Category Archives: AWD

AWD, electric, Executive, Kia, Motoring, SUV

Kia EV9 flagship a bit of a rockstar

Leave a comment

Kia EV9 ‘GT-Line S’

By Bill McCarthy

Scrappage to showstopper

Kia has undergone a remarkable transformation in a relatively short time, evolving from a budget-friendly brand to a serious contender in the luxury car market with the EV9 flagship. The company’s rise was significantly boosted by the scrappage scheme, in the wake of the financial crash, which helped increase its sales by offering affordable, high-value vehicles with substantial trade-in offers.

This strategy allowed Kia to build a strong reputation for reliability and affordability, particularly with its industry leading seven-year 100k mile warranty.

In recent years, Kia has shifted gears, moving beyond economy cars to compete in the premium segment.

How does it look?

The introduction of its first luxury £65,000-plus vehicle, nearer £80k on this tested model, marked a major milestone, showcasing advanced technology, superior craftsmanship, and high-end performance. 

Kia has successfully expanded its market reach and positive brand recognition – similar the path of Skoda.

The EV9 is a huge car, built on the firm’s Electric Global Modular Platform (e-GMP), and  powered by a huge 99.8 kWh battery.

The overall look is striking (although a bit Marmite to some), with advanced technology, and sustainable materials.

 Design is based on the firm’s ‘Opposites United’ according to Kia, the design philosophy that finds harmony in the contrasting qualities of nature, modernity, and technology. 

Hmm, I didn’t get it either – they’re god at market speak as well.

Sitting on 21-inch alloy wheels, (again Marmite) it also features integrated roof bars and pop-out door handles.

What does it offer

There are three trims, Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S. Air has a single 200bhp motor driving the rear wheels and a maximum range of up to 349 miles (WLTP), while the other two are all-wheel-drive with dual motors delivering an output of 378bhp and a smaller range of 313 miles.

Both are quick off the mark with the AWD models hitting 60 in 5.3 seconds, stunning pace for such a big hunk of metal.

The EV9 supports 800-volt charging, allowing it to recharge from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.

There is a choice of six or seven seats, six on this model, the middle pair being swivelling ‘captain’s chair’ design instead of the three.

A real people carrier, but also a huge load lugger with easy to operate 60:40 split-fold second row and 50:50 split-fold third-row seats that can fold flat to create huge, van-like carrying capacity with a massive 2,393 litres.

Six USB-C charging ports, two per row, are available for charging devices on the move

A premium interior

The interior is, again, huge, bright and comfortable with two glass sun roofs on this model.

It’s a sustainable, premium cabin with recycled materials and vegan leather and a host of hi-tech kit. The large centre console is practical with sliding door with cupholders and secondary control buttons for auto hold, hill descent, rear cam, self-park buttons, plus wireless charging.

The second row seats are heated/cooled, recline with adjustable armrests with access to USB points and allow one-touch access to the smaller third row seats.

Central are dual 12.3-inch screens, the main screen delivering smartphone connectivity voice control and infotainment through the 14-speaker premium sound system, the second displaying driver information.

Other features include head-up display, wireless charging, fingerprint login. The seven-year free Kia Connect, includes online navigation, real-time traffic updates, parking availability, charging point locations, w and the app allows users to access these functions on their smartphones.

An engaging drive

On the road it is a surprisingly engaging drive. Extremely rapid off the mark, it delivers a smooth driving experience and, considering the weight is around three tons, handles reasonably well with a minimal body roll on bends despite its shape.

The self -levelling suspension soaks up nearly everything for a comfortable ride. While not a serious mud plugger, the Terrain modes of Mud, Snow, Sand adapt to prevailing conditions.

The one-pedal driving feature, adjusted to suit via the steering wheel paddles, also adds to the experience, while also adding charge to the battery

Refinement and safety

It is also a quiet place to be, with high-end sound-deadening insulation and thick glass. Packed with safety kit like a full complement of airbags, traction and stability control, blind spot, cruise control and lane departure technology, 360 degree camera and parking sensors.

The best yet

The EV9 is a bit of a motoring rockstar, already lauded by most of motoring media. It seriously increases Kia’s brand recognition, with an eco-friendly, practical and economical, (despite the  price tag) premium SUV. The standard kit is premium and too much to list here. And there’s still that seven-year, 100k miles warranty if needed.

Factfile

  • Kia EV9 GT-Line S
  • Price: £77,025 
  • Engine: Dual electric motors producing 378bhp , driving all wheels via a single speed automatic  transmission 
  • Max Speed: 124 mph  
  • 0-62 mph: 5.3 seconds  
  • Range: 313 miles (WLTP) 
  • Insurance Group: 45-50  
  • CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km  
  • BiK Rating: 2%  
  • Warranty: 7 years/100,000 miles  

AWD, Isuzu, Pick-up/4x4, SUV/4X4

Taking off-road to the Max

Leave a comment

Isuzu D-Max 2025

By Bill McCarthy

  • The 2025 D-Max pick-up combines on-road comfort and off-road capability, priced from £32,916 with a five-year, 250,000-mile warranty. 
  • It features a redesigned exterior, various trims (Utility, DL20, DL40, V-Cross), and a touchscreen infotainment system. 
  • Powered by a 162 bhp, 1.9-litre diesel engine with manual or auto transmission, it offers a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of over 1.2 tonnes. 
  • With enhanced safety features and a competitive price, the D-Max stands out in the pick-up market.

Isuzu’s impressive off-roader has just got even better. On road and most certainly off road as a challenging off-road course on a particularly wet winter day proved. Revamped for 2025, the iconic pick-up comes with several improvements to exterior and interior design and enhanced ability to tackle the really rough stuff.

Not to mention a five-year, 250,000 mile warranty and a VAT inclusive starting price of £32,916. The range is structured into two segments: Business and All-Purpose with four variations: Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross and a choice of angle, extended or double cab configurations. 

For the even more lifestyle-conscious, there is the blinged up, but seriously capable Arctic Truck versions.

A favourite for builders, on a farm or families looking for a lifestyle choice, it is bucking the trend with increasing sales in the segment. Primarily designed to tackle rough terrain, it offers 250mm of ground clearance and solid stability. 

Already stylish looking in the competitive pick-up truck glamour stakes, it now looks even more muscular with a new radiator grille, bonnet and bumper and smart 18-inch alloy wheels. Also new are Bi-LED headlamps, automatic windscreen wiper, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, keyless entry, and dark side steps for easy access. 

Primarily a commercial vehicle, there is no shortage of creature comforts to keep the driver happy on the farm, in the Amazon rain forest or even on the school run.

The days of bog basic commercial vehicles are gone and interior features include a new touchscreen.

It controls features like navigation and an updated, wireless infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a new digital seven-inch driver display – higher spec models have uprated, larger screens.

It offers premium features like cloth or leather heated seats, a new multi-function steering wheel and upgraded door trims.

Extra for the DL40 and V-Cross are an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and larger info screens.Under the bonnet, the 1.9-litre diesel engine has been retained and paired with a six-speed manual or upgraded auto transmission.

It delivers 162 bhp and 371Nm of torque for tackling the toughest of conditions. Traditionally not the quietest of power units, this latest version has better sound proofing to quieten engine noise. 

A definite improvement on the road where the ride is surprisingly stable for a vehicle sitting so high off the ground. It does not bounce around when unladen like some competitors and the upmarket interior keeps other occupants in decent comfort.

It’s no cheap runabout, with economy depending, on model, hovering around 31-33 mpg with high CO2 emissions at between 220 and 236 g/km.

Equipped with a 4WD Shift-On-The-Fly system, and wading depth of up to 800mm, it’s all built on a sturdy ladder chassis with underbody protection coverings.  With a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes and a loading bay payload over a 1.2 tonnes that accepts a full pallet, the D-Max can handle heavy loads.

The tailgate has been redesigned with triple shield taillights and a damper for smooth load bed opening. 

Added sensors detect trailer swing and lower the speed if any sway is identified, while the refined suspension improves ride quality without compromising the payload.

Each model features the latest generation of Rough Terrain Mode (RTM), an off-road traction control system which works in conjunction with the rear differential lock to maximise torque transfer and keep going through the most difficult terrains. 

It controls brake force to individual wheels when slippage is detected and directs torque to the wheels with the most grip. While new displays show the angle of steering and side incline to help the driver decide what’s feasible over rough terrain.

On a particularly muddy and difficult off-road course, the pick-up dealt with the challenges with ease. One impressive manoeuvre came when the vehicle was stopped, deliberately, on a steep muddy slope and then started again with little or no wheel slip.

Upgraded safety  kit includes a full complement of airbags, reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure alerts and dual-zone climate control. Emergency braking has been improved together wth new intelligent adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor and emergency lane keeping.

The Utility starts at under £33k  while the  range-topping V-Cross with all the bells and whistles has a price tag of £47,916.

A significant improvement on its predecessor, the latest D-Max undercuts its rivals in price, while offering an impressive range of standard kit and there’s the five-year 125,000 mile warranty, not to mention customer loyalty, no wonder its bucking pick-up trend with increased sales.