Local calibration for Kia EV9 SUV

KIA’S keenly anticipated EV9 large electric SUV is due here in October and, as it the case for all Kias sold here, has recently undergone local testing and calibration to ensure it is fit for purpose in demanding Australian conditions.

The big, bold, and boxy Kia was developed over a 44-month timespan with every facet of the vehicle pushed to the limits of durability at Kia’s global Namyang R&D Centre in Korea and locally on Australian roads.

In the validation process, the EV9 was relentlessly subjected to harsh conditions spanning everything from 4WD off-road hill climbing and driving rough terrain tracks in addition to deep-water wading all to ensure maximum reliability in the most challenging environments.

Coupled with that was testing for high-speed driving and handling and low-friction tracks (ice and water) that placed every element of the EV9’s performance and roadholding under the strictest scrutiny.

Confirmation and fine tuning of the model’s capabilities came in Kia Australia’s local ride and handling testing regimen that’s designed to ensure overall vehicle dynamics meet the expectations of Aussie drivers.

Kia Australia based EV9 testing on historical methodology gleaned from years of local testing of both EVs and ICE powered Kia models.

Using the earlier EV6 program as a benchmark, Kia Australia had an already established idea of new car buyer’s requirements for the EV9 in terms of electric vehicle range and all other aspects of its operation.

A focus was placed on local suspension and steering tuning with attention also paid to dust exclusion and the minimisation of noise, vibration and harshness inside the cabin.

Additionally, the Kia EV9 is Australia’s first upper large electric SUV and arrives with a host of new technology including Kia Australia’s debut of Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) essentially, another step towards autonomous driving.

It can be described as a next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which functions only when driving on a freeway or motorway. HDA2 fundamentally builds on adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, combining with lane following assist to keep the car centred in the lane even when driving through a curve.

It networks with a direct hands-on detection sensor to the torque sensor recognition method to further enhance the recognition of the driver’s steering control, providing warnings and if necessary, deactivation of HDA2. As well as staying centred in the lane, HDA2 can add a degree of offset to improve spacing between a vehicle in the adjacent lane.

Further, HD 2 includes lane change assist which when activated whilst holding the steering wheel and fully engaging the turn signal in the desired direction, will automatically steer to the respective lane.

The EV9 also sees the introduction of Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, Kia’s next-generation telematics system that enables over-the-air updates for constant wireless improvements.

The EV9 is the brand's first three-row electric flagship SUV that rocks bold styling and sophisticated elegance inside and out. Kia says it is a pivotal step forward in the company's journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider and has been created to deliver new standards of space, practicality, flexibility, comfort and technology.

“Kia is about to liven up both the Upper Large SUV segment and electric vehicle market, with the addition of the all-new and very unique, Kia EV9.,” said Kia Australia chief executive officer, Damien Meredith.

“It’s big, full electric on a dedicated EV platform, provides seven seats, equipped with some really impressive technology and it’s locally tuned; there really isn’t an apples to apples competitor in the local new car market.

“As with the arrival of the EV6 range, consumer interest in the Kia EV9 has been extraordinary but thankfully, we will be receiving better supply of the EV9 and planning for 100 per month.”

General manager product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero added, “As the new halo product for the Kia brand, it was imperative that Kia Australia localised the EV9 to suit our roads and lifestyle”.

“We went through our normal robust program which commenced in Korea followed by detailed damper and steering development on Aussie roads, while collaborating closely with our colleagues from Namyang, who actually came to Australia with our key suppliers to support us throughout the process,” he said.

“The EV9 delivers a refined and polished ride across the varying conditions the Australian terrain offers.”

The man responsible for Australian calibration of Kia vehicles, Kia Australia’s chief ride and handling engineer,Graeme Gambold, told GoAuto, “Overall, we are very happy with how the EV9 drives. It is comfortable, confident and surprisingly nimble despite its dimensions and mass.”

“In line with the vehicle’s size and versatility, our local tuning program focused on marrying the unique demands of Australian road conditions with making the EV9 a very comfortable and effortless family cruiser.

“We aimed to make it capable not only in the urban jungle but, also enjoyable on a long drive and on challenging rougher roads. It does a great job absorbing bumps around town and soaks up the rough stuff at higher speeds on typical country roads, whilst maintaining good body control.

“This was also the first time we have worked with the combination of the E-GMP platform and self-levelling shock absorbers in the rear. The equipment all works in harmony for the EV9, keeping the vehicle level despite loads. This is important for this big and boxy seven-seater, ensuring front-end grip is maintained whether the EV9 has one driver, or a whole family plus cargo in the back.

“We are confident Australians will appreciate how the EV9 drives and how well it will cater to their lifestyle.”

The Kia EV9 will be introduced in Australia with both the long-range 99.8kWh AWD and standard-range 76.1kWh RWD battery options.

Further Kia EV9 details will be announced soon.