JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We sample the new all-electric van from Kia and reveal how Skoda has teamed up with Amazon to provide new service
In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John samples a new all-electric van from Korean giant Kia and reveals how Skoda has teamed up with Amazon to provide a new service for its customers and potential buyers.
Korean giant Kia is entering the van market with its all-electric PV5 multi-role vehicle.
Designed to be everything from a passenger carrier to a load-lugger that can take up to 4.4 cubic metres of cargo it is set to transform the LCV market.
With a very competitive entry price of £22,465 after the government's plug-in grant for low emission vehicles it has a range up to 249 miles and a rapid recharging time of less than half-an-hour to 80 per cent battery capacity.
Without VAT it can be had from £27,645 while the PV5 Passenger 'Essential' entry-grade is priced from £32,995 on-the-road.
Two power versions will be available - one with a 51.5kWh battery and the long range 71.2kWh model - with the smaller capacity model having a range of up to 181 miles.
Shorter than the likes of a Ford Transit Custom, the PV5 is 4.695 metres long and has a tight turning circle of 10.8 metres, meaning it is very manoeuvrable.
At a shade over 1.9 metres high the PV5 can access most car parks and it has been built with features to keep maintenance costs as low as possible such as a three-piece front bumper enabling only damaged portions to be replaced.
The PV5 in its van-oriented Cargo specification comes with two wide-opening rear doors and a low load height of less than 42 centimetres.
Two sliding side doors can be specified - one is standard on the nearside - and maximum payload is 790kg for the standard range version with the longer range model capable of carrying up to 690kg.
The recharging port is sited at the front above the bumper and a full charge can take up to 10 hours from a 7kW charger for the long range model, seven hours for the smaller battery.
As well as the Cargo and Passenger PV5s Kia is also offering Crew and Chassis Cab variants with other lengths and heights slated to arrive later. All are built in a new factory in Korea.
The PV5 is front-wheel drive and has a top speed limited to 84mph with the PV5 Passenger having a best 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 10.7 seconds.
The passenger model will be a five-seater with space for up to 1320 litres of luggage - fold the back seats and there is 2315 litres available.
In the cab there is a 7.5-inch digital instrument panel for the driver as well as a 12-inch central display which can use either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The PV5 had its UK debut at the recent Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham and first deliveries are scheduled later in the year.
A larger PV7 is planned for 2027 with a PV9 due for introduction in 2029.
Moving on to other motoring news, Skoda is the first European brand to offer an Amazon car showroom that integrates real-time new car stock availability where customers are located.
Through this new venture with Amazon, UK customers can browse the full Skoda range, check local availability, request a test drive, and explore finance options - all before visiting a chosen retailer.
By joining forces with Amazon, Skoda is enhancing the browsing experience, providing customers with all the information they need in a familiar online environment before making their decision.
The online showroom showcases the brand's complete model range, from the compact Fabia supermini, to the Kodiaq family SUV, as well as the Czech brand's fully electric models, including the new Elroq and Enyaq.
According to a recent national survey of 2000 UK adults, commissioned by Skoda, 47 per cent of potential customers value being able to research from home when buying a new car.
However, the survey highlights the ongoing importance of physical interaction before purchasing a car.
While 82 per cent of respondents prefer some form of in-person engagement, 78 per cent consider a test drive as essential.
The survey reveals British consumers' shopping habits with 77 per cent of respondents spending up to two hours a day browsing online.
UK customers can now:
Browse and check real-time local stock availability (with cars ready within two-to-four weeks).
Request a test drive.
Explore and calculate finance options.
Compare models.
Importantly, make the purchase in person with a Skoda retailer.
Matthew Bowden, director of Skoda UK, said: 'Online browsing and research are part of everyday life, which is why we're so excited to launch the Skoda showroom at Amazon.
"It gives prospective customers more opportunities to find their next car and see where it's available, all from the comfort of their home.'
The Skoda Amazon showroom is now live at .
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