Kia

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

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

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

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

To be imported as CBU, Kia EV6 could be launched at a starting price of around Rs 50-60 lakhNew Kia EV6 Electric CarKia EV6 marks the start of the company’s EV journey in India. First launched last year in March in South Korea, EV6 is the first all-electric model manufactured by Kia. It is expected to be launched in India by June 2022. Ahead of that, bookings will officially open on 26th May. EV6 has been widely appreciated for its advanced features and was rated 2022 European Car of the Year.Kia EV6 Colours SpiedBased on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Kia EV6 has a sleek design that emanates luxurious vibes. The curvy, aerodynamic surfaces are among the key elements that define the car’s innate beauty. In addition, it will be offered with attractive colour options, some of which have now been spied. These are Red, Black, White and Silver.Kia EV6 key features include LED multi-reflector headlights with DRLs, gloss black front grille, matte black accents, wheel arch moulding, blacked-out pillars, gloss black window surrounds, flush body coloured door handles and sporty alloy wheels.On the inside, Kia EV6 has dual curved panoramic 12.3 inch screens that provide a combined display of 24 inch. The wide display ensures an immersive experience, as users access navigation, entertainment, vehicle diagnostics and other vehicle information features. The screen is equipped with a blue light filter to reduce eye strain as well as driver fatigue.New Kia EV6 Electric CarAnother key feature is augmented reality head-up display (HUD) that shows navigation and key safety information. For folks who find parking a challenge, Kia is offering Virtual Valet Parking Assist. With this feature, EV6 can automatically park and exit by autonomously controlling vehicle speed, steering wheel and gear shifts. EV6 also offers a comprehensive range of connectivity features that can be accessed via Kia Connect app.Kia EV6 powertrain, range and specsFor Indian market, Kia may offer EV6 with the 58 kWh battery or 77.4 kWh battery pack or both. These options are offered in rear wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) formats. With the smaller battery pack, the RWD variant is equipped with a 170 hp single-motor. The AWD variant has a dual-motor setup that generates 235 hp.With the larger battery pack, the RWD variant is powered by a single 229 hp motor. The AWD variant gets a dual-motor setup generating 325 hp. Range topping GT Line utilizes a dual motor AWD setup that churns out 585 hp and 740 Nm. Range varies based on the variant, maximum being 310 miles (~499 km), as per EPA estimated range. EV6 can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour (0-100 kmph) in 4.6 seconds. Top speed is at 162 mph (260 kmph).[embedded content][embedded content]In terms of safety, EV6 offers a range of drive assist features. It includes forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic collision avoidance, lane keep assist, machine learning-based cruise control, surround view monitor and parking collision avoidance system. Other standard safety features include front and side airbags, traction control system, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill start assist control.EV6 will be followed by multiple new EV products in India by both Kia and Hyundai. By 2024, a total of 6 new all-electric cars are planned to be launched. Kia’s EV portfolio will be expanded to include the new e-Niro as well as a mass market electric SUV. Hyundai will be launching Kona Electric facelift, a mass market electric SUV and Ioniq 5. More