending two days driving it, we can say with certainty that it’s one of the best electric cars yet.
20 | February 2022 | Company Car & Van
Practicality Up front you get a storage tray and on GT-Line and GT-Line S models, an integrated wireless charging pad. The glovebox comes with 10.5 litres of space and there’s front and rear drinks holders. Connect your device with two USB inputs, a normal and a C version and in the rear, the twin C USB inputs are located on the inside edges of the front seats. Continued on page 22 www.companycarandvan.co.uk
