SAUDI ARABIA : Kia has finally uncovered EV3 subcompact electric SUV. It’s expected to be launched in South Korea by next month and by the end of 2024 in Europe. The EV3 follows the Korean carmaker’s flagship electric SUV EV9.

Exhibit as a concept last year, EV3 has quite a similar look to the EV9. Kia’s new design language for EVs continued in the all-new EV3. The thin daytime running lamps spread into the bonnet. The front fascia is pretty clean with black vents for the bumper design. You will get a massive 25-liter “frunk” and 460-liter rear load capacity.  

Kia uses Hyundai’s E-GMP platform in EV3 which supports several vehicle sizes and configurations. The EV5, EV6, Hyundai Iconiq 5, and Genesis GV60 also have the same platform. This electric SUV will be released in two variants – Standard and GT Line. The EV3 is 4,300 mm long, 1850 mm wide, 1,560 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. It meticulously bears a resemblance to the Kia Seltos. 

The EV3 comes with an angular front fascia with sealed-off ‘Tiger-Nose’ grills flanked by the ‘star map’ LED lightning pattern featuring L-shaped LED DRLs. The front bumper unites impeccably with the overall fascia contributing to a cohesive and unified design. It instigates from the “Opposites United,” design philosophy of Kia and shares aesthetic details with the EV9. 

Kia claimed the 600 km driving range is indeed remarkable, it comes with an 81.4 kWh battery for long-range. The base model gets a 58.3 kWh lower-range battery. The electric vehicle generates about 201 hp and 283 Nm of torque. It goes 0 to 100 kph in a claimed 7.5 seconds. The top speed of this electric vehicle is 170 kph. It produces about 201 hp and 283 Nm of torque. 

This EV has a spacious and homie interior like other Kia models, minimalist design with integration of twin 12.3-inch displays for the digital cluster and infotainment and a 5-inch climate control display. Kia offers optimum storage options, such as a sliding table under the centre console that boosts its practicality. 

EV3 becomes the first Kia’s lineup to get a personal AI assistant. It includes configurable ambient lighting, sustainable material upholstery, a Harman Kardon sound system, an optional 12-inch head-up display, and an ADAS suite. 

Color options for the interior include Warm Grey, Subtle Grey, and Blue finishes and you can get the GT trim in Onyx Black. 

The EV3 Standard has two battery pack options: 81.4 kWh and 58.3 kWh, the previous one boosting around 600 km (WLTP) peak range. It only takes 31 minutes to charge from 0 to 80 per cent, with the 81.4 kWh supporting up to 102 kW fast charging and the 58.3 kWh up to 128 kW. The same motor has been installed in both variants producing around 201 bhp and 283 Nm of peak torque. 

Kia features a front-wheel-drive system and takes 7.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with a top speed of 180 km/h. The EV3 offers i-Pedal version 3.0 for one-pedal driving and supports – vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging.