Kia launches UK-wide test drive for new EV2
Kia has announced a series of nationwide test drive events for its upcoming EV2, running from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, June 27.
Named the ‘First Drive Weekend’, the drives will give potential customers an hour with the South Korean carmaker’s answer to the likes of the Renault 4 and the Ford Puma Gen-E.
In addition to a 30-minute accompanied test drive in the Kia EV2, those attending will benefit from a one-to-one walkaround of the vehicle with a product expert, as well as a Q&A session on living with an electric car and what to expect when transitioning from internal combustion to EV.
Riding on Kia’s electric-only 400V E-GMP platform, the EV2 available on the First Drive Weekend will be powered by a 42.2kWh battery pack with a 196-mile range. A larger 61kWh unit will be available in the future, promising “best-in-class” range of around 300 miles.
The E-GMP architecture supports both battery options with DC fast-charging, making a 10-to-80% charge doable in 30 minutes.
Measuring just over a Jeep Avenger-matching four metres, the Kia EV2 is designed, engineered, and built at Kia’s Žilina factory in Slovakia, ensuring it’s aimed at European drivers in terms of handling and performance.
Kia also prides itself on fitting its all-electric B-segment SUV with ‘big car’ tech. As standard, the EV2 gets a triple-screen infotainment system, over-the-air updates, a smartphone-based digital key, along with Kia’s seamless Plug & Charge system, plus vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) functionality.
Kia EV2 pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect it to be around £25,000 to ensure pricing remains competitive next to rivals.
This isn’t the first time that Kia has used First Drive Weekend events to introduce their new EVs to potential buyers. It has already done so with the Niro EV, the EV3, the EV6, and the EV9. Last year, the Kia EV4 and EV5‘s ‘Electric Experience’ events brought in more than 15,000 vehicle reservations.
Those interested in the Kia First Drive Weekend can register their interest on a first-come, first-served basis here.
