Kia's dramatic-looking PV5 van and MPV will arrive in Ireland in November, with prices starting from €33,230 (ex-VAT) for the van, and from €42,550 for 'Passenger' MPV versions.
This is fully-electric, isn't it?
Indeed so, the PV5 rides on Kia's new Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (that's E-GMP.S), and it comes with a 71kWh battery as standard. That should be good enough for a range of 416km on a full charge. The E-GMP.S platform supports rapid charging too, so you should be able to do a 10-80 per cent top up in 30 minutes.
Is the PV5 a seven-seater?
Not quite yet. The first versions to arrive will be roomy five-seat models, with a massive 1,300-litre boot, but there will be a seven-seat version, stretched by 200mm, coming soon. The cabin is roomy, though, with twin sliding side doors and a big-screen layout in the front, for which Kia has thankfully retained at least a few proper physical buttons.
It's pretty dramatic looking
It certainly is. For what is a commercial van (the two-seat cargo version is also available) Kia has really gone to town on the space-age styling, the blacked-out side glass, and the slim LED lights. According to Kia: “Robust black wheel arch claddings and rocker panels give continuity with Kia's SUV line-up while the bold lighting signature and sleek black accents elevate its modern appeal. The rear showcases an elegantly chamfered D-pillar line that enhances the vehicle's sense of volume while the electric tailgate, set above a strong protective bumper ensures maximum practicality.”
When can I buy one?
Soon enough. The first cars should be here in November, although they won't be available from all Kia dealers - the PV5 models will be sold by specific PBV Centres (PBV stands for Platform Beyond Vehicle, and it's Kia's strategy to break into the lucrative commercial vehicle market), and there will be nine of those across Ireland. Specifically, those are: Joe Duffy - North Road, Dublin 11; Johnson & Perrott - Douglas Road, Cork; Nyhan Motors - Bandon, Co. Cork; Hinchys - Ennis Road, Limerick; Hinchys - Garryspillane, Co. Limerick; Edward Conway Motors - Castlebar, Co. Mayo; Sheridan Waterford Ltd. - Waterford; Newgate Motor Group - Navan, Co. Meath; McElligotts Tralee Ltd. - Tralee, Co. Kerry.
“The start of PV5 sales is a milestone not only for us here in Ireland but also for our wider strategy to drive electrification across Europe,” said Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Kia Ireland. “From adaptive configurations to impressive digital features to and intelligent connectivity, the PV5 delivers a dynamic, forward-thinking solution for both businesses and private customers alike.”
What kind of equipment does a PV5 come with?
The Passenger model of the PV5 will be sold only in one spec, and that's K4, which comes as standard with full vegan heated leather seats, electric tailgate, 360-degree surround view monitor, blind-spot view monitors, electric folding mirrors, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist.