TRIED AND TESTED
Kia PV5 L2H1
Kia PV5 is an impressive first entry from Kia to the UK LCV market. John Kendall puts it to the test.
TRIED AND TESTED
Kia PV5 L2H1
Kia PV5 is an impressive first entry from Kia to the UK LCV market. John Kendall puts it to the test.
Brand-new vans from a manufacturer new to light CVs in the UK have been something of a rarity, although a wave of new Chinese manufacturers is changing that. What new Chinese manufacturers don’t have, though, is a long track record in the UK and an established dealer network. That’s where Kia can claim an advantage. We have written regularly about Kia’s light CV plans over the past few years and earlier this year, the first of these new all-electric vans, the PV5 arrived.
At IAA Transportation in Hanover in September, Kia unveiled the next model to arrive, the PV7 which will arrive here next year. In turn it will be followed by the PV9 in 2029, which will be Kia’s entry into the 3,500kg GVW sector.
It is possible to gauge a van’s popularity by how quickly it becomes visible on the road. Vans often get a slow start, but the PV5 became visible within a month or two of launch and is now regularly seen on our roads. That suggests Kia has got something right beyond the price. The launch model has been the longer L2H1, with the L1H1 model now available, as well as chassis cab variants. Interestingly, Kia has said that the target competitors for the van are models in the compact high-cube sector such as the Ford Transit Connect, although the PV5 is larger, even in L1H1 form.
We haven’t included the Transit Connect in our competitors list because there is no electric variant. Most models in that sector, like the PV5, are available in two lengths. Its greater size could be a reason for its current popularity. Many fleets seem keen to downsize their vans and maybe the PV5 makes that slightly easier if you are looking for more compact dimensions than a model such as the Transit Custom.
The PV5 load area extends to 4.4m3 and the widest part is forward of the wheel arches, sensibly where you would want most of the weight to be. The wheel arches extend to the back of the van, restricting the width at the rear, but since this measures 1,330mm between them, there is enough width for pallet loading where needed. Payload, including an allowance for a 75kg driver, runs to 665kg, which is reasonable. Weight tends to be less of an issue for smaller vans, which are more frequently lightly loaded. The load space above the wheel arches would lend itself to racking if needed. The load floor is low with a step height of 419mm.
Around the front, the cab is clean and uncluttered, with a small screen in front of the driver and a larger one in the middle, which is more or less standard layout now. It’s a comfortable place to be with a low window line to aid visibility and large door mirrors. That said, the heavy A-pillars, even with small windows set in them, do create blind spots on both sides. It’s not often we comment on the sun visors, but the PV5 has large ones, which were really useful when experiencing the low sun that we get in spring and autumn.
Storage space in the cab was generous, partly due to the single passenger seat, which leaves room for a large storage bin between the seats. There was a drawer in the base of the centre console ahead of this storage bin, offering good storage space out of sight. Above that, our van had a shelf with phone charging pad and two USB-C sockets. On the passenger side, there’s a glovebox offering a useful amount of storage too. Large multi-level door pockets are fitted each side and include bottle storage. In front of the driver there’s a lidded dashtop storage bin, containing a USB-C socket.
On the road, the PV5 is a very pleasant vehicle to drive with good performance and handling. Refinement is good too with low noise levels. The range prediction is accurate, which helps with longer-distance trips, making it easy to plan charging stops where necessary. Generally, 258 miles of range will be enough for many operators to cover a day’s work. Altogether, this is an impressive start for Kia in the LCV sector.
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VERDICT
Kia has hit the ground running with the PV5. If you need a compact/medium electric van, take a look. It offers a well-proportioned load area, plus a good cab and driving position with plenty of storage.
