Not even ten days have passed since I had the opportunity to test the new Kia model EV5, which is offered at a price of 52 thousand euros. It is a compact electric SUV model intended for customers who still have a more serious budget. Now we have the opportunity to sit down for the smallest electric model of a well-known Korean manufacturer. It is about the EV2 model, which is the entry into the world of electrification. It is a model that is primarily intended for city traffic, but of course, as with other cars, it is not incapable of longer journeys either.
Let’s go in order. It is a light SUV car that measures 406 centimeters in length, and was built on a platform with a wheelbase of 256.5 centimeters. It is thus slightly shorter than the very well-received XCeed model, although its dimensions are much more similar to the slightly smaller Stonic model. The EV2 looks very interesting, maybe even a bit bigger than what the numbers show. The impression is of a very robust vehicle that is 180 cm wide and 157.5 cm high.
Kia has prepared five levels of equipment for the EV2. In the basic equipment level, it is mounted on 16-inch rims. For the basic model, it is a steel option, while for the next two levels there are alloy wheels of the same size, while on the fourth level there are two numbers larger alloy wheels. The richest GT Line equipment level comes with 19-inch alloy wheels. The current plan is to release a special Black Line series at a later date.
The front seats provide an enviable level of space, while the spaciousness of the rear seats depends on the selected model. Namely, a rear bench option is possible that can (may) accommodate three passengers, while there is also a version with two rear seats. This model is registered for 4 passengers. When it comes to the model with 4 seats, the size of the trunk starts at 300 liters, which can be increased up to 400 liters by sliding the seats. The five-seat version has a trunk of 362 liters. An additional 15 liters is located in front of the front cover where the so-called frunk, sufficient to accommodate vehicle charging cables.
The first, Lite equipment package comes with the aforementioned 4 seats and a price of 27,999 euros. The impression is that this model was prepared to be able to ‘justify’ the most favorable price, while much greater popularity is expected from slightly better equipment levels. The second equipment is the Pulse, more expensive at 2,100 euros, and richer for the battery heating system, 5 seats, the already mentioned 16-inch alloy wheels, roof racks, two-zone automatic air conditioning, and a tweeter (in addition to the four standard ones)…
Although it is the smallest electric Kia model, it is interesting that from the initial level of equipment there is a 30-inch ccNC cockpit in front of the driver. It consists of a 12.3-inch info screen in front of the driver, next to which is a 5.3-inch air conditioning screen, and next to it is another 12.3-inch central touch screen. Technologically, it is a very advanced system that enables numerous useful systems such as navigation, AI assistant, digital key, payment from the vehicle… Later, ccNC Lite is also expected, which will not support navigation, wireless (OTA) map updates or the possibility of paying in the car. Upgrades for more affordable ccNC Lite systems are expected to be limited to music streaming.
The third, Air equipment level is only 400 euros more expensive, and among other things, it brings a height-adjustable passenger seat, heating of the front seats and steering wheel, a double bottom of the trunk, hooks for securing the net in the trunk, electrically folding side mirrors and a rain sensor. This could be one of the most sought-after equipment packages.
All of these first three equipment packages come with a weaker 42.2 kWh battery that powers a 107.8 kW/145 HP electric motor. This drive option also comes with the Sky equipment package, which is also offered with a larger 61 kWh battery, from which the 99.5 kW/135 HP electric motor is powered. The Sky equipment level with a smaller battery costs 31,899 euros, and among other things, it includes LED reading lights, front and rear, 2 LED lights in the rear of the vehicle, LED trunk lighting, LED lights on the sun visors, 18-inch alloy wheels, front windows with sun protection, and additionally tinted rear windows, automatically folding handles on the outside, wireless charging of your cell phone… If you need a model with a larger battery, be prepared to pay a surcharge of 3100 euros.
Currently, the most expensive and best-equipped model is the GT-Line model, which only comes with a larger battery. It costs less than 40,000 euros, which is certainly not small, although it also includes a system for avoiding collisions when driving backwards, remote parking via key, advanced adaptive cruise control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cup holders in the central rear armrest, seats covered with artificial leather, cooling of the front seats, sports steering wheel, metal pedals, 19-inch alloy wheels, heat pump, 360-degree camera, USB chargers from up to 100 W, Kia Connect application, Harman/Kardon premium audio system, digital key…
For all the prices mentioned so far, something like 1,200 euros is approved in the case of paying for the vehicle in cash, while a round discount of 2,000 euros has been prepared for those who decide on Kia Smart financing. I should also mention that an additional payment of 720 euros is required for the metallic paint. Pearl color is a hundred euros more expensive, while 1,000 euros need to be allocated for matte colors.
The maximum speed of all options is limited to 160 km/h, while the declared range is from 317 to 453 kilometers, which depends on the selected battery or equipment level. Standard AC charging is 11 kW, while it is mentioned that a surcharge for 22 kW AC charging will be possible. So far, no information has been published about DC charging. It is indicated only the replenishment from 10 to 80%, as with most electric models, it can be done within 30 minutes.
The EV2 is the first Kia model to feature an in-cabin monitoring unit (ICMU). Integrated into the rearview mirror, the system analyzes the driver’s attention and the passenger’s position in real time to support enhanced safety functions compliant with the latest Euro NCAP protocols to minimize injuries in the event of airbag deployment. A recent update to the Kia app introduced 3D vehicle visualization, which was initially available on the EV9 and has now been rolled out to all EV models, including the EV2. This feature brings Kia EV models to life and allows customers to digitally view the exact configuration of their vehicle, including exterior color and seating arrangement.
Kia is convinced that this is a model that could be one of the main competitors to Renault’s models 4 and 5, VW ID. Semi or Škoda Epiq. Sales plans are not arranged because they believe that they primarily depend on possible incentives. If it comes to them, they are convinced that they should sell about a hundred copies by the end of the year. After driving a few kilometers, I believe that this is a model that could be liked by a wide range of customers, it has not been so far, and at the same time it has not been attacked. This is a segment where there is a big “fight” with prices, and the main competitors are still coming.
