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The Kia EV3 is Kia’s new compact electric crossover that’s expected in Ireland later this year. Built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform, it’s the follow-up to the award-winning EV6 and EV9 and will offer a range up to 600 kilometres.
Kia EV3 DESIGN
The EV3 aims to package all that’s great about the EV6 and EV9 in a more compact and affordable model. It’s expected to sit alongside the Niro EV in Kia’s line-up, but the EV3 is the brand’s first compact electric car to be built on a platform designed solely for electric vehicles. That has benefits, particularly in terms of efficiency and interior space. It’s also given the designers freedom to create a very bold and futuristic car that certainly bears a resemblance to the flagship EV9.
Previously shown as a concept, the new Kia EV3 gets an interpretation of the Korean brand’s ‘digital tiger face’ and striking star map lighting signature with cube-like LEDs. It’s a little bit shorter than a Niro but wider and with a lower long sloping roof specifically designed to improve the aerodynamics at high speed. There are flush door handles at the front but hidden ones integrated into the design of the rear ones. From the back, the EV3 stands out for its striking thin LED lights that echo the star map signature. There will be two trim levels, including a GT-line with sportier gloss black detail and 19-inch alloy wheels. New colours include the launch colour, Aventurine Green.
Kia EV3 INTERIOR
The EV3’s cabin has been designed to be as comfortable as your living room. The new platform has freed up a lot of space so the EV3 feels spacious inside with lots of storage and clever features like a small sliding table and relaxation seats. There’s a variety of materials used in the cabin including synthetic leather, fabric panels in the dashboard and many recycled plastics. It feels solidly made through there is quite a lot of hard plastic panels in the doors.
The dashboard has a clean and modern design with a 12.3-inch driver instrument cluster, 5.3-inch climate screen and 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen forming an upright widescreen effect just like the EV9. New features include personalised display themes, video and music streaming packages, in-car games and Chat GPT for more sophisticated voice recognition and assistance for navigation and points of interest.
The EV3 has the same wheelbase as a Sportage so offers generous amounts of legroom for passengers, while the pure EV platform means there’s no transmission tunnel to negotiate. The design of the roof and rear doors also offers good headroom for rear occupants.
There’s an excellent 460-litre boot with a wide opening and false floor that can be used to create a flat loading sill. Under the bonnet there’s a 25-litre storage compartment, handy for storing charging cables when not in use.
Kia EV3 BATTERY & RANGE
The new EV3 will be available in a single motor, front wheel drive configuration. But there will be the option of two different batteries for the base model, standard and long range. The GT Line will be offered solely with the long range battery.
The standard range 58.3kWh battery will offer a driving range up to an estimated 410 kilometres, while the long range 81.4kWh will allow the EV3 to travel up to 600 kilometres on a single battery charge. Both versions will have a power output of 204p.
11kW AC charging will be included as standard. At a fast charger, the EV3’s 400 volt charging architecture is good for a 10-80% charge in 30 minutes. The new EV3 also features bi-directional charging that turns it into an energy provider supporting vehicle to load, vehicle to home and even vehicle to grid charging.
Kia EV3 PRICING
Pricing for the 2024 Kia EV3 in Ireland will be confirmed closer to launch in October.
Kia EV3 VERDICT
The Kia EV3 is a hugely significant new model for Kia in one of the fastest growing parts of the market. Sporting a bold and futuristic design inside and out, it won’t be forgotten against other compact electric rivals like the Renault Megane E-Tech, Volvo EX30, Volkswagen ID.3 and BYD Atto 3. With multiple battery options and impressive range estimates, it’s sure to be a competitive entrant to the Irish market.