ROAD TEST An EV to fall in love with

POWER 321bhp

0-62MPH 5.2 seconds

RANGE 391 miles

STREAMING Electric Avenue – Eddie Grant

Road Test

Is this the best electric car on the road? Jeremy Taylor drives the hugely impressive Kia EV6

TOWN

Every now and again a new car takes the motoring world by scruff of the neck and gives it a good shake. The pure electric Kia EV6 is one such vehicle and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Just like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, this is an engaging, fun to drive SUV, offering good range, fast charging and a lot of space. It’s not cheap but I can’t think of another car that does so much for the same money.

This is Kia’s first dedicated electric vehicle and one of 11 battery models due by 2026. The company is leading the EV revolution – way ahead of premium German rivals and pioneering the path to a greener, cleaner future. Around town it’s relaxed, refined and whisper quiet. The raised driving position offers great visibility and with cameras and sensors parking is a doddle. The curved, 12.3-inch touchscreen is stateof-the-art, while the ventilated seats are simply fantastic.

Kia is on trend with materials, too. Recycled plastic bottles are used in the dashboard, while ‘vegan’ leather adds a touch of class. Not that this Kia needs it – the EV6 feels plusher than a Tesla and a very comfortable place to sit. The equipment list is vast – lots of safety tech, large sunroof, automatic headlights and a thumpingly good music system. If the 490-litre boot isn’t large enough, there’s extra space under the bonnet, too.

COUNTRY

Family-friendly SUVs aren’t meant to be this good to drive. With all-wheel drive and two electric motors turning the wheels, the EV6 can glide along at a fair old pace. It’s not a sports car with so much battery weight but 321bhp is not to be sniffed at. Despite official range figures, in the real world the Kia can manage around 250 miles between charge stations – more than enough for most drivers, even those who live in the countryside with fewer charging options.

Sleek styling means the low roofline impacts on rear-seat headroom but don’t let that put you off. On long journeys, the airy feel of the cabin is enhanced by that glass sunroof. Not everybody likes the exterior but at least the Kia is a distinctive-looking car. It also isn’t afflicted with an enormous fake grille at the front – a problem that seems to trouble so many EV designers. Dynamically, the EV6 is not on a par with the all-electric Porsche Taycan but then the Kia is considerably cheaper. The Kia has just as much standard equipment, and will also turn heads in the supermarket car park.

Still not convinced? Kia also offers a seven year/100,000mile warranty on the EV6, combined with interest-free instalment plans for servicing costs. I’m struggling to find fault with this car – even the reliability surveys put Kia near the top.

THE DRIVE

DESTINATION: CASTEL MONASTERO, TUSCANY Guests could be mistaken for thinking the cobbled courtyard at Castel Monastero is infused with the floral scent of Chianti wine. Once a retreat for Italian monks, this five-star hotel is now a luxury hideaway surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Dark oak floors, vaulted ceilings and an imposing central tower only add to the medieval air. Outside, the fortified walls, a vast spa complex boasts three pools, a fitness centre and all manner of trendy treatments among the vines.

Although only a 30-minute drive from breath-taking Siena, the hotel offer plenty of reasons to keep you in situ. Choose from vintage Vespa rides in the countryside, or take a Ferrari for a spin. A nearby polo club welcomes visitors, while a hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating way to start or end the day.

Castel Monastero gives its visitors the chance to re-charge the batteries, relax by the pool and soak away the aches and pains of travelling by car. Not that I need any of that with my set of wheels – it may not be a Ferrari but Audi’s sublime A6 saloon is the perfect touring car.

A roomy executive cruiser, the Audi is a very grown up car indeed. The latest TFSIe hybrid version features a petrol engine and plug-in battery pack. Working in tandem, they combine to give relaxed, long-distance driving in near silence.

A 2.0-litre petrol engine may sound weedy on paper for this size of car, but the battery back-up adds a proper turn of speed. Flick the drive mode to Sport and a seven-speed gearbox suddenly ups performance levels considerably.

Hybrid technology also makes this Audi extremely cost-effective for business owners, with low taxation rates and impressive fuel savings. Avant estate versions are just as good; choose from a raft of different models that top out around £80,000.

The exterior styling is sophisticated rather than avant garde, but inside the A6 is quality personified. Compared to rivals from BMW and Mercedes, the Audi is a cut above – a futuristic ‘virtual’ cockpit with superb ergonomics makes this a great car for long distance travel.

A ten-speaker hi-fi is standard on all versions, with sharp graphics on the 10.1inch touchscreen and live traffic information on the sat nav. Traditional buttons are few and far between – the A6 also has great seats.

A technological tour de force, the A6 is comfortable, quiet and very well built. It may not last as long as a Tuscan monastery but three-year, 60,000-mile warranty should help owners on their way...

BOOK IT: Citalia offers a five-night B&B stay at Castel Monastero from £1,479 pp, including flights. citalia.com

Castel Monastero

Audi A6 Saloon 50 TFSIe quattro

Price £62,280

Engine 2.0-litre

0-62mph 6.2 seconds

Power 294bhp

Economy 40.2mpg CO2 emissions 34 g/km

IN THE BOOT

LIGHTEN UP Elevate your holiday wardrobe with this crisp linen jacket. A style classic, it’ll see you through everything from long lunches to summer weddings. £195, houseofbruar.com

GO GREEN Take your all-electric car on a grand tour of Europe using this comprehensive companion for any ecoglobetrotter. The Eco Conscious Travel Guide, (Harper Collins, £12.99)

RALEIGH ROUND Bike experts Raleigh has redesigned its electric e-bike range, with up to 100-miles of assisted riding on one charge. From £2,199. raleigh.co.uk