Kia EV3: we drive the new compact SUV with more than 600 km of electric range

The EV3 is arguably one of the best compact electric SUVs produced to date. And that is because Kia already has considerable experience in electrification, gained through the development of the Soul, Niro, EV6 and EV9 models. The EV3 will reach dealerships before the end of the year, and the saga will continue with the EV4, EV2, EV5… The plan is to launch a range of six electric models by 2026, along with a complete offering of passenger and commercial PBVs, pick-ups, etc., all powered by electricity.

Kia aims to reach annual sales of around one million units in 2026, a figure that would rise to 1.6 million vehicles in 2030. The president and CEO of the company, Ho Sung Song, is optimistic about the electric vehicle; he acknowledges the problems Europe is facing, but believes there is room for improvement in the price and capacity of batteries, which will clearly improve the perception of this type of vehicle among future buyers.

In its own image

It combines features of bold design, technology and equipment with the flagship of the brand, the EV9, and offers unprecedented range figures in its segment, which will help consolidate the transition to electric mobility. To achieve this, a relatively simple formula has been used: an efficient motor (14.9 kWh/100 km) and a large-capacity battery (81.4 kWh), giving it a WLTP range of up to 605 kilometres.

It measures 4.3 metres long, 1.85 m wide and 1.56 m high with a wheelbase of 2.68 metres; that is, it is slightly longer than an Volkswagen ID.3 or an Volvo EX30 and slightly smaller than an BYD Atto3. It has a highly refined aerodynamic design, with an underbody cover that gives it a Cd of 0.263, one of the lowest in its segment.

Its exterior design follows the “Opposites United” philosophy already seen on the brand’s largest model, with bold futuristic styling, while the spacious interior introduces new organic materials on the dashboard, seat upholstery and door panels, conveying warmth and innovation.

In this regard, the EV3 includes a small table between the two front seats, which can hold a laptop for working, storage compartments and a central armrest. The table can be moved 120 mm forward or backward and underneath it there is a large compartment for storing items. It also features comfortable reclining front seats, selectable ambient lighting on the dashboard, and a large display screen comprising a 12.5-inch section for driving information, a 5-inch section for climate control and another 12.5-inch section for navigation and infotainment. Together they form a continuous 30-inch block, that is, the size of cars from higher segments.

As in other models from the brand, it has a 25-litre storage space under the front bonnet (frunk) for the charging cable, and a 460-litre boot with a wide loading opening, two-level adjustable floor and easy access.

The daytime running lights are particularly eye-catching at the ends of the bodywork, while the shapes and proportions of the side windows add a modern touch, as do the striking 17, 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels, the latter reserved for the future GT version.

The front, side and rear all feature striking mouldings which, in the case of the base trims are finished in brushed aluminium and matt black, while the GT Line versions use a piano black finish.

The EV3 range will be offered in 9 colours, four of them completely new, plus a specific matt silver finish.

Highly advanced

The new EV3 is equipped with a 400-volt electrical system based on the platform (E-GMP), with fourth-generation batteries. The standard version is offered with a 58.3 kWh battery, while the Long Range has an 81.4 kWh battery.

The front electric motor delivers 150 kW and 283 Nm in the standard versions, allowing an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 170 km/h and a range of 436 km WLTP, which, in the case of the Long Range, rises to 605 km WLTP.

The AWD variants, powered exclusively by the 81.4 kWh battery and fitted with a 125 kW front motor and a 70 kW rear motor, increase torque to 385 Nm, and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is under 7 seconds.

The GT version will have a 145 kW front motor and a 70 kW rear motor, always powered by the 81.4 kWh battery, allowing 0 to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds and a maximum torque of 468 Nm.

As for charging capacity, the 58.3 kWh battery versions allow a maximum DC charging power of 103 kW, while the larger 81.4 kWh battery accepts up to 128 kW. It promises to go from 10 to 80% in approximately 31 minutes. Meanwhile, three-phase AC charging accepts up to 11 kW, although a 22 kW charger will be offered next year.

i-Pedal 3.0

This is arguably the most notable technological innovation of the new Kia EV3. It is an improvement in the energy recovery management system during deceleration which now allows the paddles to be activated while the brake pedal is pressed, making it easier to optimise battery regeneration on slopes or during braking.

It has several operating modes depending on the level of regeneration, activated via the paddles on the steering wheel, and a fully automatic mode. At the highest regeneration level, it works practically as “one pedal” driving, offering exceptional driving comfort without needing to use the brake, ideal for the city or mountain roads with many bends.

Overall, we really liked how the car drives, although we have only had the opportunity to drive it on very congested urban stretches in the Korean capital, Seoul, or on motorways around this large city. Steering, suspension and brakes inspire confidence and make for a particularly pleasant and enjoyable drive.

One of the most notable features of the EV3 is its smoothness of operation, with a total absence of noise or vibration. We also found it very spacious, as the use of interior space is excellent. In a car only 4.3 metres long, a spacious, uncluttered cabin with a very good boot capacity has been achieved.

During the drives we made around Seoul, driving the front-wheel-drive version with the larger battery (81.4 kW), the consumption figures obtained were around 16 kWh/100 km. It is true that these were always at legal speeds and not on routes with steep gradients, but they can give us an idea of real consumption on the road. We will have the chance to test it in real driving conditions in Spain, but on paper the figures look good and we believe the real-world motorway range will approach 500 km on a single charge.

In fact, we had the opportunity to carry out a charge in the middle of the test route and we were able to verify that, arriving at the charger with 67% battery capacity, the maximum charging power of 130 kW was maintained until the battery reached 75%. If the promise of going from 10 to 80% in half an hour is fulfilled, there is no doubt that this model will be a tough rival for larger and more powerful models, as it will allow long-distance travel with considerable confidence and ease.

As for prices, the definitive tariff for the Spanish market has not yet been confirmed, although it is known that there will be different trim levels: Air, Drive, Earth and GT-line, with Comfort and Luxury packs. It is speculated that prices could range between 36,000 and 50,000 euros before government incentives, so that final prices could start below 30,000 euros for the front-wheel-drive, small-battery variant, up to 43,000 for the GT-Line versions with the Long Range battery.

Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA EV35 versions · from 37,040 €