Kia

Kia New Zealand has reconfirmed the start of the new year will mark a bold new direction for the brand.

• Kia New Zealand reaffirms bold new developments for 2022
• These include the introduction of the overarching brand initiative, Plan S
• All-new EV6 scheduled for late Q1 arrival in New Zealand

Kia New Zealand has reconfirmed the start of the new year will mark a bold new direction for the brand, with the introduction of the marque’s innovative Plan S and the launch of the exciting and award-winning EV6.

The Kia Plan S strategy is a mid to long-term roadmap aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry, encompassing mobility services and vehicle electrification, connectivity and autonomy.

“We have an eye on a fast-start to 2022, one which has the introduction of Kia’s Plan S in the local market followed shortly after by the launch of the incredible all-new EV6,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.

“The EV6 looks stunning and has performance credentials to match, from both a dynamics as well as range perspective.

“The Long Range model offers in excess of 500km driving^, has an ultra-fast charging capability of 100km in less than four-and-a-half-minutes, towing of up to 1,600kg* and the AWD GT version accelerates from 0-to-100km/h in an eye-watering 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 260km/h.”

The all-new Kia EV6 is already an award-winning vehicle in its own right, having been voted ‘Crossover of the Year’ at the 2021 TopGear.com Awards and 2022 ‘Premium’ category winner at the ‘German Car of the Year’ (GCOTY) awards.

In addition to accolades bestowed on the EV6, the Concept EV9 all-electric SUV debuted to widespread critical acclaim at the recent AutoMobility LA show.

Just like the EV6, the Concept EV9 is known as a dedicated EV from Kia, having been carefully developed and optimised on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

As part of the move to Plan S, Kia New Zealand has advised that PHEV and HEV versions of the Kia Sorento will now form the entirety of the Sorento range and the recently arrived shipment of the flagship Stinger model will be the last.

“The increasing electrification of the new vehicle fleet is a watershed moment for Kia and these decisions represent an exciting shift towards new electric and hybrid vehicles and a more sustainable future,” said Mr McDonald.

“Anticipation is building for Plan S and the launch of the all-new EV6, all of which signify the beginning of an outstanding new era for the marque.”

^Potential range can be influenced by factors including, but not limited to driving style, road, weather and traffic conditions

*1,600kg towing possible, provided there is more than 35% of charge left in the battery