Bold design for an exhilarating drive
The Kia EV3 is more than just an electric SUV: its daring design, the fruit of the Kia's "electric SUV" philosophy, is a real eye-catcher.Opposites United"Kia's 'new car' combines dynamic lines with remarkable practicality.
But the EV3 doesn't just look good: it also offers an unprecedented driving experience, redefining what it means to be behind the wheel of an electric SUV.
The exterior of Korea's promising electric SUV
Named the EV3, this new Kia is 4.30 metres long, 1.85 metres wide and 1.55 metres high.
The latter is therefore below the Kia Niro EV in the range. She will be up against Smart #1, Peugeot e-2008, Volvo EX30as well as electric saloon Renault Megane e-Tech.
Inspired by the sturdy, elegant lines of its predecessors, the EV3 adopts a look that is at once futuristic and dynamic. This compact electric SUV gives the impression of robustness and power, through :
- its bonnet,
- its flat roof,
- its short overhangs,
- but also its steep front and rear faces.
But that's not all: the angular wheel arches and imposing body protectors reinforce this feeling, while adding a touch of elegance. a touch of refined aggression.
The daytime running lights, flowing gracefully down the front corners of the vehicle, add a distinctive lighting signature that is instantly recognisable. The junction between the front bonnet and the bumper is delicately rounded, softening the lines without compromising the car's visual appeal.futuristic design.
The interior of the new Kia
Inside, thewarm, modern atmosphere is highlighted by a on-board system on 2 12.3-inch screens separated by a 5.3-inch module combining instrumentation and infotainment. But make no mistake! Kia has retained a few traditional buttons, notably for quickly adjusting the ventilation.
To consult : Touch screens on electric cars: a good idea or a bad one?
This carefully designed interior not only follows current trends, but defines them, offering drivers an environment that is both comfortable and at the cutting edge of technology.
💡Did you know ? The interior has been designed using 28.5 kg of various recycled industrial and automotive materials to avoid the use of animal leather.
There's even a QR code at the end of the dashboard so you can check out all the eco-friendly aspects of the electric vehicle.
By integrating angular elements Kia has succeeded in creating a visual harmony between the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
Cutting-edge performance and on-board technologies
In terms of performance, the EV3 will have 204 ea for 283 Nm of torquefrom 0 to 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds (7.4 s for the Standard Range and 7.7 s for Long RangeKia has chosen to equip the 2 models with the same engine).
What's more, the electric SUV benefits from i-Pedal 3.0 systemwhich recovers energy when braking, offering 'one pedal' driving.
What's more, the designers of this Kia have refined its lines to make it more affordable. Cx at 0.267which outperforms all the competing models mentioned.
All in all, this performance is more than sufficient for a vehicle that does not claim to be a sports car.
💡Did you know ? The Kia EV3 will be compatible with V2L (vehicle-to-load) to supply energy to other devices, the V2G (vehicle-to-grid) to feed electricity back into the grid, and the V2H (vehicle-to-home) to power your home.
It will also support Plug & Charge technology, enabling automatic identification of the vehicle to the charging stations compatible.
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As far as the boot is concerned, the EV3 has a capacity of 460 litreswhich can reach 1250 litres by folding down the rear seat, as well as a small 25-litre frunk under the bonnet.
In terms of technology, the use of its smartphone as a virtual key will be possible thanks to Android, iOS and Samsung solutions.
As well as performance, Kia promises a host of technological aids to make driving easier. Similar to the Kia EV9, the Highway Driving Assist 2.0 includes :
- lane change assistance,
- and collision avoidance with lane departure detection.
In addition, the Smart Cruise Control 2.0 will enhance adaptive cruise control by reducing speed on bends and in dangerous areas. Finally, the driver attention monitoring system can bring the vehicle to a safe standstill in the event of inaction.
In addition, Kia plans to roll out new features through remote updates. By the end of 2024, the voice assistant will be using ChatGPT to answer some of the questions asked by EV3 occupants. What's more, the use of its smartphone as a virtual key will be possible thanks to Android, iOS and Samsung solutions.
But that's not all: it will be possible to buy themes for displaying instrumentationThis will allow you to choose colours like those of the Lakers, Star Wars, Marvel... However, the price is still unknown.
A applications catalogueThese include Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music and video games.
A autonomy for this urban electric SUV
The Kia EV3 could stand out from the crowd thanks to a range of up to 600 km on the WLTP cycle for the Long Range version with its battery of 81.4 kWh. This would make it one of the best in its category.
However, the Standard Range version with its 58.3 kWh offers 410 km rangealso in the WLTP cycle.
To consult: WLTP, CLTC, EPA...: standards for determining the range of electric vehicles
What's more, this new Kia will have to make do with 11 kW alternating current and between 102 and 128 kW depending on batteryenabling recharges from 10 to 80 % in 31 minutes.
💡Good to know A 22 kW option will be available in 2026.
The Kia EV3: is it coming soon?
The motoring world is eagerly awaiting the launch of the Kia EV3. But when exactly, and more importantly, at what price can we expect to see this electric SUV on our roads?
When will it be available? What price can we expect?
The Kia EV3 is due to go on sale in October 2024, but pre-orders could start earlier, coinciding perfectly with the arrival of the 2024 green incentives.
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However, the official rates are not yet available and should be announced during the summer. The vehicle, which will hit dealerships in the final quarter, is expected to have a initial price around €35,000 for the basic version.
We're hoping for affordable prices, in line with the model's philosophy of 'simplicity'. Indeed, let's hope it can remain competitive, because its generous on-board space for passengers and luggage, as well as its impressive range, should have solid arguments in its favour.
Assistance available
The EV3 does not will probably not benefit from environmental bonus in FranceIt will probably be assembled in South Korea. However, Kia is planning to produce electric vehicles in Europe from 2025, in Slovakia, but this does not apply to this electric SUV for the time being.
Worth noting The conversion premium and regional aids are still available for all electric vehicle purchases
Summary table of technical specifications for the Kia EV3
| Kia EV3 | Technical specifications |
|---|---|
| Type | Compact electric SUV |
| Dimensions | 4.30 m (L) x 1.85 m (W) x 1.55 m (H) |
| Exterior design | Futuristic and dynamic with robust lines |
| Interior design | Modern with 2 x 12.3" screens and 5.3" module |
| Motorisation | 204 bhp, 283 Nm of torque |
| Performance | 0-100 km/h in 7.4 s (Standard Range) or 7.7 s (Long Range) |
| Autonomy | 410 km (58.3 kWh battery) or 600 km (81.4 kWh battery) on the WLTP cycle |
| Refill | 11 kW (AC), 102-128 kW (DC), 10-80% in 31 minutes |
| Boot capacity | 460 L (1250 L with bench seat folded down) + 25 L frunk |
| Technologies | V2L, V2G, V2H, Plug & Charge, remote updates |
| Marketing | October 2024 |
| Estimated price | From around €35,000 |
Conclusion
The Kia EV3 is an electric urban SUV that is positioned as a a serious competitor on the market. With its futuristic design and claimed range of 600 km for the Longe RangeIt's the perfect solution for homeowners looking for eco-responsibility and practicality.
Whether you're a professional looking for a modern, high-performance company car, or an individual looking for a spacious, environmentally-friendly family SUV, the Kia EV3 is well worth a look.
In short, the Kia EV3 represents the perfect marriage between innovation, comfort and sustainability. Don't miss the chance to discover this revolutionary new electric vehicle, and stay tuned for more exciting articles on automotive trends and sustainable mobility.
