BY EOIN CUTTLE
Kia has this week launched the EV4 and EV4 Fastback in Ireland, further expanding its already impressive line-up of electric vehicles.
The EV4 is Kia’s first all-electric hatchback, engineered on the dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP ). Produced in Slovakia, the long-range version is powered by an 81.4kWh battery promising a range of up to 625km and a 10-80 per cent charge time of just over half an hour. A standard range 58.3kWh version with a 440km (WLTP ) range, is also available.
Both battery options power a front-mounted 150kW motor, allowing the EV4 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as little as 7.7 seconds (7.4 seconds for the standard battery ) and reach a top speed of 170km/h.
The EV4 Hatchback is joined by the EV4 Fastback, produced in Korea. Featuring the same 81.4kWh battery and 150kW motor, it provides a claimed range of up to 633km (WLTP ).
The hatchback's boot capacity is 435-litres, while the Fastback has a luggage capacity of 490-litres.
In Ireland, both the EV4 and EV4 Fastback are available in three different trim levels: Earth 2, Earth 3 and GT-Line, all coming with a seven-year warranty and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS ).
Specification is consistent for both body types with Earth 2 featuring 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, dual panoramic display screens, cloth and leather seats and heated front seats. The Earth 3 adds 19-inch alloys, power adjustable front seats with driver memory function, smart power tailgate, wireless charging and wireless android auto/car play. The range topping GT-Line gains GT-Line exterior styling, full leather seats, driver head-up display, power adjustable sunroof and Vehicle-2-Load functionality.
Pricing starts form €39,940 for the EV4 Earth 2, 58.3kWh standard range battery and €43,275 for the 81.4kWh long range battery. The Earth 3 is priced at €46,175 and the GT-Line at €51,250 which are both solely available with the long-range battery pack.
The EV4 Fastback is only available with the 81.4kWh long range battery with prices starting from €46,175 for Earth 2, €49,075 for Earth 3 and €53,000 for GT-Line.
All models are available with zero per cent PCP and HP finance with prices starting from €262 per month.
The new EV4 benefits from the Kia App, which provides drivers with remote vehicle access, driving insights, and maintenance tools. In addition, Over-the-air (OTA ) updates continually enhance functionality after purchase. Drivers can efficiently locate charging stations, monitor their charging sessions, and plan routes with designated charging stops using the Kia App.
The Kia Charge network, also available via the Kia App, currently provides customers with access to more than 5,000 public charging stations in Ireland and over 1,000,000 public charging points across Europe.
Kia's Irish model line-up will soon be joined by the K4, the new Stonic, EV5 SUV and the PV5 Passenger and Cargo electric vehicles.
