Sense and sustainability

Joe Rayfus

Kia aren’t testing the waters with the PV5; they’re diving straight in. The PV5 Passenger is their first model under their new Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy, and while that sounds like corporate speak, it translates to space, practicality and proper electric usability wrapped in a cleverly designed five-seat package (a seven-seat is to follow).

From the outset, what struck me most was just how usable the space on offer is. This isn’t one of those nominal five-seaters where the middle passenger draws the short straw. The flat EV floor means no transmission tunnel intrusion, and legroom in the rear is generous. Headroom is excellent too, thanks to its upright proportions.

But it’s the boot that genuinely made me smile. Open the electric tailgate and you’re greeted with the kind of space that’s comparable to the box room in a three-bed semi. School bags, sports gear, buggies, the weekly shop, even a pair of Irish wolfhounds, will all fit. For families juggling GAA kits, music lessons, golf bags and grocery runs, that kind of practicality is gold.

And then there are the cubby holes. Kia’s design team have clearly spent time thinking about how people actually use their cars. Storage bins, clever compartments, door pockets that can handle proper bottles and central trays for phones and tablets. It feels purpose-built for busy lives.

Under the skin, every PV5 Passenger comes with a 71.2kWh battery and a 120kW electric motor. Kia claim up to 416km of range. In real-world Irish driving, you’ll see slightly less, depending on conditions, but it’s comfortably enough for weekly commuting, school runs and even cross-country trips.

Fast charging from 10 to 80pc takes 30 minutes on a suitable charger. That makes long-distance use manageable. A quick stop and you’re back on the road before anyone has time to start asking ‘are we there yet?’.

Performance, as you’d expect, is smooth more than sporty. The 120kW output provides more than enough shove for a vehicle of this type, and like all good EVs, it feels responsive in town. It’s quiet, refined and easy to drive.

The Passenger model differentiates itself from the Cargo version with a more refined profile. The large glass area and low beltline flood the cabin with light and improve visibility. Black glass surrounds and robust cladding give it a contemporary edge without going over the top.

Inside, Irish buyers get the K4 trim exclusively. That means full vegan leather seats, heated front, rear seats and steering wheel, 360-degree surround view monitor, Blind Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist as standard. It doesn’t feel stripped back or commercial.

For something with van DNA, the PV5 drives with impressive composure. Ride comfort is excellent over rough surfaces, soaking up bumps in a way that will please passengers in the second row. Highway Driving Assist takes some of the strain out of motorway journeys, and the overall driving experience is calm and undramatic in the best possible way.

Here’s the part that genuinely surprised me: pricing for the PV5 Passenger starts at €42,550 including grants and VRT rebates. Given the size, the equipment levels, the battery capacity and Kia’s seven-year warranty with an eight-year battery warranty, that represents remarkable value.

What I loved most about the PV5 Passenger was the practicality. It has room for five without compromise, a massive boot, storage everywhere, usable electric range and a price that makes you look twice.