EV5’s local chances unclear - so far China only confirmed customer.

LOCAL market potential for the latest electric out of Kia is not yet being spoken about by the brand.

In respect to the much-anticipated new EV5, an all-electric SUV that's about the same size as it’s well-established Sportage, Kia New Zealand says it has no comment to share at this time.

Described as having been designed “to meet the needs of millennial families”, the new model made it global debut at a motor show in China, because that country is so far the only market the car has been absolutely confirmed for.

Rather than availing images of the model on the stand at the Chengdu motor show, Kia has preferred to send out these studio shots.

At 4.6 metres long, it is quite a large car, and the 2.7-metre wheelbase should ensure a roomy interior, but for all its visual substance it might be a relatively lightweight by electric standards, which a kerb weight of 1870kg shared in show stand material. That makes it lighter than the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq.

More broadly, the new car clearly takes design cues from the more substantial EV9 six to seven (depending on whether it has a bench or captains’ chairs in the mid-row) seater, whose seven-figure local market pricing Kia released last week, and uses the same 'Opposites United' styling language, which is about mixing soft surfacing with hard edges and also delivers a new interpretation of the tradition ‘tiger face’ grille.

Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of the Kia Global Design Centre, says the model seeks to “create a holistic solution for sustainable mobility. 

“As a result, the EV5 sets a new standard for design, performance and practicality while providing new levels of driver enjoyment and user experience.”

In respect to that ethos, Habib highlights the pushed-back shape of the D-pillar which, he says, “further highlights the EV5's family-friendly practicality, accentuating the spaciousness of the rear seat and the trunk while providing a wide field of visibility.”

Kia is also keen to talk about the daytime running lights, which are supposed to mimic the shapes of galactic constellations (what Kia calls 'Signature Star Map Lighting’).

They also highlight that the model actually has some off-road potential, hence why it features a prominent skid plate under the back bumper.

Five-seater or  is it for six? Check out the potential of the quasi bench-style format for the front seating and that question seems relevant.

Kia interior designers say they reimagined the EV5’s interior, taking inspiration from the EV9 with an interior space that’s closer to a “home lounge than a traditional car cabin.”

The EV5 includes variable mood lighting with up to 64 colour choices (including 10 shades specifically recommended by Kia's styling team).When active, the lightning adjusts to the vehicle’s drive modes, dims in low light, and alerts the driver when going over the speed limit.

For all that, it thankfully retains physical heating and air conditioning controls, although even these have been dramatically slimmed-down.

Kia has conjoined the digital driver's display with the main infotainment screen.

The rear bench can fold completely flat, enabling a spacious cargo area with additional under-floor storage options.

The model, of course, rides on the ride on the usual Hyundai E-GMP platform, the same used for the EV6 and EV9 and IONIQ 5 and 6.

Kia has been hoping to keep information relating to the drivetrain under wraps until October, but leaked data from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology shows that their version will be powered by a 160kW single electric motor with 310Nm torque. It’s also expected to use BYD’s Blade LFP batteries, although Kia has yet to confirm this.