Kia EV3 is a new-generation Korean compact SUV with some upscale features from the EV9 flagship

The Korean automaker’s latest electric model EV3 is slightly smaller than Niro EV, but makes a much bigger impression with its dedicated design, nicer amenities, greater functionality and superior electric performance.

The bespoke styling of the EV3 makes it immediately more striking than the Niro EV. The most eye-catching aspects of the EV3 exterior include a robust interpretation of Kia’s Tiger Face with vertical headlamps positioned at the extremes of the “clean” fascia, a long sloping roofline, a broad hatchback-style tailgate with a technical appearance, and geometric tail-lamps. The EV3 is also available with two unique colours - Aventurine Green (pictured here) and Terracotta. 

The EV3 is also more aerodynamic than the Niro EV, thanks to a so-called 3D undercover which helps the EV3 achieved a drag coefficient of 0.263, lower than the Niro’s 0.29.

EV3 cabin is designed to be both homely and high-tech.

The EV3’s onboard amenities and overall functionality are inspired by the much larger and more luxurious EV9. For instance, the EV3’s 30-inch combined widescreen display, 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 12-inch head-up display are shared with the EV9.  

Other cabin highlights of the EV3 include an elegant yet versatile centre console which incorporates a sliding table and integral storage area, multi-adjustable ambient lighting, and the latest infotainment at the driver’s fingertips. 

The infotainment includes Kia’s AI Assistant, which is able to converse naturally and search autonomously for information online when answering questions from the people in the car. This helpful feature will make its debut in Kia’s home-market EV3, after which its data domain and relevant services will be expanded for other countries. 

The EV3’s infotainment system is also ready for streaming of premium media content and playing of free/purchased arcade games, all with high-quality audio from the Harman Kardon hi-fi.  

Users will also have the option of customising the infotainment display theme, with the choices and prices to be announced as the EV3 is progressively introduced to different markets. 

The digital-nomad lifestyle is further enhanced by Kia’s smartphone-based Digital Key 2.0, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and vehicle-to-load charging of external devices such as laptops and portable appliances.  

The EV3 is a five-seater with ultra-comfortable front seats, which have a fold-back relaxation mode suitable for chilling/snoozing while the car is stationary, parked or charging. The 460-litre boot space, said to be the biggest in the EV3’s segment, is supplemented by a 25-litre frunk. 

Recycled PET plastic has been used for the seats, headliner, door armrests, floor mats and luggage board, while recycled fabric has been applied to the dashboard and door trims. 

The EV3 has a front-drive, 150kW/283Nm single-motor with 400-volt architecture and a fourth-generation battery which is rated at either 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh. The latter provides a longer range of up to 600 kilometres (WLTP), with DC recharging from 10 percent to 80 percent in about half an hour. The EV3 does zero to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170km/h.

The EV3 is the first Kia production model with the automaker’s new i-Pedal 3.0 system, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to his/her preference, right down to one-pedal driving if desired. This system maximises energy efficiency on the move and also reduces driver fatigue on long drives. 

The new Kia EV3 will go on sale in South Korea in July 2024, followed by Europe in the 4th quarter of this year and then Asia, including Singapore, in 2025. 

EV3 is the funkier and even more functional alternative to Niro EV.

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