Chris Riley
Back in the ‘60s Gerry Anderson created the puppet phenomena Thunderbirds.
The puppets or marionettes later grew into real life actors in shows like UFO and Space: 1999, complete with space-age clothing, architecture and futuristic cars that made a buzzing, turbine-like sound.
I suspect many car designers have spent too much time watching sci-fi shows because most seem to think EVs should come in a futuristic package, with form taking precedence over functionality.
Kia’s first dedicated, fully electric vehicle, EV6, is an example. It looks and feels more like a statement of what is possible rather than a real car, one ready to take on the demands of the weekly grind or occasional trip to the tip on Saturday with a back full of crap.
EV6 may be Wheels’ Car of the Year and there are certainly many things to like about the car, but it’s not the most practical thing we’ve driven — not by a long shot.
STYLING
It’s a long, wide car at almost 4.7 metres and 1.9 metres across, with an oh-so-long 2900mm wheelbase.
But the proportions are not what we have come to recognise as ideal, with a short bonnet and hindquarters that bracket a long cabin.
After all, there’s no gas-guzzling ICE to accommodate up front. The batteries take up a bit of space though, sandwiched and spread out under the floor. To placate traditionalists, a grille of sorts remains at the front.
Unlock EV6 and flush-fitting, body-coloured door handles pop out in welcome.
Black A-pillar, wing mirrors and beltline garnishes complete the look, with full-width tail lights and a stylish rear wing.
Prices start from $72,590 for the EV6 Air RWD. EV6 GT-Line RWD is priced from $79,590, while top of the range EV6 GT-Line AWD is priced from $87,590.
A high-performance version, the 430kW EV6 GT, is expected in January around the time of the Australian Open which Kia sponsors. Its price is yet to be revealed.
Our test vehicle, the GT-Line AWD, came with the options of premium paint ($520) and a second cable that allows the car to be hooked up to a pay-as-you-go charger ($583), taking the price to $88,693 before on-road costs.
Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys with Continental 255/45 tyres, dual zone climate air with rear vents, and power-adjust, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel and mood lighting with 64 colours.
Trim is a combination of black and white, a mix of artificial suede and vegan leather upholstery with white stitching, with power adjustment for driver lumbar support.
There’s also LED lights, folding, heated door mirrors with integrated indicators, automatic high beam, smart cruise control with stop and go, auto parallel and perpendicular parking, tilt and slide sunroof and a smart power tailgate.
Rounding out the list is head-up display, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, along with a 360-degree camera.
Like all Kias, it’s covered by a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty. Unlike others, pre-paid service plans are available.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with built-in navigation, with AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, together with wired Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay plus ‘Sounds of Nature’ ambient background noise.
In the GT-Line the standard six-speaker sound system makes way for Meridian premium audio with 14 speakers.
Connect with three USB Chargers (1 x Type A and 2 x Type C) in the front tray with multimedia connectivity, two USB Charger (Type C) in front seat backs, plus two 12-volt power outlets ( 1 x boot side/1 x front tray). Wireless Qi phone charging is also standard.
Part II to come…
