THERE'S no doubting Kia's commitment to electric power. The South Korean firm has a veritable battery of BEVs and its sharply styled prestige EV6 helped establish it as a forerunner in the non-ICE age.

Refreshed last year to give it a more aggressive nose and improved cabin, the EV6 comes with a choice of power plants ranging from the relatively modest 225bhp to the thumping 576bhp of the GT version.

It was the lower powered 225bhp GT-Line we recently sampled which is propelled by an 84kWh battery giving it a possible driving range of around 360 miles.

For most of us, there's ample power available, allowing 62mph to be reached in under eight seconds - hardly jet-thrust but enough to make sure you're not left behind.

And, as everyone who has driven a BEV knows, the immediacy of the acceleration easily makes up for the lack of a few horsepower.

With its long wheelbase and short overhangs, the five-door EV6 is deceptively roomy. The flat floor further reinforces the impression of space within the airy cabin and makes the most of every square inch.

The absence of a transmission tunnel means that three adult passengers can easily sit in the rear seats and stretch out their legs - a rare luxury.

It's quite wide compared with rivals, so those in the front have bags of shoulder room. The rear boot is less commodious than some large hatchbacks. It can carry up to 480 litres of luggage with rear seats in position and 1,300 litres when they are folded.

There's a small compartment up front in the ‘frunk' which can carry a further 52 litres. Seats are well shaped and supportive front and rear, with electric adjustment for those in the front.

The fascia is minimalist, as you'd expect in a thoroughly of-the-moment car but it's quite easy to get used to and more intuitive than many. Unusually, the climate control doubles as a radio tuner and volume at a press of a button. We also found the heater adjustment controls somewhat fiddly.

Overall, the finish and build quality impressed as being of a high order.

The EV6 is among the best handling BEVs, with good balance and enough road-feel to satisfy keen drivers. It feels well planted on the road and turns into bends precisely thanks to nicely weighted steering.

Cornering limits are high with little body roll and an agile nature that encourages you to take a windy route rather than a motorway. So few BEVs manage to reach out to enthusiastic drivers in the way the EV6 does.

The review car came with 19-inch alloys which probably offered greater ride benefit than the 20-inch ones that are fitted to more powerful versions. Certainly, the general standard of ride was above average with all but the deepest potholes soaked up without difficulty or discomfort.

Most owners will be more than happy with the 360-mile range, which is greater than a number on newer competitors. They will also appreciate Kia's generous seven-year warranty.

Few pure electric models manage to satisfy so many demands yet remain affordable.

£48,585

225bhp, 84.0kWh battery driving rear wheels via automatic transmission

115mph

7.7sec

361miles

35

0

: 3%

7yrs/100,000 miles

4.6