We have reached point now when there are enough electric vehicles on the Irish market for us to generate a sort of hierarchy of the generally better cars for buyers to consider. With such a wide variety of new cars from every car maker customers are in a better place when making their mind up in terms of range, price, technology and space as well as all the other issues that are raised when reviewing the current crop of EVs.

Kia has just registered its 10,000th car in Ireland this year. This is the first time that the Korean brand has reached this milestone in a single year since that brand came to Ireland in 2001. Kia is now the fifth best-selling brand in Ireland with 8% of the market. Year after year from that time, Kia has been growing with more dealers and, more importantly, a better catalogue of models.

Building on this success, Kia has embraced the ever-expanding electric vehicle boom and is well-positioned to further increase its market share in Ireland. The continued rollout of new models, especially in the electric and hybrid segments, is expected to attract even more new buyers in the coming years.

I have been driving their latest model, the EV4 GT-Line, in what is now a serious selection of electric vehicles from the car maker. This car is the top-of-the-range and as you might expect scores high marks for space and layout, a well-presented, uncomplicated driver centred touchscreen and honest real-world battery range.

Externally, few would have complaints about the shape and the sharp design lines. It is probably at the bigger end of others in its class and that gives the EV4 a positive and attractive roadside stance. It uses black elements and solid wheel arches to give it a forceful image and this is enhanced by 19” wheels on the test model adding to the overall muscular look.

Inside the EV4 is equally noteworthy. It is especially unfussy with clean lines and quality interior materials. The seats are especially impressive with ample adjustments and body–hugging control. Additionally the overall space in the cabin is excellent for driver and passenger alike. Indeed space for rear-seat passengers has got to be seen to be believed. Boot space offers 435 litres when all the seats are in place expanding to 1,415 litres when the rear seats are folded.

There are two variations offered in hatchback and fastback saloon shape, with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh standard range battery and an 81.4 kWh long-range battery. It features a 150kW (204hp) front-wheel-drive electric motor, and its range can reach up to 531 km (WLTP) on the long-range version. Both the hatchback and fastback are available in three variants: Earth 2, Earth 3, and GT-Line trims as tested here.

What I like about the car tested is that that range advertised is much closer to the real-world figure that can be achieved. You can expect to easily get 480 km when using the car under normal circumstances. This is usually not the case with most electric cars.

Pricing starts from €39,940 for the EV4 Earth 2, 58.3 kWh standard range battery and €43,275 for the 81.4 kWh long range battery. The Earth 3 is priced at €46,175 and the GT-Line at €51,250 which are both solely available with the long range battery pack.

The EV4 Fastback is only available with the 81.4 kWh long range battery with prices starting from €46,175 for Earth 2, €49,075 for Earth 3 and €53,000 for GT-Line.

Kia has managed to develop a really good car in this bracket. When weighing it up with other electric cars, it is definitely right up there towards the top of the electric vehicle league.

Specification:

Make: Kia

Model: EV4 GT-Line

Engine: Electric

CO2 Emissions: 0g/km

Annual Road Tax:€120

Price: €51,250

Gerry’s Rating: 9/10

Pictured: The Kia EV4.