More stories

  • in

    Kia EV4 Spied For First Time – Compact Electric SUV (Seltos, Creta Size)

    New Kia EV4 electric SUV spiedKia EV4 electric SUV will take on the likes of Maruti EVX and Mahindra BE.05 upon launchIn recent years, the automotive industry has witnessed a monumental shift towards sustainability and electrification. As the world grapples with the environmental challenges posed by traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, automakers are stepping up their game to introduce innovative and eco-friendly alternatives. Among these forward-thinking manufacturers is Kia, a brand renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge technology and design.We know about the 11 EVs that Kia showcased in November 2021. Out of these eleven new models, Kia had promised some derivatives of existing petrol / diesel powered cars and some will be dedicated EVs built on all new platform. To be more precise, 3 dedicated and 1 derivative passenger EVs, 4 dedicated and 2 derivative recreational EVs and 1 derivative commercial EV.New Kia EV4 electric SUV spiedKia EV4 Spied Testing For First TimeAs of now, Kia has launched Niro EV, Soul EV and EV6 across multiple markets. Kia showcased production model of EV9 (Telluride equivalent) and teased concept model of EV5, which will sit below the EV6. Ahead of global debut of Kia EV5, which is set for later this month, a new test mule of Kia has been spied in South Korea. This is believed to be the upcoming Kia EV4.Kia EV4 will sit below the Kia EV5. Looking at the spy shots, this test mule looks very much similar in size to the Seltos compact SUV that is on sale in India. This new test mule has almost the same windscreen, A-pillars, ORVMs, bonnet and even front doors. However, there are different LED DRL signatures with both vehicles.New Kia EV4 electric SUV vs SeltosWheels are starkly different too. Kia EV4 sports aero wheels to maximise efficiency. Apart from that we can see cutouts for front parking sensors and a radar module for ADAS suite. Rear is where we see stark differences with both models. For starters, rear doors are different because of rear roofline shape. Rear gets a sleek LED signature for tail lights that take up almost half of tailgate. These tail lights match Kia’s design language used with its EVs like EV6.New Kia EV4 electric SUV vs SeltosInteriors, Safety featuresOn the inside, expect a minimalistic approach with less buttons and more screens. Layout will be modern with intelligent usage of space aiming to deliver maximum possible roominess and comfort in the segment. Expect the interior design to be inspired by the EV6.Other features on offer could be a high-resolution infotainment system that offers seamless smartphone integration, navigation, over-the-air updates, and access to real-time vehicle information. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) enhance safety by providing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automated emergency braking.Kia EV4 Battery Pack and RangeKia EV4 is likely to feature around 50 kWh to 60 kWh battery pack delivering a claimed range of about 500 km on a single charge. To keep prices competitive, expect a single motor layout, driving the front wheels. This same powertrain and battery pack could be used to power the upcoming Creta EV, which has already been spied testing in India. Potential rivals to the upcoming Kia EV4 include a range of upcoming EVs like Creta EV, Maruti Suzuki eVX, Mahindra BE.05, etc. Launch expected in 2025.Source More

  • in

    Kia Carens Electric Spied Testing For The First Time

    As part of its electrification roadmap, Kia will be introducing born-electric BEVs as well as launch electric versions of its ICE modelsKia Carens Electric Spied. Image – NewcarscoopsKia recently showcased EV5 Concept that appeared quite similar to Carens in terms of its design and size. Now, a new Kia test mule has been spotted in South Korea, which appears to be Carens electric. It is a close match to ICE-based Carens sold in India.Kia Carens electric spied for the first timeAs ICE Carens is already manufactured in India, the electric version could also be manufactured here. Carens has emerged as a popular MUV and there’s certainly scope for its electric version. Apart from India, Carens Electric could also be introduced in select Southeast Asian markets.Kia Carens Electric SpiedSide profile of the test mule is largely the same as existing Kia Carens sold in India. The positioning of the pillars, belt line, wheel arches and the slightly sloping roofline are some of the key similarities. Alloy wheels are specially designed for drag reduction. Core silhouette of front and rear section also appears to be same as ICE Carens. These sections are heavily camouflaged, so finer details are hard to guess.Carens electric will be getting the usual set of updates to the front fascia, as is the case with conversions of ICE cars to electric. Changes to the front grille, air dam and lighting setup are likely. A similar treatment could be utilized for the rear section as well. Carens electric could also get some new colour options. ICE Carens is available in 8 monotone colour options.Kia Carens Electric SpiedInside, Carens electric could be using a new colour theme and refreshed upholstery. Interiors could be spruced up to match the MUV’s electrified underpinnings. A significant percentage of features will be carried forward from ICE Carens.It could include ventilated seats, premium BOSE sound system, wireless charging, ambient lighting, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, leatherette wrapped door trims and Kia Connect connected car tech. Carens electric could get an integrated infotainment and instrument cluster, something similar to that of EV5.Kia Carens electric – battery and range specsKia Carens electric could have a range in the ballpark of 400-500 km. Details about battery pack and electric motor are not available, but overall performance is expected to be similar to ICE Carens. Just for comparison, Kia’s upcoming electric flagship EV9 has range of 541 km with the RWD Long Range variant. It has a 99.8 kWh battery pack and generates 201 hp of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque. EV9 AWD variant delivers 380 hp and 600 Nm. Kia Carens electric prices could be in the range of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.Before Carens electric arrives here, Kia might be launching Carens facelift later this year. It is expected to get updates such as refreshed front fascia and ADAS. Inside, Carens facelift could be equipped with a new touchscreen infotainment system and instrument console. Panoramic sunroof option can be introduced with top-spec variants. Powertrain options will be same as earlier for Carens facelift.Source More

  • in

    Kia EV9 Electric SUV First Real World Photos – New Colours Spied

    With its massive size and muscular body panelling, Kia EV9 has a dominating street presenceNew Kia EV9 Electric SUVKia had showcased the EV9 concept at 2023 Auto Expo, whereas the production version had debuted on March 15. Based on the E-GMP platform that also underpins EV6, Kia EV9 will be the company’s new flagship SUV. It will pack in a comprehensive range of features and rival upcoming electric SUVs from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.EV9 is part of Kia’s ‘Plan S’, wherein a target has been set to introduce 13 born-electric cars over the next four years. EV9 will be one of the biggest Kia models, with dimensions similar to that of US-spec Telluride SUV. It will also be the most expensive Kia car sold globally. Ahead of its launch, Kia EV9 has been spotted undisguised inside a parking lot.New Kia EV9 Electric SUVKia EV9 features new gen styling – Likely to be seen in all Kia electric cars in the futureMuch of the features seen with the concept version have been retained in the production model. However, there are some changes such as smoothed edges and creases and 21-inch wheels replacing the 23-inch units seen with the concept model. Apart from these, there are no other major changes between the concept and the production version.EV9 will have compelling colour choices in both glossy and matte finish. Options include Snow White Pearl (SWP), Panthera Metal (P2M), Aurora Black Pearl (ABP), Flare Red (C7R), Pebble Gray (DFG), Ivory Silver (ISG), Ocean Blue (OBG) and Iceberg Green (IEG). Matte colour options include Ocean Blue (Matte), Ivory Silver (Matte), Iceberg Green (Matte) and Panthera Metal (Matte).New Kia EV9 Electric SUVEV9 utilizes a futuristic design philosophy with angled panels all across. It seems familiar to the panelling used on tanks and stealth aircrafts. Other notable aspects include the star constellation-inspired LED lights at front and rear, flat closed-off grille and Kia’s signature tiger nose effect on the skid plate. Viewed from the side, EV9 could be mistaken for an armoured car. Some key highlights include quirky alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, thick body cladding, chunky door panels, blacked-out pillars, smart door handles and tinted windows.New Kia EV9 Electric SUV Smart KeyInside, Kia EV9 has a clutter-free dashboard layout and cockpit area. Much of the controls are accessible via the massive integrated digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Interiors are designed for roominess and optimal user comfort. Both 6-seat and 7-seat versions are expected to be available.EV9 performance, range – Best in class?Kia has not revealed any significant details about EV9. However, it is known that EV9 will have a range of 543 km. Based on its size and max range, battery capacity could be around 100kWh. It is expected that EV9 will have fast charging, allowing users to load up around 100 km in approximately 6 minutes. Based on the E-GMP platform, EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 have similar capabilities. Kia EV9 is expected to get option of both rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive.EV9 is unlikely to make it to India anytime soon. However, Kia has plans to launch multiple new mass-market EVs, specially designed for India. These will go up against upcoming born electric SUVs from Mahindra and Tata Motors. More

  • in

    2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV Concept Debuts – Future Carens EV?

    If placed side by side, Kia EV5 concept debuted recently and Carens look very similar in their design and proportions2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFor a long time now, EV juggernauts like Tesla and BYD have been dominating the market. On the onslaught of EV growth, mainstream manufacturers are jumping into this bandwagon too. We have seen Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia and many more mainstream manufacturers diving into this head first as well.We recently saw Kia EV9 getting unveiled which will be Kia’s flagship EV. Kia seems to be aggressively expanding its EV envelope to include an extensive lineup. Result of which is the Kia EV5 concept SUV, unveiled on Chinese EV day. It has debuted in its design form and looking at it, we can’t help but wonder, whether this will be the electrified Carens that India gets. Let’s take a look at why.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV Concept2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFor starters, this will sit below Kia EV6, which was launched in India last year. Kia EV5 concept aims to be an SUV-ish EV with starkly similar design and proportions to Kia Carens. We can see it in its front profile, side profile and rear as well. Even the overall proportions match that of Carens.EV5 is a concept only and production-spec model is likely to retain most of its design elements. On the inside, we get a single wide screen which is part of both Instrumentation and infotainment. There are hardly any buttons. Seats run upwards and double as armrests as well.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptFront seats swivel and face the rear, creating a lounge area for four people. Behind second-row chairs, there is a table and rear-facing bench seats too. In crevices for cup holders for the third row, we have a literal plant as well. It is an EV concept, why not? Interiors feature sustainable and recycled materials, to boast their eco credentials.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptSimilarities With CarensIn terms of dimensions, 2024 Kia EV5 concept is likely to be smaller than EV6. The latter is 4695 mm in length and we would wager Kia EV5 to measure around 4600 mm. This is very close to Carens with around just a 50 mm difference. One look at both Kia EV5 concept and Carens from the side, and what we are saying starts making sense.Both feature an almost identical side profile with a mostly similar window area as well. Even belt line for both matches in its approach. Kia has not revealed specifications of EV5. So, there is a grey area regarding battery capacity and motor specifications. One can say that around 60 kWh of battery with 400 km of range from a single motor layout is possible.2024 Kia EV5 Electric SUV ConceptKia unveiled the EV5 design concept on Chinese EV day. So, it is evident that this will cater to the Chinese market first and maybe even launch later in markets like Russia, India and the ASEAN region. Launch timeline is not yet revealed, but we can expect the production-spec model to debut by the end of 2023. If it is an electrified Carens, it could be manufactured here in India and exported as well. More

  • in

    Kia EV9 Electric SUV Teased – India Debut 2023 Auto Expo

    Hyundai SEVEN concept (production name – Ioniq 7) is underpinned by the same E-GMP platform like Kia EV9 conceptKia EV9 Electric SUV Teased For IndiaMost cars falling under Hyundai’s umbrella, have vertical integration across their sub-brands. We have seen this in India as well with Creta-Seltos and Venue-Sonet. In global markets, Hyundai takes this platform sharing a notch above by bringing its luxury brand Genesis to the mix as well.The same concept sticks with Kia and Hyundai’s concept vehicles. If there is a Hyundai concept, it will likely spawn a Kia as well. There will be major differences in styling, though. Same is true with Hyundai SEVEN concept and Kia EV 9 concept. Speaking of, Kia EV 9 concept is now teased for India and will be showcased at 2023 Auto Expo taking place in Greater Noida next month.Kia EV9 Electric SUV TeasedAt Kia Motors pavilion at 2023 Auto Expo, there will be a lot going on. The most awaited of them all is Seltos facelift with more tech (ADAS) and features (panoramic sunroof) along with a new 1.5L turbo petrol engine. This engine replaces the 1.4L turbo petrol unit and packs in more punch with up to 160 PS of power.Kia could also showcase a new generation of Kia Carnival (globally sold as Sedona) and Sorento SUV. India still gets the 3rd generation model, while the 4th generation model has been on sale since 2020. An update to the Carnival was long overdue and along with that, we will get to witness Sorento SUV as well, for the first time in India.[embedded content][embedded content]The star of the show will obviously be the Kia EV9 concept. With radical design and boxy silhouette, Kia has playfully integrated butch and boxy designs of yesteryear with modernity and a lot of drama. Hyundai’s counterpart of this concept is Ioniq 7 which takes a swoopy approach to its concept. Kia EV9 concept looks like a buff version of Kia Soul EV on steroids.Test mules of production-spec version Kia EV9 have been spotted in South Korea before. Most of the boxiness and butch appeal is carried over to the production-spec model. We saw a glimpse of this large barge of an SUV at LA Auto Show 2021. Now, it will be showcased at Kia Motors pavilion at 2023 Auto Expo.Specs & DimensionsKia EV9 concept vehicle is Telluride sized. In simple terms, it will be slightly over 5m in length, almost 2m in width and over 1.7m in height. Kia Telluride has a 2,900mm long wheelbase. Technical specifications of the Kia EV9 concept are not yet out. On the inside, this concept vehicle gets an interesting setup with three seating modes; Active, Pause and Enjoy. For driver, there is an ultra-wide 27 inch HD display.2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUVA large fixed glass roof dominates the roof. It is based on E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform), just like Hyundai SEVEN (production-spec name is Ioniq 7). A 100 kWh battery pack with up to 500 km of range from a single charge, is a possibility. Production-spec Kia EV9 will get both 2WD and 4WD options as well. More

  • in

    2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUV Spied – Closer Look At LED Headlight, Alloys

    Kia EV9 is expected to sit above the EV6 that was recently launched in India2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUV. Images – Auto Spy.Kia has massive plans when it comes to electrification. Kia has already made it official that they will go carbon neutral by 2045. That roadmap is valid across the globe and not just in a country. Kia also aims at 100% electrification of all its products in Europe by 2035 and other international markets by 2040.This is a massive ambition and Kia needs to start working yesterday to achieve it. Hyundai and Kia are expected to bring 6 EVs to India by the end of 2024. Kia has already launched its EV6 electric SUV crossover in limited numbers via CBU route. It comes in GT Line trim and gets an option of either RWD or AWD.2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUV SpiedBut Kia has another Ace up its sleeve, but this is not just an electric crossover. It is a large electric SUV. It is based on the Kia EV9 concept, that was first showcased at LA Auto Show 2021 alongside Hyundai’s concept based on same platform named SEVEN.Kia might be targeting this mainly for the US market where big cars are mostly the norm. In terms of size, we can expect it to be around the same size as Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. Both these SUVs are large and are powered by IC engines.2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUVThe South Korean brand has promised a US launch in the year 2023. As the deadline is nearing, there have been multiple test mules spotted undergoing testing in South Korea. 2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUV has been spied in a parking lot, giving us a closer look at its alloys, LED headlight and tail light. The SUV is heavily camouflaged with meshes for headlights, indicators and fog lights in the cladding.When viewed, Kia EV9 does remind us of the new-gen Lexus GX SUV in terms of presence and profile. Even though Kia EV9 was cladded, we can see the boxy silhouette that is inspired by the concept vehicle. It will radiate a rugged appeal that will appeal to pickup truck-obsessed USA.On the inside, we can expect it to have a clean and futuristic design layout and might get similar entertainment packages from newly revealed Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan. In terms of seating, it will get 3-rows of seating like a Telluride and might promise a big luggage space when the third row is folded up.2023 Kia EV9 Electric SUVJust like Kia’s EV9, Hyundai will also launch an electric SUV that will be similarly sized too. Hyundai’s version will be named Ioniq 7 and will sit above Ioniq 5 which is expected to launch in India by the end of 2022. Both electric SUVs will be based on the E-GMP platform on which Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are currently based.Price & CompetitionKia hasn’t revealed the exact launch timeline yet. As of now, we don’t know what features it will get, what powertrains it will be equipped with and at what price point it will be launched. But we can expect Kia EV9 to be priced slightly lower than Ioniq 7. In terms of competition, it will compete with its cousin Hyundai Ioniq 7, China-exclusive VW ID.6, Cadillac Lyric, Mercedes-Benz EQS and the likes. Kia India hasn’t revealed if EV9 will make it to our shores yet. More

  • in

    Kia EV6 Electric Launch Price Rs 60 Lakh – Over 300 Bookings

    Kia EV6 shares its underpinnings with Hyundai Ioniq 5 which is also slated to arrive on Indian shores later this yearKia EV6 Electric Launch PriceKia India has launched the EV6 electric car today. It is priced from Rs 59.95 lakh, ex-sh. EV6 will be brought to the country as a fully imported model via the CBU route. Only 100 units of the mid-size electric crossover will go on sale in India this year.Despite that, Kia has already received about 350 orders. Kia India is working on arranging the additional orders. EV6 will be available in two derivatives- GT Line and GT Line AWD. Prices are Rs 59.95 lakh and Rs 64.95 lakh, ex-sh. Deliveries start from Sep 2022. Bookings are open at Rs 3 lakh, cancellation of booking will be charged at Rs 50,000.Kia EV6 ElectricKia EV6 is based on the E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform) architecture which also underpins Hyundai Ioniq 5. In India, it will only be offered with a single 77.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers a maximum range of 528 km as per WLTP cycle. By using a 350kW fast charger, the battery pack can be juiced from 10 to 80 percent within 18 minutes using a 350 kW fast charger. On the other hand, a 50kW fast charger takes 73 minutes to achieve the same.The battery supports ultra-fast charging which can add up to 100km of range in just 4.5 minutes. It will be available in two variants – GT Line and GT Line AWD. The former will be offered a single motor driving the rear wheels that churns out 225 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. The latter on the other gets a dual-motor setup driving all four wheels and pushing out 321 bhp and 605 Nm of torque.Kia EV6 Electric Launch PriceKia EV6 claims a 0-100 kmph acceleration time in just 3.5 seconds. In terms of dimensions, EV6 GT Line measures 4,695mm in length, 1,890mm in width, and 1,550mm in height, while it offers a wheelbase of 2,900mm. The electric crossover will be offered in five paint options including Runway Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Snow White Pearl, Yacht Blue and Moonscape.Features on offerThe Korean brand is offering EV6 as a premium electric crossover, hence, it is loaded with all bells and whistles. This will include features like dual 12.3-inch curved displays for the instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment, full LED lighting, ventilated and powered front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, etc, as standard fitment across both variants.The top-spec GT-Line AWD variant offers additional creature comforts like an Augmented Reality heads-up display, a Meridian sound system with 14 speakers, automatic flush-fitting door handles and a powered tailgate. EV6 comes equipped with a wide range of safety features including eight airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ABS and Brake Assist, ESC, Hill-start Assist Control and Multi Collision Brake Assist.Apart from the standard safety tech, Kia is also offering a wide range of features under ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Safe Exit Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Blind-spot Detection and more.  More

  • in

    Kia EV6 Electric Scores 5 Star Safety Rating – ANCAP Crash Test

    Bookings of the new Kia EV6 will open on 26th May 2022 in India – While launch date is set for 2nd JuneKia EV6 Crash TestKia India is set to open its order books for the new EV6 sporty electric crossover on May 26, 2022. The EV6 was unveiled last year and is the first exclusive electric offering from Kia in India. To be launched in India as a CBU, the new Kia EV6 has now been crash tested by ANCAP.Kia EV6 Safety Rating – ANCAPKia EV6 has managed to score a full 5 star safety rating, scoring 34.48 points out of 38 available for adult safety. For child safety, it has scored 42.96 points out of 49. Road user protection was rated at 64% while safety assist features were rated at 88%.Speaking about the crash test performance of the new Kia EV6, ANCAP stated, “The passenger compartment of the Kia EV6 remained stable in the frontal offset (MPDB) test. Dummy readings for the driver indicated MARGINAL protection for the driver’s chest and lower legs. Dummy readings for the front passenger indicated ADEQUATE protection of the lower legs. Protection was GOOD for all other critical body regions for both the driver and front passenger.In the full width frontal test, protection of the driver dummy was GOOD for all critical body areas. Protection was ADEQUATE for the chest of the rear passenger. GOOD protection was offered to all other critical body regions for both the driver and rear passenger. Take a look at the Kia EV6 crash test video below.[embedded content][embedded content]In global markets, Kia EV6 is available in five trims. These include Light (RWD): 58.0 kWh battery with 167 HP, Wind (RWD): 77.4 kWh battery with 225 HP, Wind (e-AWD): 77.4 kWh battery with 320 HP, GT-Line (RWD): 77.4 kWh battery with 225 HP and GT-Line (e-AWD): 77.4 kWh battery with 320 HP.‘Opposites United’ Design PhilosophyKia EV6 is positioned on a dedicated EV platform E-GMP. It will boast of styling showcasing the new ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy of the brand. It gets a Kia’s signature tiger face along with a sporty roofline, muscular wheel arches and increased ground clearance. Its V shaped DRLs are incorporated into the LED headlamps while features also include a full length rear light bar and a distinctive roof spoiler. The EV6 rides on 19 inch alloy wheels finished in a dark grey and black colour scheme.Being positioned in a premium segment, the Kia EV6 will see an updated cabin with a host of driver and passenger comfort, convenience and safety features. It will receive a 12.3 inch dual screen curved display unit, a floating central console with wireless charging facilities, rotary dial for drive mode selection and a new steering wheel design. Features will also include floor mats, door pockets made of recycled plastic and upholstery in an option of vegan leather.Kia EV6 Crash TestKia EV6 Twin Battery Pack OptionsIn India, the Kia EV6 is set to receive a 77.4 kWh battery pack which will work along with an electric motor to offer 325 hp power and 605 Nm torque sending power to both axels. It claims a driving range of 510 kms on single charge as per the WLTP cycle. The Lithium-ion battery also gets a RWD configuration making 229 hp and 350 Nm torque with the smaller 58 kWh battery making 170 hp and 350 Nm torque in RWD and at 235 hp and 605 Nm on the AWD trim. The smaller battery claims a 373 km range. Kia EV6 will use an 800V charging system allowing fast charging from 10-80 percent in 18 minutes.Given the fact that Kia EV6 will not be built in India and will instead come in as a CBU, it is slated to attract hefty import duty. Hence a price ranging from Rs 40-60 lakh is what can be expected. It will rival the Volvo XC40 Recharge once launched while it will also share some common features with the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Following the launch of Kia EV6, the automaker also plans to launch many more electric cars. This is a part of Kia India plan to introduce 6 new electric vehicles in India by 2024. More