Kia’s been on an incredible run of form, but the new EV5 meets its match in the crowded field of established electric family SUVs

IT’S THE NEW FLAGSHIP PLUG-IN hybrid seven-seater from Chinese newcomers Chery – rivalling the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. The numbers are impressive – up to 2,021 litres of bootspace, 422bhp, 0–62

We have had small electric hot hatchbacks like the Alpine A290 and large ones like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N but as yet nothing in the real heartland of Volkswagen Golf GTI-sized machinery. Cue the phrase

With EVs in particular, less is often more. With no engine noise, driving a fast EV slowly yields much the same experience as driving a slow EV fast. Driving fast can be fun, something Hyundai’s N mod

Cute, fun to drive, and ace for families ...

Some cars simply ride as they do. Some are affected slightly by the larger engine or slimmer tyre sidewalls of a sportier trim. And a few make an art form out of complicating your decision. The latest