Kia’s Storm edition adds extra tech and equipment to EV5 and Sportage

Kia has launched a new specification which brings more features to its EV5 and Sportage models.

Called Storm, it’s a trim level which is designed to sit between existing GT-Line and GT-Line S specifications, bringing extra equipment while keeping the bodystyle of the standard Air trim level which kicks the range off.

It means more equipment for a lower price with an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, heated and ventilated seats and LED lights at the front and rear. EV5 versions also get a new ‘Deep Ocean Blue’ colour, while both cars get new alloy wheel designs.

On the Sportage, buyers will be able to choose between conventional petrol or hybrid powertrains with the option of either six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes.

The EV5, meanwhile, has a dual-motor setup which brings 261bhp – up from 214bhp on the standard front-wheel-drive car – which enables a 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds. Kia has yet to confirm range and efficiency figures for the EV5 Storm, though it’s likely to deliver around 300 miles of range combined. Kia says that the EV5 Storm also has a towing capacity of 1,800kg – up from 1200kg in other versions of the EV.

A maximum charge speed of 127kW means that a 10 to 80 per cent charge can be completed in 30 minutes, too.

Both cars are available to order now, with prices starting from £34,395 for the Sportage, or £42,145 for the EV5.