First came the EV6 in 2021, which has just received its mid-life facelift, after establishing itself as one of the best EVs around. Then last year, Kia’s largest EV, the EV9 seven-seater followed. It beat the similarly practical Volvo EX90 to launch, and is considerably cheaper. No wonder then, that the EV9 won our Best Premium Large SUV accolade at this year’s Business Car Awards.
Now Kia has its sights on the compact SUV sector with the all-new EV3. Just after driving key rival, the Skoda Elroq, we’ve now had a chance to drive more EV3 versions in UK specification.
The EV3 shares the same dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as its bigger brothers, but this Kia is offered with a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs, and the ability to travel up to 267 miles with the 58.3kWh version, or up to 372 miles with the larger 81.4kWh battery pack.
GT-Line and GT-Line S versions are predicted to be the most popular fleet choices. The improved specifications are attractive, but more importantly they are offered solely with the larger 81.4kWh battery choice and can drive up to 367 and 362 miles on a single charge, respectively.
But if you’re one of the 11%, according to Kia, who can’t have the GT-Line and GT-Line S due to cost, there’s always the Air equipment grade. This is also available with the smallest 58.3kWh battery, in cheapest Standard Range form.
With a charging system rated at 400V, over 120 miles of range can be added in just 15 minutes. Plus, a 10 to 80% charge is possible in 29 minutes for the 58.3kWh battery, and 31 minutes for the 81.4kWh battery. Like the EV6 and EV9, the EV3 is capable of bi-directional charging.
Design and technology
In our opinion, the EV3 is Kia’s most attractive example of its unusual ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. More EV9 than EV6, the EV3’s most distinctive design features are the small cube vertical LED headlamps and driving lights, the latest version of the family ‘Tiger Face’, and a front airdam with active air flaps. At the side, there are automatic flush handles from GT-Line upwards, up to 19in alloy wheels all with square designs, and at the back there are also vertical LED lights.
The EV3 is 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, and 1,560mm tall, and these dimensions are most obvious inside this Kia, as it is spacious front and rear – with plenty of head and legroom. Design-wise, it was also interesting to try a facelifted EV6 at this launch. Despite being fresh from a facelift, in our opinion, the EV3 immediately dates it. This is, we believe, because of the lighter colours and trims, plus clever design touches, such as the sliding central tray – although it seems too small to be useful.
The driving position is comfortable, the seats supportive, with the unusual pillow-like headrests a highlight. The dashboard itself is made up of two 12.3in screens, with a 5.3in screen for ventilation controls in the middle. The infotainment itself works well enough, but the central shortcut buttons could be more responsive.
The 460-litre boot is spacious, but we feel practicality is compromised by the high loading lip. There’s also plenty of interior stowage, and a neat QR code on the passenger side of the dashboard that reveals the EV3’s eco-credentials.
Drive and performance
This time around, we spent more time in the Short- and Long-Range versions of the Air. And we can now confirm, the standard fit 17in wheels are comfortable, giving a more composed ride than the 19in wheels fitted to the GT-Line. It is a slight, but noticeable difference, most obvious on the Short Range Air. It also feels lighter on its wheels, which we can only think is the result of the battery pack.
As before, the only mode that appears to make any difference to the drive, is ‘Sport’, where the throttle becomes more responsive. All EV3 models that we’ve driven are highly competent, with tidy handling and high levels of grip – but none are as inspiring to drive as new key rival, the Skoda Elroq, or another of our favourites, the BMW iX1. Maybe this is the job for the highly anticipated ‘GT’ performance range-topper? This Kia is particularly good around town, where the different levels of regen make for a particularly smooth drive.
Driving the EV3 in the UK seems to make the Niro EV’s position futile. Despite doing the same job, the EV3’s more modern and distinctive looks, plus extra range and efficiency, and PCP deals starting at £381 per month, we think will appeal more to fleet buyers. Kia is anticipating a 32%/68% split in favour of fleet – which isn’t surprising.
Positive: Distinctive looks, comfortable and composed ride, impressive interior space, easy-to-use infotainment, stylish and quality interior.
Negative: Some cheap-feeling interior plastics and fiddly switchgear, high boot loading lip, competent rather than fun to drive.
Standard equipment: 17in alloy wheels, LED headlights, body-coloured flush fit door handles, grey cloth upholstery.
Engines: Electric: 201hp
Equipment grades: Air, GT-Line, GT-Line S
Transmissions: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Kia EV3 81.4kWh GT-Line |
| P11D | £39,440 |
| Residual value | 50% |
| Depreciation | £19,872 |
| Fuel | £3,285 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,530 |
| Cost per mile | 42.8p |
| Range | 372 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £13/£26 |
| Luggage capacity | 460 litres |
| Battery size/power | 81.4kWh/201hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
