Say hello to…
…the passenger carrying, car version of Kia’s new electric PV5 commercial vehicle which is similar in size to the VW ID Buzz, but is significantly less expensive.
Two battery sizes and two power outputs are available initially and all are currently five seaters, although a seven-seat version will follow. The larger battery at 71.2kWh is linked to the higher 160hp motor for an official range of 256 miles, while the smaller 51.5kWh battery is linked to a 120hp motor and has a range of 183 miles. All versions are front-wheel drive, and like the van, there are two trim levels available.
- Essential
- Plus
Standard equipment on the Essential includes 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, powered door mirrors, auto wipers, aircon, 12.9-inhc infotainment screen with navigation, 7.5-inch driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 2x USB sockets.
Plus adds 16-inch alloys, power fold door mirrors, heated front seats, 3-pin socket, V2L and wireless phone charger.
Is The Kia PV5 Passenger Suitable For My Fleet
Kia’s PV5 Passenger ticks all the right boxes for fleet use. It’s electric (so comes with a low BIK tax rating), efficient, very keenly priced and enormously practical. What’s not to like?
Leasing A Kia PV5 Passenger
Gateway2lease is offering the Kia PV5 Passenger in long range Plus trim for £455 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Maintenance is forecast at £25 a month, according to Gensen Reports. Class 1A NIC comes in at £20 a month.
Driving A Kia PV5 Passenger
For a car that started life as a van, Kia’s PV5 Passenger has real road presence. It looks substantial from the outside and feels even bigger once you’re inside, thanks to its airy cabin and expansive glasshouse. Yet despite its size, it never feels cumbersome. It’s surprisingly easy to place on the road and will fit comfortably into a standard supermarket parking space.
Power comes from a smooth and responsive electric drivetrain that delivers the instant torque you’d expect from an EV. Performance is more than adequate rather than outright rapid, but that’s exactly what this vehicle needs. It pulls away briskly from junctions, keeps pace with traffic effortlessly and feels particularly well suited to urban and suburban driving.
Efficiency is another strong point. During our test we achieved 3.4 miles per kWh, suggesting that a real-world range of close to 250 miles is perfectly achievable in the right conditions.
The steering is well judged, offering a reassuring level of precision without becoming overly heavy. Visibility is excellent in most directions, with large side windows and a commanding driving position making it easy to manoeuvre. The only notable blind spot comes when looking over the front three-quarters of the vehicle, where the thick A-pillar arrangement can obscure pedestrians or vehicles at junctions if you’re not paying attention.
Ride quality is generally comfortable, although the suspension retains some of its commercial vehicle origins. With no payload in the back it can feel slightly bouncy over poorer road surfaces, suggesting it would settle further when carrying more weight. Even so, it never becomes uncomfortable and refinement is impressive for the most part. The only exception is a noticeable high-pitched electric motor whine that becomes apparent at motorway speeds, particularly around 70mph. This is something we didn’t notice in the Cargo version and in the Passenger version is perhaps a result of other noises being better damped, meaning you notice the motor more – rather than I being louder.
Kia has also done an excellent job with the software. The infotainment system is intuitive and, in many respects, easier to use than the company’s passenger car systems, making everyday operation refreshingly straightforward.
Practicality remains one of the PV5’s biggest strengths. The powered sliding side doors make access exceptionally easy in tight parking spaces, while the enormous 1,333-litre luggage area underlines its versatility. The only compromise is the rear top-hinged tailgate, which requires plenty of space behind the vehicle to open fully and may prove inconvenient if you regularly park close to walls or other vehicles.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Kia PV5 Passenger
If you need space for five people and lots and lots of luggage the Kia PV5 is a superb electric car.
Kia PV5 Passenger
- Model: PV5 Passenger Plus 71.2kWh
- Power: 160hp
- Torque: 250Nm
- Official EV range: 256 miles
- Test EV range: 242 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
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