Nice appearance, quality finishes, comfortable space for four people and good driving dynamics, especially in the city. These are some of the strengths of the new electric Kia EV2. However, on the compact from the Korean company, the screen to regulate the air conditioning and the rather high prices of the versions with more accessories need to be reviewed

Luca Palladino

June 10 – 3.18pm – MILAN

The range with 100% electric motorization by Kia is now complete thanks to EV2. All segments covered, from B-SUVs to larger ones with the EV9, up to high-performance sedans such as the EV6 GT. Now the Korean brand has also entered the small ones electricalwith a car designed mainly for the urban context, but which can still make longer journeys. A mature design aligned with the other models with the now classic philosophy of the house on the union of opposites (Opposites United), high quality interior finishes and complete technological equipment. Everything about a car designed and built for the European market, produced in Slovakia in the Žilina factory. Very strong lines right from the front with double vertical headlights, robust sides for an almost off-road appearance and rear lights located low. Built on the 400 Volt E-Gmp modular platform, the Kia EV2 is available with two battery sizes: the Standard Range from 42.2 kWh with Lfp (lithium-iron-phosphate) chemistry and the Long Range from 61 kWh with Nmc (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry, which will be in production from June. Large and spacious interior for four comfortable seats and consistent materials. The dashboard is characterized by two combined screens for the digital dashboard and infotainment measuring 12.3″ each, with a third 5.3″ display in the center to adjust the climate. The equipment is very complete Adas and five possible driving modes: Echowhich saves the battery as much as possible; Normalfor a more balanced ride; Sportfor maximum acceleration; Snowfor driving in difficult conditions; MyDrivecustomizable in every setting. There are also two paddles behind the steering wheel to control regenerative braking. In the 100% electric motorization, the Kia EV2 Standard Range was thus the subject of a test by the editorial staff of Motor Journal.

engine and dimensions

Under the hood of the EV2 is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor 147 HP (108 kW) of power and 250 Nm of maximum torque, combined with a 42.2 kWh capacity LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) battery. In terms of performance, this front-wheel drive car can count on acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 161 km/h. The new Kia EV2 Standard Range zero emissions has average energy consumption of 15.1 kWh/100 km and the overall autonomy declared in the Wltp combined cycle is 317 km. The charging power available is between 11 and 22 kW in AC alternating current, while that in DC direct current is 150 kW, enough to make the battery charge go from 10 to 80% in 29-30 minutes. The function is also available vehicle-to-load (V2L) up to 3.6 kW, both via an internal socket and the charging socket. Regarding dimensions, the vehicle from the Korean brand is long 4,060 mm1,800 mm wide and 1,575 mm high, for a wheelbase of 2,565 mm. The new Kia EV2 Standard Range it then weighs 1,645 kg and has a rear boot capacity of 362 liters, which can reach 1,201 liters by folding down the second row seats. There is also a small 15 liter front compartment to put the charging cables. On the price list, the 100% electric compact car from the Asian company is available starting from 26,600 euros for the basic version Lightfrom 29,850 euros per Air and from 34,350 euros Earth. With the most capable battery (61 kWh) and 413 km of autonomy, which will be produced from June, there will be the preparation Earth from 38,350 euros and that Gt-Line from 40,850 euros.

Why yes:

  • Driving dynamics: in our short test in Lisbon it proved to be very valid, especially in urban areas thanks to its small size and consumption very close to those declared.
  • Comfort: the car is quite comfortable and quiet, with good steering response, soft and also easy to operate in the city.
  • Finishes: in the passenger compartment the interiors are very refined, almost as if it were a higher segment car, both in terms of the materials used and the construction.
  • Space: comfortable for four seats, it is very large for the driver and front passenger, thanks also to a low and space-saving central tunnel.

Why not:

  • Climate display: located between the instrument panel and the infotainment system, from the driver’s perspective it is covered by the steering wheel rim and is a little away from the passenger.
  • Price: the basic version is offered at 26,600 euros, but those with more features on board go up a lot, such as the Long Range which starts at almost 40 thousand euros.




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