Video by Leah Carroll. Words by Donal Byrne.
There is no escaping the fact that Kia's new large family offering is derived from a van. Its design, size and dimensions give it a certain industrial look, and its cubist styling underlines a decidedly functional profile, which won’t be to everyone’s taste.
However, what the new PV 5 lacks in grace is made up for in practicality, especially when the seven-seat option arrives here in a few months' time. It is 1.9 metres high, 1.8 metres wide and 4.7 metres long.
Those measurements would suggest the PV 5 might be a bit of a challenge in a car park, but actually, its tight turning circle, due to short overhangs at the front and rear, makes it significantly easier to manoeuvre in limited spaces.
The PV5 has a decent 71.2 kWh battery, with a 120 kW motor to drive the front wheels. Kia claims a range of up to 412 kilometres, but the usual caveat about claimed ranges from all manufacturers applies and we wait for real-world figures.
There’s a heat pump as standard - a device that improves range in colder conditions - and Kia says this can add between five and 10 per cent more efficiency in colder weather.
Inside, it’s pretty cavernous, with lots of storage space and cubby holes and the boot in the five-seater version we had a look at is pretty massive. With the rear seats folded, it has a capacity of some 1,300 litres. The tailgate is power-operated, and the loading sill is conveniently low, with a flat opening.
Those with large families or taxi drivers who need such capacity should be well accommodated.
Kia says if there is sufficient demand, a wheelchair accessible version will be made available.
There are two screens - a rather small 7.5" driver information display and a 12.9" screen for infotainment. The driving position is elevated and comfortable, as are the rear seats.
A likely competitor for the PV 5 is the Volkswagen Buzz, and the price gap is significant. Whereas a seven-seat Buzz will cost you almost €68,000, the seven-seat Kia comes in at €46,550 (the five-seat version costs €45,550).
Ok, you won’t have the cuteness of the Buzz, but you will have the space and comfort of the PV 5.
The car has an extensive range of standard equipment, including extras like a digital key that can be used through a phone, for example, and shared with other nominated drivers.
There’s a good list of driver and safety aids, and the vehicle has already been awarded a maximum of five stars in the EuroNCAP crash testing programme.
A seven-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty are standard.
The design of the PV 5 may be idiosyncratic, divisive even, but its price and practicality might just overcome its looks. And for those who need vehicles like this one, there is that quite attractive price tag.
