Kia Sales (Thailand) activates the “The Kia EV5” media test-drive, through its smart glamping concept underlining “Make A Bold Move” theme to showcase the vehicle’s driving performance and space versatility

(Bangkok) 25 June 2024 – Kia Sales (Thailand) Company Limited hosts its first media test drive for the recently launched all-electric model “The Kia EV5,” Thailand’s first all-electric versatile mid-size SUV. Aimed at acquainting the media with the car’s driving performance, comfort and space versatility, the Kia EV5 test drive is held under the smart glamping concept underlining the ‘Make A Bold Move’ theme. With this bold move by Kia, the test drive is taking place through astonishing two routes in the North of Thailand, including the first one from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (317 km) and the second from Chiang Rai to Nan (358 km). The test drive features the Earth Long Range model and the Earth Exclusive AWD model, both of which showcase superior performance, versatility, comfort, and advanced technology, enabling a unique driving experience for all driving styles.

Mr. Jung Won Kang (Andy Kang), President, Kia Sales (Thailand) Company Limited, stated, “I would like to emphasise that the Kia EV5 can provide clients with a valuable and high-quality experience at a competitive price. We have been pleased to observe the customers’ overwhelming enthusiams towards our great mid-sized EV SUV during the Motor Show event. We are now very satisfied to see our customers experiencing the test-drives of EV5 at Kia dealerships nationwide, and also proud to be able to deliver the first EV5 to our customers in June which is earlier than expected.”

Mr. Kitisorn Punnahitanonda, Managing Director, shared his view, “We focus on expanding our dealer network to include major cities in each region throughout Thailand for the reason that we offer a wider range of products, particularly EVs, which are becoming increasingly popular among commuters residing in the upcountry areas. More important, we carefullyselect good partners to provide a positive client experience.”

Mr. Jean-David Christian Harel, Vice President of Product and Marketing, Kia Sales (Thailand) Company Limited, remarked, “Following the official launch of the Kia EV5 in Thailand earlier this year as our company’s second all-electric versatile model in the lineup, we achieved an outstanding milestone by successfully fulfilling our EV acceleration commitment with over 1,500 bookings. The Kia EV5 is a smart and versatile all-electric SUV that caters to discerning lifestyles while providing for a variety of space and utility demands. This year, we will distribute the Kia EV5 throughout Thailand, catering to a wide range of customers nationwide, including those in the upcountry. Based on Kia’s unique design philosophy ‘Opposites United’, the Kia EV5 is our pride and joy - a game changer in the Thai EV market that will usher in a new era of mobility. The vehicle embodies true mid-size SUV characteristics of space, style, and versatility, offering a perfect combination of outstanding comfort, dynamic performance, advanced technology, and pioneering safety, making it a new popular mid-sized EV SUV among Thai consumers and will continue to propel Kia Sales Thailand’s sales volume throughout the year.”

After receiving such positive feedback from Thai customers, we are excited to begin the media test drive for the Kia EV5 in order to showcase the vehicle’s distinguishing features of driving performance, optimal comfort, and space versatility through its smart glamping concept underlining ‘Make A Bold Move’ theme to showcase the vehicle’s driving performance and space versatility. We have invited two groups of automotive journalists to immerse themselves in nature and experience the 5 senses of Earth, Sky, Light, Air, and Wave with the Kia EV5. The test drive takes place along two exclusive routes in the North of Thailand, the first from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (317 km) and the second from Chiang Rai to Nan (358 km) and features two remarkable models: the ‘Kia EV5 Earth Long Range’ and the ‘Kia EV5 Earth Exclusive AWD’. The journeys offer unique experiences for Kia EV5 drivers, inspired by the Kia EV5’s ‘Bold for Nature’ design philosophy and dynamic driving performance, while also demonstrating the versatility of space and functions throughout travel and during smart glamping stops. Participating journalists also experienced the use of the Kia EV5’s incorporated Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functions, which allowed the high-voltage battery to power lighting and an array of external electronic devices during the glamping trips. Furthermore, the Kia EV5’s test drive activity inspired the media community to be ‘Bold’ by initiating a small project that will eventually have a larger impact for everyone by planting trees. During this activity, the media were given a piece of paper containing tree seeds to plant at the destination of each trip, which were Chiang Rai and Nan provinces, respectively.

With an 88.1kWh battery and a 160kW motor, the Kia EV5 Earth Long Range attains an impressive range of 665km per charge, according to NEDC standards. Meanwhile, the top-class Kia EV5 Earth Exclusive AWD features an 88.1kWh battery pack with a combined output of 308PS or 230kW from dual-motor and a peak torque of 480Nm. The AWD model has a range of 620km per charge, according to NEDC standards and offers fast-charging capability of 141kW (DC). Both models come with 19-inch alloy wheels and are equipped with Kia’s latest safety features. The Kia EV5 exudes a true SUV body, with a bold and outstanding exterior design, as well as a high ground clearance, making it a smart and distinctive all-electric vehicle that epitomizes true mid-size SUV characteristics in terms of versatility, style, and completely reimagined interior space. Apart from being equipped with Kia’s latest safety features available in all four variations of the Kia EV5, the Earth Long-Range and the Earth Exclusive AWD also come with other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCAA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), which helps drivers maintain distance, stay centered in the lane, and change lanes, as well as the Safe Exit Assist which monitor the incoming vehicles after customers parked their cars.

The Kia EV5 features a spacious passenger cabin that is much closer in concept and execution to a home lounge than a traditional car cabin. The Earth Exclusive AWD variant includes a driver relaxation seat with a 6 points Air-cell 4-mode massage function and an adjustable leg rest. All Kia EV5 variants provide plenty of leg and head room, as well as full infotainment systems and connectivity technology, making the journey more convenient for both the driver and passengers. For families on the go, the Earth Exclusive AWD model offers Center Console Cooling and Heating Boxes for food warming and beverage cooling together with the multi-purpose seatback folding to place the tablet and or snack box for rear passenger to enjoy. Additionally, the Kia EV5 Air, Earth Long Range and Earth AWD models come with a panoramic sunroof, allowing everyone to feel the breeze and get closer to nature along their journey.

“The Kia EV5 is more than simply another addition to our rapidly expanding EV lineup; it is also the embodiment of how we will drive the EV revolution. For us, the vehicle exemplifies both our future EV strategy and our commitment to accelerate the popularization of electric vehicles and provide consumers with the best possible options,” concluded Mr. Jean-David Christian Harel.

The Kia EV5 test drive will also be offered to interested customers beginning of July 2024 at Kia dealerships nationwide. The Kia EV5 is available in Thailand in four variants: The Kia EV5 Light, The Kia EV5 Air, The Kia EV5 Earth Long Range, and The Kia EV5 Earth Exclusive AWD. The Kia EV5 starts from 1,299,000 Baht and comes with an enticing ‘7-7-8 Package’ that includes a 7-year quality warranty, 7 years of free 24-hour roadside support, and an 8-year battery warranty.

For more information, please contact your nearest Kia dealer or visit https://www.kia.com