New Kia PV5 Passenger is an Electric Multitasker.
New Kia PV5 Passenger is an Electric Multitasker.
Kia has introduced its all-new, all-electric, van-based MPV, the PV5 Passenger. Designed from the ground up, this innovative people carrier proves that electric MPVs can be smarter, spacious, and more affordable. The PV5 Passenger sits on a ‘commercialised’ version of the E-GMP.S electric platform the Korean brand uses for its EV family. The PV5 Passenger currently has five seats as standard, but a longer, 7-seat version is due to join the range soon. While the Kia PV5 Passenger is radically different from anything else, including the brand’s existing models, it doesn’t look out of place next to its big-selling EV siblings.
Everyday Flexibility.
The EV5 Passenger reimagines vehicle design with modular thinking, intuitive comfort, and everyday flexibility, blending work, travel and rest into one seamless space. The futuristic ‘Tiger Face’ front design features Kia’s signature Star Map lighting, which flows elegantly into the A-pillar for a sleek, cohesive look. The clean, modern profile is dominated by flat side panels that add timeless sophistication, and bold wheel arches that provide a rugged element to the side profile. Key standard exterior design features include 16” alloy wheels, black coated beltline and bumper mouldings, body coloured door handles and front bumper, dual manual sliding side doors, high gloss black door mirrors (electrically heated & folding), and laminated front glass. The PV5 Passenger comes as standard with 3-cell MFR LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights, LED position lights, LED rear fog lights, and a LED high-mounted brake light.
Easy Access.
The 775mm wide sliding side doors and low step-in height make getting in and out of the rear seats a simple task. Equally impressive is the class-leading 1,330 litre cargo space behind the rear seats, with the low loading lip making it easy to load and unload bulky items. In addition to the masses of space provided for the rear seats passengers, they are also treated to tinted side window glass, and loads of smart storage, along with a sliding window in each of the side doors, and rear cabin LED lights. Key standard interior features include vegan leather seats, 3-step heated front & rear seats, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, power adjustable front seats with lumbar support, driver seat armrest, front central storage tray, front cup holder, ventilated front seats, a rear seat 3-pin socket, 100W USB-C charging port, two front USB-C charging ports, two USB-C charging ports on the front seats (for the convenience of rear seat passengers), and a heated steering wheel. From the 7.5” digital driver information cluster to the 12.9” infotainment screen, everything is designed around the driver, and the large windscreen gives a clear view of the road ahead. Kia Connect comes as standard, as does multi-device Bluetooth connection with voice recognition and music streaming, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto with voice control, a wireless phone charging pad, and a 6-speaker audio system. In terms of safety and driver assistance systems, the PV5 Passenger wants for nothing, ensuring that everyone onboard is kept as safe as possible in the event of a collision. Also standard is a heat pump, which significantly improves cold-weather driving efficiency.
Front-Mounted Motor.
Drive comes from a single, front-mounted electric motor which produces 163PS and 250Nm of torque, and it is powered by a 71.2kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The official WLTP range is up to 412 kms on a combined driving cycle, but it is possible to achieve in excess of this figure if most journeys consist of urban driving. Kia claims that a 10-80 percent rapid charge time of approximately 30 minutes is achievable, and we’re told its ‘cell-to-pack’ battery system eliminates the need for lots of different modules in the battery, resulting in improved energy efficiency.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a Kia PV5 Passenger, which was finished in Aurora Black Pearl paintwork and standard-fit 16-inch bi-tone alloy wheels that fill-out the squared-off wheel arches perfectly. The PV5 feels satisfyingly punchy from the off, so overtaking a slower road user, or getting up to motorway speed is child’s play. The car handles in a tidy, predictable manner, and its steering is naturally weighted and accurate, providing excellent feedback to the driver. The relatively soft suspension does provide the car with an air of serenity on smooth road surfaces, providing a plush ride quality around town and supreme composure on the motorway. The brakes are smooth and progressive, and the car can come to a complete stop without having to press the brake pedal, and this selectable one-pedal regenerative braking function is especially useful around town. The driver’s seat is positioned high enough to remind you that you are in control of the road ahead, and the electric adjustment that comes with it does mean that finding the perfect position is very much straightforward. The gear selector is conveniently located to the right-hand side of the steering wheel, and the stalk not only houses the Drive, Neutral, Reverse and Park functions, but it is also the location for the Start/Stop button. This is a really useful feature, and it takes no time at all to get used to. The Drive Mode button is located on the steering wheel, and you can choose from three settings – Eco, Normal and Snow – the latter of which tailors traction and torque distribution to provide maximum control and grip when driving in slippery, icy or wintry conditions. Regenerative braking modes can be seamlessly selected using the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and built-in Smart Regeneration settings. Drivers can choose between four distinct levels, with level 0 providing zero regeneration, and levels 1 to 3 offering incremental increases in deceleration. For one-pedal driving (known as i-PEDAL), the driver can pull and hold the left paddle shifter for more than 0.5 seconds in order to active this very useful function. With its tall side windows, deep windscreen and low waistline, the PV5 driver benefits from terrific visibility at junctions, and roundabouts. Towing capacity is rated at 1,500kg when towing a braked trailer.
Verdict & Price.
The PV5 Passenger is a compelling addition to Kia’s EV lineup, and its visually-appealing design, spacious cabin, outstanding practicality, and comprehensive array of standard equipment will attract a whole new audience to the Korean brand. There genuinely is so much to like about Kia’s latest EV. Pricing starts from €42,550 (inclusive of VRT Relief and SEAI Grant, but excluding dealer delivery-related charges).
Visit www.kia.com for further information.
