Experience the Future of Family Mobility: The Kia EV5 Arrives in the UK

The Kia EV5: Pricing and Trim Levels for the UK Market Revealed

Kia's latest electric offering, the EV5, is scheduled to hit the UK shores later this year, with an attractive starting price of £39,925 for the base 'Air' trim. For those seeking enhanced features and aesthetics, the 'GT-Line' variant, priced at £42,595, offers larger 19-inch wheels, vehicle-to-load capabilities, power-adjustable seating, and wireless charging for mobile devices. At the top of the range, the 'GT-Line S,' at £47,095, includes additional luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof, a comprehensive 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, catering to discerning buyers.

Dimensions and Market Positioning: Understanding the EV5's Footprint

Slightly surpassing the dimensions of the Kia Sportage, the EV5 positions itself as a mid-size crossover. This category continues to dominate sales, a trend that, while perhaps perplexing to automotive purists, underscores its broad appeal among consumers seeking a versatile and spacious vehicle for daily use. Its design and size are optimized for urban and suburban environments, making it a practical choice for families and individuals alike.

Underneath the Surface: Powertrain and Charging Capabilities

The EV5 is built upon the advanced E-GMP platform, a dedicated electric vehicle architecture developed jointly by Kia and Hyundai. All versions of the EV5 are equipped with an 81.4kWh battery pack, providing an estimated driving range of 329 miles on a single charge. While it utilizes a 400V electrical system, which may result in slightly slower rapid charging times compared to newer 800V systems, a 10-80% charge can still be achieved in approximately 29 minutes at a compatible fast charger.

Performance and Driver Assistance: A Harmonious Blend

Initially, the EV5 will feature a single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration, delivering 214 horsepower and 218 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 102 mph. Furthermore, the EV5 comes equipped with a full suite of modern driver assistance systems, including one-pedal driving functionality and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, enhancing both convenience and safety for occupants.

Interior Innovations: Comfort and Convenience Redefined

The European version of the EV5 diverges from its Asian-market counterpart by incorporating a spacious sliding center console instead of a front bench seat, offering increased storage and organizational options. A notable addition is the innovative 'Pet Mode,' which maintains a comfortable cabin temperature for pets when the vehicle is parked, disables interior buttons to prevent accidental activation, and displays a clear message on the infotainment screen to inform passersby that the animal is safe and comfortable. The interior also features the familiar dual 12.3-inch screen setup, consistent with other contemporary Kia electric vehicles.

Future Outlook and Market Availability: The EV5's Trajectory

Initially, the EV5 will be offered in the UK with a streamlined range of options, focusing on the single battery and motor configuration across two primary trim levels: the base model and the more luxurious GT-Line. However, there is an expectation that Kia may introduce more powerful dual-motor variants in the future to cater to a broader spectrum of performance preferences. UK deliveries are set to commence by the close of the current year, marking a significant step for Kia in its electric vehicle expansion strategy.

The Kia Stonic, a compact crossover that has flown largely under the radar for nearly a decade, is receiving a major refresh for 2025. This significant update aims to invigorate its presence in the highly competitive small crossover market by bringing its aesthetics and interior technology in line with Kia's latest design philosophy. While its powertrain options remain consistent, the comprehensive visual and cabin enhancements are poised to redefine its appeal, ensuring it no longer remains an easily forgotten contender.

This strategic overhaul by Kia is a clear indication of their commitment to refreshing their product portfolio, even for models that haven't garnered widespread attention. By adopting a more assertive design language and integrating advanced in-car technology, the Stonic is positioned to appeal to a broader audience. The changes reflect a desire to offer a more contemporary and unified brand experience, aligning even the less prominent models with the forward-looking vision seen in Kia's newer, more acclaimed vehicles.

Refined Aesthetics and Advanced Interior

The 2025 Kia Stonic boasts a striking new look, integrating aggressive styling cues from Kia's electric vehicle range. Its front fascia now features sharp LED lighting and redesigned bumpers that lend it a more robust and commanding presence. The rear also receives similar updates, contributing to an overall bolder and more rugged aesthetic. Complementing these exterior changes are fresh wheel designs and two new vibrant color options, Adventurous Green and Yacht Blue, offering a broader spectrum of personalization for buyers.

Inside the cabin, the transformation is even more pronounced. The Stonic's interior has been thoroughly modernized to mirror Kia's latest designs, highlighted by a prominent widescreen display that seamlessly integrates both the 12.3-inch instrument cluster and infotainment system. This technological leap enhances connectivity and user experience. Furthermore, new steering wheel designs for both base and GT-Line models elevate the driving ergonomics and visual appeal. However, a notable shift is the replacement of traditional physical climate controls with a toggle-based touchscreen system, a change that some users might find less intuitive. Despite this, the extensive interior overhaul significantly elevates the Stonic's perceived quality and technological sophistication.

Consistent Performance and Market Outlook

Under the hood, the 2025 Kia Stonic maintains its established powertrain options, ensuring familiar performance characteristics. It continues to offer a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, available in two power outputs: 99bhp for the standard variant and a more potent 113bhp when paired with a mild-hybrid system. Both engine configurations can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing flexibility to cater to different driving preferences and efficiency requirements. This consistency in powertrain reflects a focus on reliability and proven technology, rather than introducing new mechanical complexities.

While Kia has yet to confirm a precise launch date, the updated Stonic is expected to reach markets globally in the near future. Hyundai's affirmation of the Stonic's continued global presence underscores its importance within the brand's diverse vehicle lineup. The comprehensive facelift is designed not only to refresh its appearance but also to enhance its competitiveness within the highly saturated compact crossover segment. It remains to be seen how these strategic updates will influence its market reception, but the aim is clearly to make the Stonic a more noticeable and attractive option on roads worldwide, offering a blend of modern design, enhanced interior comfort, and dependable performance.