They upset the car market, then the EV sector, and now it looks like Kia will disrupt the lucrative MPV and business categories.
Kia predicted their electric PV5 Passenger model and van would reach 2,500 sales in Britain, but it has doubled that and is still climbing with just a five-seat model and very big luggage capacity. The addition of a CV derivative is another challenger to legend models from European manufacturers and it has even produced a wheelchair accessible version along with plans for six or a seven seater.
When it was revealed as a concept in January 2024 it started nervous discussions among rivals and the production car was shown just over a year later in February 2025 as the Korean brand’s new skateboard platform which will be under future electric models with a variety of wheelbases and track widths.
Kia has built a lot of experience and models using electric powertrains and drivetrains and the PV5 Passenger Plus version is one of the roomiest MPVs in the market with very generous seating for five and a lot of luggage together with reasonably easy access and generally good driving characteristics.
Lightly laden, the 160bhp motor gives fair acceleration and easy cruising while the 71.2kWh battery pack standard in the Passenger Plus is good for over 250 miles but I think many would find the Essential entry level model a bit of a struggle with its 51.5kWh battery offering, 120bhp motor and shorter range of about 180 miles.
Irrespective of battery fitted, a 150kW point will top it from 10 to 80% in less than 30mins and the familiar 11kW AC charger boosts the short range model to full charge in 4hrs 45mins and the long range version 6hrs 30mins..
We had a brief drive of the PV5 Passenger Plus at the annual driving day organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and it left a favourable impression with a desire to experience it for longer, always a good sign of a car.
It was a slight step up into the big cabin and onto the soft supporting driving seat but there was very tailored adjustment to it and the steering wheel to suit any user.
Layout was good for controls and dials, a low waistline aided seeing what was around the car and it had deep windows, with cameras and sensors to help position the car.
Acceleration was good, not startling but it held the motorway speed and a bit more on the test bowl at the venue. I would have liked a tighter turning circle when manoeuvring but it was not twitchy at speed.
Passengers had plenty of room infront or behind and the massive load-bed will find favour with big families and taxi companies on regular airport runs or doing urban pickups.
Being an EV, there was hardly any motor noise above a humm but this gave more prominence to the suspension movements and road rumbles heard inside.
It handled well for a big vehicle weighing over two tonnes and thanks to the underfloor powerpack the roadholding was sure and generally it smoothed out bumps and potholes like a luxury car might, rather than a mid-range MPV.
The Kia PV5 is going to change the views of drivers and business owners towards MPVs, particularly if used in the increasing number of low emission zones, or, for that matter, travelling between them in comfort and economically.
