Kia has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated EV3, a dedicated compact electric SUV packed with innovative technology and a progressive design. The EV3 sets new standards in the segment, promising an unmatched ownership experience for drivers seeking a blend of practicality, sustainability, and exhilarating performance.
Drawing inspiration from Kia‘s award-winning EV9 SUV, the EV3 carves out its own identity with a bold and dynamic exterior that embodies the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy. This philosophy merges modern aesthetics with natural elements, resulting in a car that’s both stylish and functional.
“The EV3 goes beyond exceeding expectations; it completely redefines what a compact electric SUV can be,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia. “With its groundbreaking design, industry-leading electric drivetrain, and innovative features, the EV3 is poised to broaden the appeal of electric vehicles and accelerate their mass adoption.”
A Bold Statement on the Road
The EV3’s exterior exudes confidence with vertical headlamps flanking a clean front fascia, creating a wide and assertive stance. The signature Kia Tiger Face design gets a modern makeover with the integration of the brand’s latest Star Map lighting concept. The sleek roofline seamlessly transitions into a hatchback, emphasizing the car’s technical prowess.
Kia offers the EV3 in nine colours, including two exclusive options: Aventurine Green and Terracotta. The EV3 GT-line boasts an even more rugged persona with contrasting lower body trim and a sporty lower bumper.
A Living Space on Wheels
Stepping inside the EV3 reveals a spacious cabin designed to feel like an extension of your living room. The focus on comfort and functionality is evident in the features like a sliding centre console table with storage, perfect for picnics or work on the go. The EV3 offers best-in-class cargo space with a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre rear cargo area, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
A panoramic near-30-inch widescreen display dominates the dashboard, providing clear information and intuitive controls for the driver and passenger alike. The cabin boasts a selection of eco-friendly materials and subtle ambient lighting to further enhance the relaxed ambience.
Exemplary Range and Ultra-Fast Charging
The EV3 comes in two battery options: a 58.3kWh battery for the standard model and an 81.4kWh battery for the Long Range variant. Both models utilize a 150kW electric motor, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h. The Long Range variant boasts an impressive estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP), easing range anxiety for long journeys.
Kia’s advanced Vehicle Charging Management System allows the battery to charge from 10-80% in just 31 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime during commutes or road trips.
Large SUV Technology in a Compact Package
The EV3 is packed with advanced safety and driver-assistance features typically found in larger SUVs. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Highway Driving Assist, providing a layer of confidence for every driver. Technological highlights include a 12-inch Head-up Display, Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking system, and the convenience of Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging for powering external devices.
A New Level of Connectivity
The EV3 features a comprehensive suite of connectivity and entertainment features designed to elevate every journey. The in-car entertainment system provides access to streamable content, arcade games, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, transforming the cabin into a mobile entertainment hub.
Kia Connect allows for further personalization through the Kia Connect Store, where drivers can download NBA team-inspired display themes or access Kia’s AI Assistant – a first for Kia’s electric vehicle lineup. This AI assistant utilizes natural language processing to understand user requests and provide support for various in-car functions.
A Moving Power: Kia’s Commitment to Sustainable Mobility
The EV3 marks a significant step forward in Kia’s journey towards becoming a sustainable mobility solutions provider. The introduction of this electric SUV aims to enhance EV accessibility and encourage a wider shift towards electric driving. The Kia EV3 is set to be launched in Korea in July 2024, followed by a European launch later this year. Further global expansion is expected in the coming months.
| Battery options, range, power and charging | ||
| Battery options | 58.3kWh | 81.4kWh |
| Targeted range | TBC | 600km |
| Power | 150kW/204hp | |
| Torque | 283Nm | |
| DC-charging power | 102kW | 128kW |
| DC-charging time
|
~31m | |
| Dimensions (exterior) (mm) | ||
| Length | 4,300 | |
| Width | 1,850 | |
| Height | 1,560 | |
| Wheelbase
|
2,680 | |
| Dimensions (interior) (mm) | ||
| Front legroom | 1,060 | |
| Rear legroom | 950 | |
| Front headroom | 1,015 | |
| Rear headroom
|
955 | |
| Storage space (litres) | ||
| Boot – Rear seats upright | 460 | |
| Boot – Rear seats folded | 1,250 | |
| Frunk | 25 | |
