In the 2022 top 10 of list of most popular novated lease cars an electric vehicle was featured for the first time. I’m expecting this to change in 2023 with so many more models to pick from and the FBT Exemption on EVs and PHEVs being in place for a full year.
One electric car that should be in the top 10 is the Kia EV6. It’s a hero car in the range for Kia and in the second half of 2023 there’s more stock available than ever to meet the demand from novated lease buyers.
The Kia EV6 GT Line is my pick in the model lineup which also contains the EV6 Air for approximately $75k and the supercar conquering GT for approximately $110k. The Kia EV6 GT Line RWD sits in the middle at around $85k driveaway which is under the luxury car tax limit for low emission vehicles and makes it eligible for the FBT Exemption in a novated lease.
Why the EV6 GT Line?
After driving so many different cars you get to know what you like. And the Kia EV6 GT Line has everything I like in a car.
Let’s start with space. It’s a large SUV that doesn’t look like a family car. Most cars provide a spacious cabin for the driver and passenger. The challenge for me is to fit three teenagers into the rear seat without any complaints. There were no issues with the EV6. No centre hump; a wide rear seat; enough headroom; it ticked all the boxes. And even though most trips are with one kid in the rear seat, having enough legroom is just as important.
The ride comfort, acceleration and smoothness are another selling point. Instant acceleration is a common feature on all electric cars though ride quality is not equal amongst all manufacturers. Kia are a traditional manufacturer with extensive resources and investment in the Australian market. They have engineers that tune the suspension of each model to suit Australian roads. And you really notice this when comparing similar priced electric cars from non-traditional manufacturers.
More specifically, the EV6 GT-Line comes with heated / cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel which are features I miss when driving lower priced models. These are mandatory requirements in a new novated lease car for me.
But more importantly, the number one feature that comes in the Kia EV6 GT-Line (which should be in every novated lease car) is 8-Way Power Drivers Seat with 2-Way Power Lumbar Support and 2-Position Memory.
Having a position memory function is first class luxury when there are multiple drivers for the one novated lease car. All you need to do is hit one button to get the seat back into your preferred driving position. It’s an absolute delight!
I also enjoyed the seats which were covered with Artificial Black Suede/ Vegan White Leather with White Stitching. They just seemed nicer than the fabric in other models I have driven recently.
There are many more things to like about the EV6 GT-Line which you’ll experience once you take it for a test drive. One I forgot to mention is the large FRUNK in the RWD model. A great spot to store the things you always carry around leaving the boot for groceries and other things.
Hopefully the supply equation will work out for Kia and we’ll see the EV6 in the novated lease top 10 for 2023.
To find a novated lease car that suits your lifestyle and unique tastes, check out the 2023 Car Leasing Guide which also explains the benefits of novated leasing and salary packaging a car.
