After the EV9 and its tank dimensions, Kia unveils a new all-electric compact SUV, the EV3. If it takes the design of its big brother, it finds more reasonable dimensions and comes directly up against market leaders like the Peugeot e-2008.
Kia has finally lifted the veil on its highly anticipated EV3, a compact electric SUV that intends to compete with heavyweights in the segment like the Peugeot e-2008. With its innovative design and cutting-edge technical specifications, the EV3 positions itself as a competitive offering in the electric compact SUV market.
Kia aims to sell 1.6 million electric vehicles per year by 2030, with Europe accounting for more than 30% of these sales. The EV3, positioned in the compact SUV segment, will compete with models like the Peugeot e-2008, the Volvo EX30 and the Renault Megane E-Tech. Prices, which will be announced closer to marketing in September, should be between 35,000 and 40,000 euros. Let’s see what we get for this rate.
An EV3 with the look of EV9
The EV3 adopts Kia’s new design language, “Opposites United”, which aims to unite opposites and draw inspiration from the contrasts between humanity and nature. Designed by chief designer Karim Habib, this compact SUV has a robust and friendly appearance with its square lines and curved fenders. Measuring 4.30 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.56 meters high, it has a wheelbase of 2.68 meters, which helps provide ample interior space.
The EV3 is indeed distinguished by its great habitability. It offers two trunks: one at the front of 25 liters for cables and a rear of 460 liters, extendable to 1,250 liters with the bench seat folded. Rear passengers benefit from generous space with 95.5 centimeters of headroom and 95 centimeters for legroom.
At the front, the seats offer good seating, but we would have liked more lateral support. Small feature, the central armrest can be transformed into a tablet for working, for example while waiting while your vehicle is recharging.
The entire dashboard is well designed and presents well, but be careful, hard plastics predominate. Note that Kia has added manual controls for the air conditioning. This welcome addition means you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to adjust your heating.
A beautiful 30-inch slab
The Kia EV3 gives pride of place to new technologies. It can be unlocked with a smartphone, which can also start and stop the vehicle. The interior is equipped with four USB-C ports and a 12.3-inch touchscreen integrated into a 30-inch panel that includes the instrument cluster and a comfort screen to manage comfort functions.
The infotainment system also allows audio and video streaming, and even games thanks to the In-Car Games 2.0 function. The vehicle also includes ChatGPT, which can provide advice and information on destinations and available parking. Finally, like its big brother EV9, the KIA EV3 integrates a charge planner coupled with navigation.
A powertrain that can please
The EV3 is available with two battery options: 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, which provides a range of 410 to 600 kilometers, depending on the capacity chosen. The electric motor delivers 204 horsepower to the front wheels, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 to 7.7 seconds.
The Kia EV3 unfortunately adopts an electrical architecture of “only” 400 volts, which allows charging up to 11 kW in AC and up to 128 kW in DC for the largest battery. Fast charging allows you to go from 10 to 80% in around 31 minutes, a time comparable to models like the Renault Megane E-Tech, but too long in our opinion for daily use if you don’t have a socket at home or in the office.
Source : Kia
Auto-moto journalist, specialist in new technologies and their uses. I dissect the news from manufacturers on a daily basis and analyze the trends of new mobility players in a world in transition. Loves driving and drifting too much to leave that to a self-driving car.
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