Kia has introduced its new range of PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) to the Irish market with both Cargo and Passenger models available.
The PV5 is Kia's first dedicated commercial vehicle, marking a new chapter for the Korean brand, and it has plans to expand its product offering in the coming years.
Who is the Kia PV5 aimed at?
The Kia PV5 Passenger is a very versatile electric people carrier that is well-suited to larger families or those who simply find that an SUV isn't enough for their needs.
It's a segment of the market that's often overlooked by buyers, partly because a lot of van-based passenger vehicles aren't always as comfortable or enjoyable to drive as a more traditional car.
However, that is shifting, and a growing number of families are looking to such vehicles as an ideal solution. Initially, the PV5 is available in a five-seat configuration, but a seven-seat version is set to follow, boosting its versatility.
Sliding doors on each side make it a cinch to get passengers in and out, especially in a car park, and the low step-in height boosts accessibility. It can also swallow up to 1,330 litres of luggage when all five seats are still in place.
Up front, there's a huge number of storage areas around the cabin, including bins in the floor and underneath the seat bases. The driver gets a 7.5-inch digital instrument panel, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen runs the Android Automotive OS infotainment system.
Multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad mean everyone can remain topped up on the move.
The Kia PV5 Passenger is priced from €42,550, which, compared to many SUVs, seems like a bargain given its versatility, space and equipment.
Among the standard features are powered and heated front seats, heated rear seats, artificial leather upholstery and an electrically operated tailgate.
There is only one powertrain for the PV5, which uses a 71.2kWh battery and a 163hp electric motor that drives the front wheels. It has a 150kW DC-charge rate and a WLTP combined driving range of 412 kilometres.
Tell me about the Kia PV5 Cargo
The Kia PV5 Cargo uses the same 71.2kWh battery and electric motor as the passenger version, and has an official 416-kilometre driving range.
Unlike some vans, the PV5 comes standard with twin sliding doors, and the rear has 'barn doors' rather than the tailgate of the passenger version.
It has a 690kg payload and, as standard, can accommodate two Euro pallets in a perpendicular arrangement. An optional raised floor creates space for two Euro pallets in a parallel layout.
The PV5 Cargo also has a 750kg towing capacity.
Up front, it uses a two-seat configuration and mirrors the dashboard layout of the PV5 Passenger, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen in a 16:9 ratio and a 7.5-inch driver's display.
Included in the entry-level grade for the PV5 Cargo is a heat pump to boost efficiency, a heated steering wheel and front seats, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, highway driving assist, 16-inch alloy wheels, smart cruise control with stop and go functionality and a wireless phone charger.
Buyers can upgrade to the K4 specification, which adds ventilated seats, a 360-degree surround view monitor, artificial leather and fabric seats, electrically folding door mirrors, forward, reverse and side parking sensors, blind-spot view monitors and rear blind-spot collision avoidance assist.
Pricing for the Kia PV5 Cargo starts at €33,230 ex VAT for the K2 grade and €35,100 ex VAT for the K4 specification.
All versions of the PV5 come with Kia Ireland's seven-year/150,000-kilometre warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.
Where is the Kia PV5 sold?
Kia Ireland has appointed nine retailers to be responsible for sales and service of the PV5 and further PBVs. They 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 Led - Tralee, Co. Kerry
Kia Ireland also expects that among its 33 dealerships nationwide, a referral scheme will be in place, so if you already have a preferred Kia dealer that you do business with, they will be able to facilitate your needs.
Click here to read our first drive review of the Kia PV5 Passenger.