Korean car manufacturer Kia has today debuted its latest model, a small electric SUV called the EV3.
The EV3 debuts as a more compact alternative to the soon-to-launch EV5 midsize SUV and already released EV9 large SUV, measuring in at 4300mm long, 1850mm wide and 1560mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2680mm.
For reference, that’s a similar size to Kia’s combustion-powered Seltos small SUV.
This is the new Kia EV3
This means the EV3 will very likely compete with other more compact electric SUVs, such as the Volvo EX30 and XC40, the Hyundai Kona and even the MG4.
Although local pricing is yet to be confirmed, the new EV3 small electric SUV has been locked in by Kia Australia for a 2025 launch.
Standard equipment confirmed, more to come
The new Kia EV3 GT-Line
Kia has confirmed several standard features for the new EV3, including:
- Widescreen display including 12.3-inch cluster, 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 5.0-inch climate control screen
- Multiple driving modes
- Third-generation i-pedal regenerative braking
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Recycled interior elements featuring PET materials
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging
- Digital/phone key
- Arcade game access
- Kia’s new AI assistant
- 460-litre boot and 25 litre frunk
A wide away of screens feature in the Kia EV3
Some of the confirmed ADAS safety features include:
- Forward collision avoidance assist (AEB)
- Lane keeping assist
- Highway driving assist
- Reverse parking collision avoidance assist
An inside look at the Kia EV3’s central console
Battery size, electric motors and range
Powering the Kia EV3 will be the choice of two battery sizes: a 58.3kWh standard battery and a long-range battery with a capacity of 81.4kWh.
The EV3 uses the same E-GMP platform as found in models such as the Kia’s own EV6 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Both standard and long-range batteries will power a single 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which will likely drive the front wheels exclusively.
Two battery sizes will be available for the EV3
Kia claims that the estimated WLTP driving range for the EV3 will be 600km. The range for the smaller battery pack has not yet been revealed.
The Korean brand has also stated that the EV3 will be able to charge from 10-80 percent in an estimated 31 minutes.
Performance, with possible hotter GT versions to come
The EV3 will be able to sprint to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds, while its top speed has been capped at 170km/h.
0-100km/h for the Kia EV3 is a leisurely 7.5 seconds
There is a high possibility that the upcoming EV3 will also be offered with a flagship, high-performance GT variant, but this version is yet to be confirmed by Kia.
An EV3 GT is very likely to use a dual-motor electric setup, while outputs could be as high as 350-400kW.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding EV3 here on our website, on our YouTube Channel and our social media pages.