After heading to the launch of the EV5 in July, Kia has released the vehicle for sale in New Zealand.
The new midsized fully electric vehicle is available from $67,990 and two-wheel drive trims offer an emissions-free range in excess of 500km (WLTP).
“An attainable price and an impressive range are two factors which consistently rank highly on a new electric car buyers consideration list,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.
“With the new EV5, it’s possible to have a great price and an incredible range, as well as a huge array of additional performance, technology, safety and comfort features.
“This all-new model follows in the trailblazing footsteps of the larger and international award-winning EV9, opening up a world of exciting possibilities for families who desire a competitively priced midsized fully electric vehicle without any issues surrounding range anxiety.
“The Kia EV5 is an exciting proposition and a pointer towards the future of sustainable electric mobility.”
2024 Kia EV5: Exterior Design
The EV5 was created using Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language, the striking aesthetic enhanced with a new version of the marque’s trademark ‘Digital Tiger Face,’ incorporating a new lighting signature.
“From a looks perspective, the EV5 shares a strong family resemblance with its larger EV9 stablemate,” said Mr McDonald.
“It very clearly displays a prominent DNA which immediately identifies it not only as a Kia, but also as one of the models from our range of fully-electric vehicles.
“It has distinctive styling which will stand the test of time.”
2024 Kia EV5: Trim and Specification
Trim options include Light, Light+, Earth and GT-Line, with key highlights of each trim level identified below.
Kia Ev5 Light
The Light model features a front lighting display, including LED headlamps, daytime running lights and rear tail lights.
Other notable features include dual-zone climate control, smart cruise control and rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors.
Of particular interest is Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), a feature found on all models in the range. HDA2 is a system that combines adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane change assist features, allowing for a semi-autonomous driving experience.
The EV5 is the first Kia to offer Kia Connect, an app which turns your smartphone into a ‘remote control’ for your car.
Using Kia Connect enables you to perform a number of car related tasks through your phone, such as remote lock, remote climate control, destination send to vehicle and real-time vehicle tracking.
Not only limited to the remote functions, in case of an accident where the airbag is deployed, Kia Connect feature will automatically contact the 24/7 call centre for your safety. The dedicated SOS button allows you to call the centre yourself if necessary.
Thanks to Kia Connect, the EV5 delivers another Kia first – the availability of ‘over-the-air’ updates. These OTA updates enhance key vehicle features such as powertrain, drivetrain, battery management, infotainment systemand the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Updates happen seamlessly and without interruption, ensuring the vehicle is always equipped with the latest update on existing features, claims Kia.
All models in the range offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Kia EV5: Light+
In addition to features found on the Light, key extra items on the Light+ include power driver’s seat, blindspot view monitor, 360 view camera, parking collision assist (front, side and reverse) plus parking sensors (front, side and rear).
Kia EV5: Earth
The Earth features benefits from the addition of optional AWD drivetrain, auto flush door handles, smart power tailgate, heated front seats, composite leather seat upholstery, wireless phone charger, full colour heads-up display and vehicle-to-load function (interior and exterior).
Kia EV5: GT-Line
The GT-Line offers the greatest specification of all models, with select highlights including a large panoramic sunroof, GT-Line exclusive body kit, heated steering wheel, premium relaxation seat with massage function for the driver, eight-speaker Harman/ Kardon premium sound system, fingerprint recognition plus a console box with cooling and warming function.
2024 Kia EV5: Drivetrain, Battery and Range
There are two different drivetrains available, depending on which trim level is selected.
Light and Light+ are available as two-wheel drive (Front-Wheel Drive layout), Earth is available as two-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, while GT-Line features all-wheel drive only.
The combined system output of the two-wheel drive models is 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque, which increases to 230kW and 480Nm in the all-wheel drive versions.
Battery capacity of the EV5 is 88.1kWh and all two-wheel drive models offer in excess of 500km range WLTP.
2024 Kia EV5: Interior Space
The cockpit area reveals an integrated panoramic display which spans 29.6-inches, providing a clear and concise view of the vehicle functions, says Kia. The main display consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 5-inch HVAC display and a 12.3-inch satellite navigation multimedia system.
The driving cluster graphics change to match the Drive Mode Select themes, switching between Normal, Sport, Eco and Snow.
At the back of the car there is a significant boot space area of 513 litres which increases to 1,713 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Kia claims the versatile cabin design brings flexibility to any journey, with up to 1,714-litres (VDA, rear seats down) of cargo space plus 67-litres more in the front boot (frunk). Adjustable cargo hooks are available to hang various bags without rolling or tipping over.
2024 Kia EV5: Safety
The EV5 offers many safety systems and features, centred around a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to help avoid being involved in an accident in the first place.
These include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Follow Assist and Lane Keep Assist.
2024 Kia EV5: Exterior – Colours and Wheels
Light, Light+ and Earth are available in five different single tone exterior colours, consisting of Snow White Pearl, Starry Night Black, Shale Grey, Iceberg Green and Frost Blue.
The high-spec GT-Line features a selection of two-tone exterior colours (without the Starry Black option) and the addition of a black roof provides further differentiation.
The alloy wheels found on the EV5 feature distinctive wheel covers which are designed to maximise aero-efficiency to maximise the range of the electric vehicle.
Light and Light+ ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, which increases to 19-inch for Earth and 20-inch for GT-Line.
2024 Kia EV5: Local input into global programme
Of particular appeal for Kiwi motorists is that the new model will launch in New Zealand with the added benefit of an extensive local tuning, engineering and validation programme.
Earlier this year, a team of 45 engineers covered almost 25,000km in an EV5 prototype and support vehicles. They tested vehicle software and hardware, further enhancing the new model’s suitability for Kiwi conditions.
2024 Kia EV5: Pricing
The new Kia EV5 is available from $67,990* and pricing for the new range is as follows:
| Light Long Range | Two-wheel drive | $67,990* |
| Light+ Long Range | Two-wheel drive | $70,450* |
| Earth Long Range | Two-wheel drive | $75,450* |
| Earth Long Range | All-wheel drive | $80,450* |
| GT-Line Long Range | All-wheel drive | $85,450* |
*includes GST, plus on-road costs
The Kia EV5 is available now from Kia dealers nationwide.
