Kia EV3 Compact Electric SUV Revealed

Kia has finally taken the sheet off its latest entry-level EV, the Kia EV3, positioned below the Kia EV5 in the global market. While South Korea will receive the car by July this year, the European market will have to wait a little longer, as the company intends to launch it later this year. Where does that leave India? Well, there’s no confirmation on this front but we do hope that Kia India brings this to our shores, possibly after the arrival of the flagship EV9, slated for later this year.

The small compact EV3 follows Kia’s ‘Opposites United' design philosophy, which blends the contrasting elements of nature and modernity. This is evident in the EV3's progressive and dynamic design as the exterior features a bold, assertive presence with vertical headlamps and Kia's new interpretation of the iconic Tiger Face design. The Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) emphasise this design, creating a confident character. The vehicle's profile combines strength, agility, and a dynamic silhouette, while the rear aspect showcases a high-tech form with a robust stance. Kia offers the EV3 in nine body colours, including two exclusive shades- Aventurine Green and Terracotta. The EV3 GT-line variant features a more rugged appearance with contrasting lower body trim and sportier bumper designs.

Inside, the EV3 provides a spacious cabin for five passengers. It features a sliding table and storage area in the centre console. Ambient lighting, ultra-comfortable seats, and a fold-back relaxation mode contribute to a relaxing environment. The EV3 also offers significant luggage space, with a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre rear load capacity.

A nearly 30-inch widescreen display integrates various functions, including climate control, entertainment, and navigation. The touch operation and intuitive information display enhance the driving experience. The interior materials and colours are inspired by natural elements, and sustainable materials are used extensively, such as recycled fabric and polyethene terephthalate (PET).

The EV3 offers a suite of connectivity and entertainment features, including streamable content through Kia’s Premium Streaming service and in-car gaming via LG’s Automotive Content Platform. The Harman Kardon audio system enhances the immersive experience. The EV3 also features NBA team-inspired Display Themes for personalization and Kia’s AI Assistant technology, which enhances interaction and convenience.

The EV3 measures 4300 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, and 1560 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. It features a state-of-the-art front-wheel-drive electric powertrain based on Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The EV3 is available in two variants: a Standard model with a 58.3 kWh battery and a Long Range model with an 81.4 kWh battery. Both models use a 201 bhp and 283 Nm electric motor, providing a 0-100kmph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 170 kmph. The EV3 Long Range variant offers an estimated range of up to 600 km (WLTP) and takes about 31 minutes to charge from 10-80 per cent.

The Kia EV3 is equipped with advanced safety and driving assistance features typically reserved for larger SUVs. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist allows for confident parking in tight spaces without the driver being in the vehicle.

Kia introduces i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology with the EV3, allowing one-pedal driving to maximize energy efficiency. The EV3 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging, enabling the use of external devices such as laptops and small fridges. The Digital Key 2.0 allows customers to unlock and start the EV3 using a smartphone or smartwatch.