Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2022 Kia EV6 Kia EVolution

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 23 Sep, 2022
  • 2022 Kia EV6 Kia EVolution

As premium EVs have really taken off (i.e. Tesla and Polestar), it’s refreshing that two of the best zero emissions models to come out this year are actually from the Korean brands: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. Darpan has tested both — which ride on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform — most recently the latter, and here are some of our thoughts on the sporty compact crossover.

 

“The EV6 marks a new and transformative era in Kia electrification,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America. “This innovative offering leverages the many benefits of its advanced platform to offer a level of technological excitement and convenience that will provide a superb ownership experience.”    

Whereas the Ioniq 5 goes for a neo-retro aesthetic proving popular with the public so far, the sister from another mister possesses looks that’s a little polarizing. Conceived jointly by the brand design studios in Seoul, Frankfurt and California, the styling language is called Opposites United referencing the contrasts found in nature and everyday life. 

Sadly, the signature tiger nose grille is no more, replaced by a so-called digital tiger face where multiple elements of the front fascia evoke a sense of the majestic animal. LEDs embedded in the outer edge of the head and tail lamp housings allow neat sequential lighting properties. The vehicle has a hunkered down stance and wear wheels between 19 and 21 inches in diameter, and actually shares the same wheelbase as the Telluride. At the rear, the high deck juts out like a duckbill and together with the subtle roof wing gives a double spoiler effect. 

 

Though smallish in appearance, the inside is quite roomy. Rear seat legroom is decent —— due to a slim seat back design utilizing ultra-light “giga-steel” in its construction — and the cargo area can accommodate 690 litres of stuff when the second row is upright, or 1,422 litres when folded down.

There’s an extensive use of recycled plastic throughout the cabin including vegan upholstery. The two-spoke steering wheel looks just the right amount of futuristic, but the 12.3-inch infotainment display is mounted too far away from the driver to comfortably reach. Being 100 per cent touch also makes navigating the Meridian Premium Audio System a clunky task. And for a 14-speaker stereo, the sound is perplexingly tinny. A large storage cubby beneath the centre console is perfect to stash a bag or large electronics. 

 

The EV6 is sold in a number of powertrain and drivetrain configurations to suit different needs and budgets. The press loaner was spec’d with a 74-kilowatt front and 165-kilowatt rear electric motor creating a combined 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. A big 77.4-kilowatt-hour battery yields around 440 maximum kilometres of range. Mighty impressive.

Total travel distance will of course dip depending on factors such as the weather, or if the air conditioning (that was on the weak side even at full blast) or ventilated seats are on. To try and gain some kilometres back, however, the SUV has a pretty cool customizable brake regenerative system. Tugging on the paddles behind the steering wheel alter how strong the effect is — at maximum, it essentially allows for one-pedal driving where the vehicle slows down significantly whenever the accelerator is released.

 

Boasting a five-link rear suspension and battery mounted under the floor creating a low centre of gravity, handling is above average and piloting the EV is actually fun. And when the GT model arrives later in the year, things should be kicked up yet another notch as a pair of beefier motors are set to push 576 horsepower.

Highlights: 

MSRP: $57,995 (base)

Motor: dual electric motors

Horsepower: 320 (net)

Torque (lb-ft): 446 (net)

Gearbox: single-speed automatic

Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive

Fuel economy: 17.5 kWh/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

 

 

MORE Auto ARTICLES

Mazda3 Sedan GT

Mazda3 Sedan GT

Though the Sport hatchback variant is arguably the better looking of the pair, the four door is a sleekly-shaped vehicle showcasing swoopy, fluid bodylines that are a product of the Hiroshima automaker’s Kodo “Soul of Motion” Design language. 

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2022

Toyota Camry Hybrid 2022

Even the interior is quite Lexus-like, as the grade-topping XSE comes with all the bells and whistles like the much-improved Toyota Audio Plus infotainment system utilizing a nine-inch display, beautiful heated leather steering wheel and wireless charging.

2022 Genesis GV70

2022 Genesis GV70

Those who prefer maximum performance aesthetics may choose the available Sport Package that bundles dark chrome accents, painted diffusers, up-to 21-inch special alloy wheels, circular instead of vertical dual exhaust tips, exclusive steering wheel and optional carbon fibre overlays.

2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

A longer and taller cargo area (up to 1,690 litres of space available when rear bench is folded) can accommodate some mighty large items — I was able to squeeze in a patio table and a full-size Ikea bookshelf on two separate occasions. 

Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC

Though boasting a long wheelbase form factor for maximum space and stability, the car doesn’t look nor handle like the limo one might expect. Cue the short front overhang, wide track, large diameter flush-mounted wheels and optional rear-wheel steering that significantly reduces turning radius.

2022 Honda Civic Sedan

2022 Honda Civic Sedan

Top-of-the-line Touring grades, for example the unit Darpan tested, include for the first time a fully digital 10.2-inch LCD instrument cluster. The on-screen information can be customized to show different virtual gauges, music selection, trip computer and so on.