Kia EV3 revealed: The electric SUV with 373 mile range for under £30k

• Kia EV3 brings innovative technology of brand’s flagship EV9 SUV to set new standards in the compact EV SUV segment
• Bold, progressive exterior with innovative, practical interior that maximises space, functionality, and comfort
• Best-in-class 600km AER driving range; 10-80 per cent battery charging in 31 mins
• Kia AI Assistant, Premium Streaming, advanced driving assistance systems and Over-the-Air updates elevate ownership experience
• Fully electric EV3 to enhance EV accessibility and accelerate Kia’s transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider

Kia has today revealed full details of the new Kia EV3, the company’s dedicated compact EV SUV. With its combination of bold design, innovative technology, and groundbreaking features, the EV3 sets new standards never before seen in the compact EV SUV sector.

Drawing on Kia’s advanced technology and customer-focused values of the brand’s larger, multi-award-winning EV9 SUV, the EV3 carves out its own identity. It brings a unique, immersive experience to the compact EV SUV sector. By significantly exceeding customers’ expectations, the EV3 will broaden the appeal and elevate the perception of EV SUVs.

The EV3 exudes a highly assertive presence. At the front, vertical headlamps positioned at the extremes of the clean-surface facial area contribute to the creation of a wide, ultra-confident stance. A sense of ample spatial volume combines with differentiated graphics and a muscular appearance that harmonises with the entire body.

A new, robust interpretation of Kia’s iconic Tiger Face design incorporates the brand’s latest Star Map signature lighting concept. Arranged vertically, the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) further emphasise the Tiger Face design to project a highly confident character.

In profile, the EV3 projects an aura of exceptional strength, combined with a powerful impression of agility and dynamism. The long, sloping, sleek roofline seamlessly transitions into a hatchback-style tailgate, further portraying the highly technical body design. The dynamic silhouette and voluminous cabin deliver a spacious interior, while the unique interlocking volumes and graphics further accentuate its innovative nature.

The rear aspect completes the EV3’s high-tech form language and purposeful stance. The thick black trim line emphasising the connection between the SUV’s sturdy C-pillar design and the dynamic roofline further enhances the vehicle’s sense of strength. The simplified, geometric rear lamp design seamlessly integrates with the rear glass, framing a futuristic tailgate design with a wide, technical, and sleek appearance inspired by the Tiger Face Star Map front lighting signature.

Kia offers the EV3 in nine body colours – two of which have been created exclusively for the new model: Aventurine Green and Terracotta.

The EV3 ‘GT-line’ expresses an even more rugged and adventurous appearance. At the front, the car’s contrasting lower body trim further enhances the dynamic design, while the integrated lower bumper creates a sportier, more refined look. Technical vertical and horizontal graphics express a bolder image in contrast with the car’s large black-clad areas. This treatment is also reflected at the rear, with a characteristic triangle wing configuration on the lower bumper, creating a similarly aggressive effect.

The EV3's interior design offers a spacious cabin that comfortably accommodates five people. Kia has created a highly functional and effective cabin that exudes an appealing living space-like ambience, designed to be enjoyed by occupants on every journey and when the vehicle is charging. 

An elegant centre console incorporates a sliding table and storage area. The lower area can store drinks, snacks, and even small backpacks, while personal electronic items – such as laptops and tablets – can be placed on the table when the vehicle is stationary.

Along with multi-adjustable ambient lighting and ultra-comfortable seats, which incorporate a fold-back relaxation mode, the sliding table enables occupants to enjoy maximum relaxation when parked. With a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre rear load capacity, the EV3 offers the largest luggage space in its class. The adjustable two-tier luggage board provides over 140mm of load height flexibility, making it practical for activities like family camping trips.

A near-30-inch combined widescreen display – including a 12.3-inch cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch AVN display – incorporates seamless touch operation of the climate control functionality and provides clear graphics and intuitive information to the driver. The screen also extends to the centre of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features.

Many of the EV3’s functions, including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation, can be accessed and controlled by a simple touch of the steering wheel buttons. A seamless row of buttons below the central screen intuitively operates various functions like mapping, media, and vehicle system configuration.

Customers have a wide selection of interior colours, materials, and trim finishes inspired by Air, Earth, and Water elements. Options include Subtle Grey, Warm Grey, Blue, while Onyx Black is available exclusively on ‘GT-line’ trim.

As with every new Kia, the EV3 incorporates various sustainable items to accelerate sustainability at scale. Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims to create an intimate and home-like ambience. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world, features in numerous areas of the interior, including the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.

The Kia EV3 features a state-of-the-art front-wheel drive electric powertrain based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), utilising Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. The EV3 Standard model is offered exclusively with a 58.3kWh battery, while the EV3 Long Range variant is fitted with an 81.4kWh battery.

Both models utilise a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which enables a best 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s maximum speed is 170km/h.

The EV3 Long Range provides an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP). This impressive flexibility gives those taking their first foray into electric mobility complete confidence to tackle long journeys. When the EV3’s battery eventually needs replenishing, occupants can relax in the comfort of the living space-like interior as Kia’s advanced Vehicle Charging Management System enables the battery to charge from 10-80 per cent in approximately 31 minutes.

Kia has equipped the EV3 with a raft of ultra-advanced safety, driving, convenience and charging features usually reserved for the large EV SUV sector. 

The vehicle’s Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology includes Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control (eDTVC) to ensure the EV3 transfers its power to the road smoothly and stably. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist provide additional support and reassurance for drivers on every journey, no matter how long or short.

Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist enables owners to manoeuvre the EV3 confidently and safely into and out of tight spaces without the driver having to sit in the vehicle. Bringing further value to the compact EV SUV sector, the 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD) projects information on the windshield to minimise driver distraction.

The EV3 is the first model to benefit from Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving. This maximises energy efficiency and noticeably reduces fatigue on long drives, enabling the vehicle to travel further on a single charge and making the journey more engaging, enjoyable, and comfortable.

With the EV3, Kia is the first manufacturer to bring Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging to the compact EV SUV segment, giving occupants the freedom and flexibility to power external devices such as laptops, small fridges, coffee machines or hairdryers. Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 enables customers to avoid the hassle of carrying around physical keys by unlocking and starting the EV3 using only their smartphone or smartwatch. They can also conveniently share the EV3’s digital key with friends and family.

To complement the transformative experience provided by the living space-like interior, Kia has equipped the EV3 with a holistic suite of connectivity and entertainment features. Most of these are designed to be enjoyed safely while the vehicle is on the move, while others can be experienced exclusively when the car is stationary and Park is selected.

Kia provides various streamable content through its Premium Streaming service, delivered via LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP) powered by webOS. Kia also offers arcade games, allowing occupants to enjoy in-car gaming. The immersive experience is further enhanced by the sound quality of the EV3’s Harman Kardon audio system, which delivers an experience akin to a home cinema.

The EV3 enables occupants to personalise their vehicle's dashboard and infotainment system with NBA team-inspired Display Themes. These themes showcase the teams’ colours, graphics, and animations and are easily accessible through the digital Kia Connect Store. Kia plans to expand the selection of display themes in the future, providing even more options for customisation

The EV3 is the first EV model to feature Kia’s AI Assistant technology, which recently made its debut on the Kia K4 compact saloon. This technology provides customers with new and innovative ways to interact with and control the vehicle’s features directly and intuitively, enhancing convenience and optimising productivity during their time in the vehicle. This human-like assistant will always support and inspire users as they explore the world. Kia will soon commence the rollout of these features across other EV models, starting with the EV3. 

With the integration of generative AI, Kia’s voice assistant is now even more capable. Generative AI comprehends complex contexts through natural language understanding, enabling it to converse naturally with users. The AI assistant can support travel planning while guiding customers to enjoy optimum benefits from the vehicle’s functions, including entertainment and information search.

Set to be implemented in mass production in South Korea initially, Kia plans to expand AI Assistant’s domain and services in Europe. This technology is constantly evolving and will unlock further benefits for customers in the future.

Kia is set to embark on a series of global campaign activities, encapsulated by the statement ‘a moving power.’ This statement speaks to the company's commitment to innovation through cutting-edge design and technology, as well as its determination to expand its offering. The introduction of the EV3 will deliver more sustainable, efficient, and convenient mobility to enhance EV accessibility for all.

The EV3 is set to be launched in the UK in the second half of the year. If you are interested in the Kia EV3, you can find out more here, or call our team on 01249 444000.