First came the EV6 in 2021, which has since established itself as one of the best EVs around. Then last year, Kia’s largest EV, the EV9 seven-seater followed, with this model going on to win our Best Premium Large SUV accolade at this year’s Business Car Awards.
Now Kia is back with another new electric model, the EV3, and its job is to be the definitive choice in the popular compact SUV sector, against a large selection or rivals.
Built on the same dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as its bigger brothers, the EV3 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 long-range 81.4kWh battery pack. With the GT-Line and GT-Line S versions, expected to be the most popular in fleet, 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.
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
Outside, you won’t miss the EV3, thanks to the latest example of Kia’s unusual ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. Closer to the EV9 than the EV6, and its most attractive yet in our opinion, 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, 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 big dimensions are most obvious inside this Kia, as it is spacious front and rear – with plenty of head and legroom. Design-wise it follows the look and feel of the EV6 and EV9, with well-chosen colours and trim, plus some clever design touches, such as the sliding central tray – although we didn’t feel it was executed very well.
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
On the move, the first thing we noticed, was the comfortable compliant ride. 17in wheels (fitted to the entry-level Air), are the most comfortable, although the difference between them and the bigger 19in wheels is a slightly stiffer low speed ride.
The only mode that appears to make any difference to the drive, is ‘Sport’, where the throttle becomes more responsive.
The bigger 81kWh battery GT-Line spec we drove equalled 201hp and 283Nm of torque, but despite being quick off the mark, and having precise steering, plus well-judged acceleration and brake pedal feel, it’s not that inspiring to drive. This is despite tidy handling and keen roadholding. This Kia is particularly good around town, where the different levels of regen make for a particularly smooth drive.
A Niro EV might do the same job, but the EV3’s more modern and distinctive looks, plus extra range and efficiency, plus 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 – with the most popular being the GT-Line spec we drove.
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 | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| 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 |
