Kia EV2: reviews, first contact and photos

Do we go big on what we need or do we have to stick with what the automobile market offers us because there is no other option?

There are problems with the range of entry into the automobile market. With an electric car you can travel anywhere you want, but there is an obvious toll: discomfort. Discomfort that makes you reconsider if you are, even if you are willing to go on a trip.

We count Xataka That was an elephant in the room when Volkswagen announced its 20,000 euro electric car project: What we expect from cars. Because a Volkswagen Lupo was a perfect car for the city. Because a Volkswagen Polo was also one and it allowed you to carry more than two suitcases and go out with friends. The Seat Ibiza is still perfect as a first car to go somewhere. Good or bad, but go anywhere.

A small electric car is better than a Volkswagen Lupo. Volkswagen ID. The Polo Classic is a better city car than the combustion model. Because these vehicles have a ridiculous cost per use, they consume very little where combustion vehicles consume the most and where their components are wasted the most. But, even so, it’s sporadic use a year, the one, two or three occasions we make the trip that marks our purchase.

It’s a shame. I don’t want to defend uncertainty. I don’t want to be like those who end up writing names in English – living room You’re 40 years old and you’re sharing a flat with five strangers because you can’t afford a house.

But what if we don’t need so much?

Kia EV2 technical sheet

Everyday city car

I say all this because the feeling I got when I got out of the Kia EV2 was that it’s the perfect second car… for every day and all use.

The automotive world is one sector where we continue to overestimate our needs. We bought the car We take trips on rare occasionsFor that day when we go to the beach and fill up the trunk while the rest of the year we drive around town with a car measuring more than four and a half meters completely empty.

That’s why the Kia EV2 seems like the perfect second car for a family. Small size and a 42.2 kWh battery that can go about 350 km in the city. And in this communication test we were able to drive about 50 kilometers up and down the hills of Madrid. Average consumption: 14 kWh/100 km. So hopefully, the consumption in the city will be a bit less but with these figures we are talking about 350km of driving until the battery is dead.

Assuming a person travels between 60 and 70 km a day, they will charge the car only once, Monday to Friday. If the cost of a kWh comes to around 0.15 euros (a normal figure that is higher if we charge at home), we are talking about covering weeks for just over six euros and months (over 1,000 km) for less than 30 euros. do the math

But, also, the Kia EV2 is a car that in its big 61 kWh battery version can be very attractive for one person, a couple or a family with only one child. Assuming a consumption of 20 kWh/100 km, we talk about making First stop after 250 km. It will take us 30 minutes (110 kW max power) to fill the battery up to 80%. From here we have another 200 km before stopping again.

Is it comfortable? We’re not going to kid ourselves, it’s more uncomfortable than a combustion car. But when the cost per kilometer starts to take its toll, the Kia EV2 starts to become a lot more attractive.

For example, a Kia XCeed like the one we tested a few days ago is bigger (about 25 centimeters longer) and has more than 60 liters of trunk space. However, it has the same price and allows 6l/100km. Assuming this cost, with 1.80 euro/liter gasoline, we are talking about spending 10.80 euro per 100 km. With previous accounts, a week of electric driving of 350 kilometers costs about six euros. Here we are talking about spending more than 35 euros. About six times more.

But also, the point is that on a day-to-day basis, the Kia EV2 justifies being ahead. It’s a remarkably spacious car in its cabin for a car measuring just 4.10 metres. Its 135 HP with a 61 kWh battery and 147 HP for a 42.2 kWh battery is more than enough to get around cities like Madrid and its surroundings.

The electric motor’s instantaneous torque is more than enough power to cruise comfortably. and above all, It’s a more enjoyable experience than running with a 115 HP combustion engine. How does the cheapest Kia XCeed ride? There is no vibration or engine noise. Some aerodynamic noise becomes apparent only when we cross 100 km/h. But, also, in the city it moves more nimbly, turns less and parks better.

Rear seat space is also outstanding, with a flat floor maximizing passenger comfort in this area. And it also makes it easier to load objects if, for some emergency reason, you need to stash some luggage in there (always securely attached, please).

To be honest, I miss a slightly modernized infotainment. In the Hyundai Ioniq 3 we have already seen a leap that should reach the Korean sister models but, for now, the navigator is still a point of improvement. Of course, we couldn’t verify if the route planner works well or if it’s preferable to search for charging points on our own, something that doesn’t appear to be the first impression of this type.

In the absence of this detail, the Kia EV2 is a great car for everyday use. But also for everyday if you know what you need from your car. We’re talking a little over the price of the Renault 5 (31,000 euros part before help) but it’s much more versatile in terms of space, comfort for rear passengers and trunk size. Plus, that 10 extra kWh battery on the larger version puts it right on the step where you’re traveling, eliminating a lot of inconvenience.

The question is: Do you really need a big car?

Picture | Xataka

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