Bold new Kia EV3 revealed as 373-mile small electric SUV

Kia has expanded its range of electric models with the EV3, a boldly-styled compact electric SUV that is set to feature “innovative technology” from the brand’s existing electric models and rival the likes of the Volvo EX-30 and Renault Megane E-Tech.

The Korean brand’s new electric crossover was first shown in concept form last year as part of a trio of new electric models Kia plans to launch by the end of 2026. The EV3 will soon be followed by the EV4 saloon and EV5 electric SUV. 

Much of the EV3’s design and technology has been heavily influenced by the firm’s flagship EV9 SUV which launched last year. 

The Kia EV3 has similar proportions to the Kia Niro EV, measuring 4300mm long,1850mm wide and 1560mm high. It’s slightly wider than its Kia stablemate due to it sitting on the firm’s dedicated E-CMP electric architecture.

Powering the Standard EV3 is a 58.3kWh battery, which yields a range of around 250 miles, while the Long Range version gets a larger 81.4kWh battery, and promises a range of up to 373 miles.

That’s 100 miles more than the Smart #1 and far better than the Volvo EX-30 Extended Range, which can travel up to 295 miles between charges. 

Both versions use a front-mounted electric motor which develops 200bhp and 175lb ft of torque for a 0-62mph time of 7.5sec and a top speed of 105mph. 

The Standard EV3 can be charged at up to 102kW, while the Long Range can take in energy at up to 128kW, meaning a 10-80% boost should take just over 31 minutes. 

Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging, comes as standard on both models, allowing owners to use the car’s energy to power small appliances, such as laptops and hair dryers. 

Despite its blocky exterior design, the EV3 is claimed to have a drag coefficient of 0.263Cd, and features a number of exterior cues and inspiration from the EV9.

Kia claims its engineers “left no stone unturned in the pursuit of optimum efficiency”, and in order to achieve such a low drag coefficient, the firm kitted the EV3 out with a 3D sculpted undercover and active air flaps. 

The EV3 clearly exhibits Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy first shown on the EV6 and subsequently the EV9 SUV. 

Up front, the EV3 gets a new interpretation of the brand’s ‘Tiger face’, featuring the Star Map light signature and vertical daytime running lights. 

Inside, the EV3 draws further inspiration from the EV9, with the interior claimed to offer a “living space-like ambience”. 

The dashboard is dominated by Kia’s familiar 30-inch combined widescreen display, which includes a12.3-in digital instrument cluster, a 5.0in climate control panel, and a 12.3in infotainment display. 

The infotainment screen is fully customisable, and buyers in the US will be able to personalise the display to feature NBA team-inspired themes. 

The EV3’s features and controls aren’t solely touch-operated, though. There are a number of haptic shortcut buttons in the dashboard, similar to those in the EV9. 

Kia has also incorporated Artificial Intelligence into its voice recognition system to make it more interactive and intuitive. Over-the-air updates will allow Kia to upgrade the EV3 remotely.

Sustainable materials are used throughout the interior, with recycled fabric and PET used to create the seat upholstery, headliner, armrest and floor mats.

And let’s not forget, this is an SUV, so you’ll want a decent amount of space in the boot. Kia claims the EV3 offers “the largest luggage space in its class”, with a 25-litre frunk – for your charging cable – and a 460-litre boot. 

There are lots of cubby holes and storage compartments throughout the cabin, too. There’s even a sliding table above the centre console which can be used as a workspace.

Kia will initially launch the EV3 in Korea, but is set to bring the new model over to the UK and Europe before the end of 2024. Kia says it is targets a sub-£30,000 starting price for the EV3.

It is likely that the Standard and Long Range models will be followed by a performance-oriented GT Model.