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Attempting to meet up with all the brand new electrical autos hitting the market, we dropped into the native Kia dealership to take a look at the Kia EV5 — which has solely been available on the market in Australia for the previous few months. Throughout that point, it seems the automotive has made an influence. In January 2025, 289 have been bought, making it the third finest vendor within the nation’s EV market behind the Tesla Mannequin Y and the SAIC MG4. That’s extra items than its little brother – the EV6. I’m discovering the nomenclature utilized by some automobile producers just a little complicated. The Polestar 3 is larger than the Polestar 4 and the EV5 is larger than the EV6. [Editor’s note: for clarification, the EV6 is longer and slightly wider than the EV5, but the EV5 is notably taller.]
Our go to to the dealership turned out to be ailing timed, because the workers have been very busy doing deliveries. They tried their finest to accommodate us and have been most courteous, however ultimately, we determined to come back again on a quieter day to have our questions answered. We did, nonetheless, do an prolonged check drive and acquired some nice photographs.
Kia EV5 visiting the seafront. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
On our first go to, we realized that every one workers are skilled in all drivetrains. After my expertise visiting many dealerships, I ponder if it might be higher to have a specialist on website with an in-depth data of electrified drivetrains. It’s a variety of new data to carry in your head. Like most legacy manufacturers, Kia is promoting on its well-deserved status for reliability and … the Kia EV5 sells for AU$57, 000 (US$36,000).
On the check drive, Majella took the wheel, put the automotive in “Sport” mode, and made these observations: The automotive felt heavy, with slower than anticipated acceleration. “This is in Sports mode, imagine what it would be like in eco!” Majella had problem understanding the right way to set the regen braking. This latter problem was resolved in the course of the drive.
On the cease lights, she needed to go away her foot on the brake, the automotive wouldn’t come to a whole cease. Had been we lacking one thing right here? I typically wonder if you should have an EV for every week to grasp the tech.
Tess and Kia with our useful gross sales rep. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
She felt that there have been too many buttons on the steering wheel. As a counterpoint, the gross sales rep thought there have been only some. We’re getting too used to our minimalist Tesla Mannequin 3. Majella: “That’s a lot of buttons.” Gross sales rep: “That’s what you need to drive the car.” It was fascinating to notice how enthusiastic the younger salesperson was about options that we have now come to see as customary throughout the EVs we have now pushed. Just like the touchscreen.
Buttons for many who need them. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
She significantly appreciated the simple clear display mode. It turns the display darkish so it may be wiped with out altering any settings. I used to be impressed, however Majella instructed me later that Tesla has had that for years. I wouldn’t know. Clearly, I don’t clear the automotive. Don’t get upset — I even have a spouse who likes cleansing.
I used to be happy to notice that the salespeople we spoke to have been conscious of the competitors, particularly mentioning Tesla & Leapmotor.
We returned a couple of days later to the relative calm of a dealership not in supply mode and I used to be capable of ask extra questions. This time we spoke with a extra skilled gross sales rep who was very beneficiant together with his time and knowledge.
It additionally is available in crimson. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
He instructed us that prospects come into the dealership to buy a Kia, not essentially for an electrical automobile. By asking considered questions, he is ready to advise them of an appropriate buy. If the shopper is simply driving quick distances within the metropolitan surroundings, he suggests an EV. I challenged this, and instructed him about our journeys to Winton and Victoria, each of which have been over 1500 km. Majella confirmed him PlugShare which actually opened his eyes. He was not conscious of all of the charging choices.
Charging cable provided. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
The EV5 Air has a spread of 400 km, and the lengthy vary model quickly to be accessible can have 505 km. That’s loads within the tank to get between charging stations even in Australia.
A number of of his prospects arrive with a deep understanding of EVs. The questions they ask are round vary, the right way to cost, and battery life. He opined, “They are definitely the future.” He then mentioned one thing which I discovered fairly odd. “Korean tech is almost as good as Japanese.” I begged to vary — I really feel it’s higher — and but the brand new Chinese language autos look like even higher than that. I instructed him that within the EV world, Japanese automakers aren’t held up as tech leaders. He was most shocked.
“What were people trading for their new Kia EV5?” I requested. An entire vary — diesel, petrol, hybrids, even different EVs. They’ve had a Tesla traded in on the brand new EV5; older electrical Niros and Konas, additionally. “What about deprecation?” Too early to inform, he admits. He says that Kias maintain their worth nicely. However the worth of second-hand EV6s is declining recently on account of “fierce competition.” He himself has bought 5 EV5s.
Comfy entrance seats. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
The Kia EV5 proximity sensors linked to cameras, and it had a 360-degree view for reversing into tight spots. The automotive comes with an digital key and an on/off button.
Loving the ocean view. Photograph courtesy Majella Waterworth.
We mentioned worth parity with petrol and it seems there may be nonetheless some approach to go. The salesperson mentioned {that a} comparable automobile in petrol could be the Sportage, which retails at about AU$40, 000 — that’s 30% cheaper than the EV. These of us with expertise would discuss complete value of possession (Majella and I’d make up the distinction in fours with the quantity of driving that we do), however the common shopper is transfixed by the upfront value.
I reached out to the Kia EV5’s Australian Fb neighborhood. The feedback have been all constructive and one poster accepted my request to share his story. Thanks, John.
John has been driving Kias for the previous 7 years and located them to be dependable and price efficient in comparison with different automobiles. He has owned and pushed:
2018–2021 — KIA Ceed [Ireland]
2021–2024 — KIA Stonic [Australia]
2024–Current — KIA EV5 [Australia]
He in contrast the Kia EV5 with a Tesla Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y. “I really liked the car but the basic controls are positioned in the User Interface which I feel is not reliable and handy.” He made his remaining alternative based mostly on finance and lease choices offered by his Kia seller. She was very informative about EVs and the shopping for expertise was a “surprisingly pleasant experience.” John lives within the Australian Capital Territory, which has the very best focus of EVs in Australia — over 20% of latest automotive gross sales.
The EV5 is a bigger automotive than the Stonic, and he and his household appreciates the additional room and luxury of the SUV. “The Smart Cruise Control is one of the best features of the car. Automatic speed control based on the posted speed is amazing and accurate,” he tells me.
Majella prepared for the drive. Photograph courtesy David Waterworth.
I requested him to checklist the professionals and cons:
Execs:
Construct high quality and look
Boot house [front and back]
Priced low in comparison with Tesla Mannequin Y. I acquired this for round $57,000 [with accessories like DashCam, window tintings, UV protection, and mats]
Bodily change to set a distinct one pedal driving mode [iPedal]. I take advantage of the one pedal driving mode and my spouse doesn’t, so it’s extra comfy and customizable for various driving types.
Sensible Cruise Management
Free KIA Join [networked] app for 7 years [no extra charges/subscriptions]
Cons:
I acquired the KIA EV5 Air Commonplace Vary Mannequin [White]. Vary is round 400km [I am getting around 350–380km based on the AirCon usage]. I haven’t actually examined with a protracted drive but. Planning for a Sydney journey to verify its vary.
No spare wheel [instead got a tyre repair kit].
No sunglass holder for a automotive this huge.
Vary/charging nervousness. At all times having a sense in regards to the battery vary and charging course of. [This may be due to the fact that I am charging the car only in public EV charging locations]. Since we’re renting an residence on Degree 2 with underground storage parking, it’s actually onerous to make use of the house charging answer.
No Apple Watch App for KIA Join Software
Usually, John and his household are pleased with this automotive. No huge complaints.
For many who need a technical evaluation, take a look right here. Additionally it is price wanting on the world context, the place Hyundai Motor Group is efficiently transitioning to electrical. Within the meantime, the Kia EV5 is a welcome addition to the rising variety of battery electrical autos on Australian roads.
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Author : tech365
Publish date : 2025-02-12 00:22:37
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