About the Kia EV6
Paul McShane purchased this Kia EV6 new for $90,000 (including all on-road costs). Paul McShane would buy this car again because: “Having owned over 40 cars in my life, I can honestly say this is the most comfortable
to drive. The seats are amazing and the electric drivetrain is so smooth. The general ergonomics and layout of the interior are outstanding. “
How reliable has your car been? Tell us about any issues.
After four months and 8000km of ownership there have been no issues whatsoever.
I have some concerns about the flip out door handles which have already developed a creak that I’ve seen in other examples of this model as well.
What do you think of the ownership experience with your car?
The car is a joy to live with. I’ve had a home charger installed which I had change from one thousand dollars including hardware and install, but I generally charge publicly at Hobart’s conveniently located waterfront chargers.
The interior is the highlight for me – it’s understated but the layout is brilliantly thought out, and the seats are first class. At first I didn’t like the idea of the cloth style perforated seats and would have preferred leather, but I soon grew to love the material finish.
I have concerns about resale. In recent years I’ve owned Toyotas (HiLux Rogues and RAV4 Hybrids) and that brand, along with post COVID resale bubble, have made my resale expectations somewhat unrealistic.
I’ll crash back to earth selling the electric Kia one day…
How has the purchase and aftercare experience been with your car?
I had a great sales experience with the dealership and as stock has freed up recently the wait time was inside two months.
The vehicle was delivered with poor pre delivery work on the paint where the protective stickers had been removed, but the dealer quickly rectified with a light paint correction which came up brilliantly.
Are you happy with the price and features of your car?
As with many EVs the vehicle probably is $10-15k more expensive than a similarly appointed ICE vehicle, but in comparison to other EVs it’s pretty good.
The infotainment system is really great, and the customisation of the Kia system is really great. The absence of wireless CarPlay is unforgivable, but a $150 dollar adapter has fixed that issue.
A recent software upgrade had also increased the punch of the Meridian sound system which was previously underwhelming.
Things like cooled seats, heads up display and customisable LED cabin lighting are great features.
What do you think of the performance and economy of your car?
This is where the car excels. I’d have originally preferred a GT for the sub-four-second 0-100km/h acceleration. But I went with the GT-Line AWD to sneak under the LCT threshold and benefit from the EV FBT exemption on a novated lease.
And though I’d still love the 21 inch wheels and blistering acceleration of the GT, my GT-Line is plenty fast enough, with better range and more compliant ride to boot.
Interestingly, I feel as though the claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds may be conservative! I have a VF2 Holden Commodore Redline which has a sub-5.0-second claimed acceleration, but on timed runs the Kia easily beats the Commodore over and over.
The handling is brilliant too for such a huge car, the weight of the batteries really helps pin the thing down.
Furthermore, I have managed to get it right of the claimed 18kWh per 100km energy efficiency claim which is impressive from the big Kia.
What do you think of the technology in your car?
Technology is great, the fast charge capability and cabin technology is impressive.
The infotainment system, although starting to show some of its age visually is highly intuitive and customisable. As previously mentioned though, it’s unforgivable to omit something as elementary as wireless CarPlay.
What do you think of the ride comfort and handling of your car?
Brilliant. It’s that good. When I get into a combustion engine vehicle it really shows how big a gap exists in general comfort and ambience.
The ride is absolutely first class, this thing has 20inch wheels hit the ride is sensational.
Do you have any additional comments about your car?
I’ve enjoyed this car more than I expected. EV infrastructure is such that it won’t work for everyone, but for me, it’s a surprisingly comfortable and convenient car, that doesn’t miss out on fun factor!