Chunky Kia EV3 electric SUV reveals all OFFICIAL Compact new model will be sold alongside Niro in brand’s line-up
● Compact electric SUV takes design inspiration from EV9 flagship● EV6-sourced battery offers a range of up to 372 miles
Alastair Crooks Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk@AllieCrooks
OFFICIAL
THE latest addition to Kia’s range of electric cars has arrived: say hello to the EV3 SUV. If it looks a bit familiar, that’s because at Kia’s 2023 EV Day we were treated to an intriguing look at a slew of future models – including the EV3 Concept. Now that the production version has been revealed, we can see that its design has stayed true to the striking show model’s.
When it goes on sale later this year, the EV3 will be the smallest of Kia’s bespoke electric models until the EV2 joins the range in 2026. It will line up in the same compact family-car class as the Niro. Kia insists that it has no intention of killing that car off, though, and it will continue with electric, hybrid and plug-in powertrains.
At 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,560mm tall, the EV3 is marginally larger than the Niro. Kia names cars such as the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Volvo EX30, Renault Megane, Ford Puma and Smart #1 as rivals, and although pricing hasn’t been confirmed, rumours suggest that the EV3 could start from as little as £30,000.
The EV3’s design clearly mimics the flagship EV9’s shape, albeit in a smaller package. David Hart, Creative Manager Exterior, told us: “With the EV3 there’s inspiration from the EV9 with our Star-Map lighting. Situated on the front corners, it accentuates the width of the vehicle.”
Around the side, the squared-off body cladding of the concept has been retained, although on the GT-Line launch car it’s finished in gloss black; lower-spec models will get a flatter matte finish that more closely resembles the concept’s look. There are 19-inch diamond-cut alloys, while 18 and 20-inch alternatives will be offered on other trim levels.
Elsewhere, the EV3 sports a sloping roof which tapers with the window line for a more dynamic profile towards the rear – combining with the sharp surfacing down the side for a squat stance. The doors have flush-fitting handles up front, but at the rear they’re hidden in the C-pillars.
At the back, we can see further influence from the EV9, with another slender lighting signature. The rear bumper, as with the front, will change depending on trim, with different finishes and designs for the number-plate sur
