Kia EV3 detailed ahead of H2 launch

KIA has today announced details of its forthcoming EV3 compact SUV, an all-electric offering that adopts much of the technology and equipment from the larger EV9.

Due in local showrooms early next year – and with a targeted price range of between $35,000 and $50,000 – the EV3 presents with bold aesthetics, a practical five-seat interior, and best-in-class 600km (WLTP) driving range.

The Kia EV3 further boasts DC fast charging of as little as 31 minutes, advanced in-cabin AI assistance, the latest driver assistance systems, and almost 500 litres of cargo space between the front and rear luggage compartments.

“By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience,” explained Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song.

“With a (projected) WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles. It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs.

The EV3 showcases the latest Opposites United design language, one Kia says harnesses the creative tensions generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity.

Like the EV9 and EV5 before it, the styling of the EV3 is one that presents as both bold and thoughtful, delivering not only attention-grabbing looks, but cabin proportions worthy of a much larger vehicle.

“The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly – a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality,” explained Kia executive vice president and head of global design Karim Habib.

“Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasises restorative relaxation for every journey.

“Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colours; inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness.”

Speaking online with global automotive media, Mr Habib described the EV3 as “highly assertive” in its presence, commenting on how the vertical LED headlights, which are positioned at the extremes of the fascia, contribute to a wide and “ultra-confidence” stance.

He said the differentiated graphics and muscular appearance on the front-end “harmonise with the entire body”, giving the EV3 yet another interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Face front mask.

In profile, the Kia EV3 is said to promote “agility and dynamism”, the long roofline transitioning seamlessly into the hatchback-style tailgate.

A blackened trim line emphasises the connection between the “sturdy” C-pillar and the vehicle’s rear, the motif here reflecting that of the front with a “purposeful” stance and seamlessly integrated rear glass and tail-light design.

Kia will offer the EV3 in nine paint hues, two of which – Aventurine Green and Terracotta – have been created specifically for the all-new model.

Stepping up the EV3 GT-Line we find even greater levels of ornamentation Kia says express “an even more rugged and adventurous appearance”. Sportier and bolder, the GT-Line grade uses greater contrasting in characterising the EV3’s geometric lines, creating what Mr Habib refers to as a “technical” and “aggressive effect”.

Moving inside, the “highly functional” cabin is both elegant and practical with a sliding table cum storage area whose lower area is designed to store “snacks, drinks, and even small backpacks”, while the surface is designed to hold laptops and tablets when the vehicle is stationary.

Ambient LED lighting and “ultra-comfortable” seats are joined by a “near-30-inch” widescreen display, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and 5.0-inch HVAC control screen.

Many of the EV3’s functions, including drive modes, cruise control, entertainment and navigation, may be accessed and controlled by “a simple touch of the steering wheel buttons”, while a “seamless row of buttons” beneath the central screen control functions including mapping, media, and vehicle configuration.

Like the outside of the EV3, the interior is available in a wide selection of colours, materials, and garnishing, each inspired by “Air, Earth, and Water elements”. Options include Blue, Onyx Black (GT-Line only), Subtle Grey, and Warm Grey.

The interior also comprises a considerable number of recycled materials, including those used in the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.

Luggage space is listed at 460 litres (eight litres less than the Kia Seltos) in the rear and 25 litres in the front compartment (or ‘frunk’).

Dimensionally, the Kia EV3 measures close to the Seltos in size at 4300mm in length (-85mm), 1850mm in width (+50mm), 1560mm in height (-135mm) and with a wheelbase of 2680mm (+50mm).

It is constructed on Hyundai/Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and uses Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology.

The EV3 Standard offers a 53.8kWh battery while the Long Range variant is fitted with an 81.4kWh unit. Charging from 10-80 per cent takes “approximately 31 minutes”.

Both EV3 variants utilise a 150kW/283Nm electric motor which delivers a claimed best 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds. Maximum speed is listed at 170km/h and a projected driving range 600km on the WLTP test cycle.

“The Kia EV3 has been designed and engineered to meet the needs of customers who want a car that matches their sustainability values but do not want to compromise their practical everyday needs,” said Kia vice president and head of global business planning Spencer Cho.

“It provides one of the best living and luggage sizes in its class, while our flexible E-GMP architecture delivers a best-in-class AER driving range. With the EV3, Kia has redefined the EV SUV segment to create a compact model that is comprehensively equipped with innovative technology and features.”

On the safety front, the Kia EV3 arrives with a generous itinerary of standard equipment including the latest ADAS technologies, electric dynamic torque vectoring control, forward collision avoidance assist (AEB), lane keeping assist, highway driving assist, and reverse parking collision-avoidance assist.

Other technological highlights include remote smart parking assist, 12.0-inch head-up display, third-generation regenerative braking, vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, digital key access (via smartphone or smartwatch), an extensive suite streamable content, and Harman Kardon sound.

“Cars are no longer just a means of transportation but an extension of our ‘life space’,” said Kia senior vice president and head of global brand and CX Chang Sung Ryu.

“Developed with numerous customer-centric innovations, the EV3 offers our customers an immersive content consumption experience with our premium streaming services and class-leading sound system.

“Providing the ability to digitally customise the EV3’s interior through the Kia Connect Store in the same way one would personalise a smartphone, alongside the introduction of Kia’s AI Assistant these examples further highlight how the EV3 responds to customers’ ever-evolving needs.”

Mr Ryu said the technology enables EV3 passengers to personalise the instrumentation and infotainment screens to taste, and to use Kia’s AI-backed voice assistant to interact with and control the vehicle’s features.

Production of the Kia EV3 is set to commence shortly with first deliveries in South Korea expected in July. The vehicle will be sold into other markets from the second half of 2024, with Australian arrival expected in early 2025. Pricing and localised specifications will announced in due course.