Say hi there to Kia’s least expensive EV but.
The 2025 Kia EV3 is because of arrive in Australia round March-April in 2025. Whereas we don’t know closing pricing and specs simply but, the Korean model will little doubt be gunning for the Chinese language.
Related in dimension to the combustion-powered Seltos and electrified Niro crossovers, the EV3 ushers in Kia’s newest company design which is much less curvy and European, as an alternative extra digital and robotic.
With robust LED lighting signatures and boxy proportions, you can be forgiven for pondering it’s simply an EV9 that shrunk within the wash. Count on it to land in Australia from across the $50,000 mark – perhaps we’ll be pleasantly stunned.
It could be small, however there are some large numbers right here. Regardless of being an identical dimension to the Volvo EX30 and BYD Atto 3, the EV3 presents segment-busting cargo capability (460 litres) and an enormous WLTP driving vary of as much as 605 kilometres.
There’s additionally options and tech filtered down from a lot bigger, costlier Hyundai and Kia fashions, which ought to assist give this compact EV a leg up on the competitors.
Is it any good? We joined the worldwide media drive in Seoul, South Korea, to get a primary style.
How does the Kia EV3 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Kia EV3 towards equally sized autos.
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EV3
How a lot does the Kia EV3 price?
Pricing and specs for the Australian market are nonetheless to be confirmed.
Within the UK, there are three distinct trim ranges with two battery choices, with pricing ranging from £32,995 (AUD $64,815), and topping out at £42,835 (AUD $84,145) for the top-spec GT-Line S with Warmth Pump.
Whereas direct conversions might make that sound ridiculously costly, its positioning presents a extra correct indication of how the EV3 could be priced when it reaches Australia.
The bottom EV3 begins for much less cash than essentially the most reasonably priced auto-equipped Sportage within the UK, which is a mid-spec mannequin that comes as customary with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
In Australia, the Sportage SX+ begins from $42,050 plus on-road prices with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and front-wheel drive, climbing to $47,450 with the two.0-litre turbo-diesel with all-wheel drive.
If the EV3 is positioned equally within the Australian market, we might see base pricing dip below $50,000 – and even approaching the mid-$40,000 mark which might be very aggressive.
The up to date BYD Atto 3 begins from $44,499 plus on-road prices for the Normal Vary, and $47,499 for the Prolonged Vary. The EV3 will probably be sourced from South Korea whereas the BYD is made in China.
To see how the Kia EV3 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
What’s the Kia EV3 like on the within?
The mini-EV9 theme continues into the cabin.
Kia’s inside design philosophy for its new EV fashions is concentrated on simplicity and area effectivity, along with sustainable supplies and distinctive colors and textures.
Regardless of measuring simply 4300mm lengthy, the EV3 feels spacious inside, with an ethereal entrance cabin that’s amplified by the upright dashboard and door trims, and open centre console.
Materials high quality can be good contemplating its entry degree positioning, with a pleasant mixture of soft-touch and textured surfaces, lots of that are recycled and eco-friendly.
There’s a QR code on the passenger’s aspect of the sprint that may take you thru the sustainable supplies – which embrace recycled PET, fishing nets, and bio PU and paints.
The EV3 scores comfy entrance seats which are electrically adjustable in increased grades like those we examined in Korea. It’s unclear whether or not we’ll get all the out there inside finishes, however CarExpert understands there could be a number of inside selections relying on variant.
Whereas the GT-Line depicted above has a “demure and conscious” gray end contrasted with a darkish console and seat accent, the automobile I drove had a light-weight gray inside with brilliant orange accents for the console, which I didn’t thoughts.
The open inside idea means the configurable base console has adjustable cupholders and an open cubby to carry baggage or different giant gadgets, and there’s a sliding armrest desk that may be a platform to stow issues or act as a desk whereas the automobile is stationary.
Excessive-spec fashions additionally supply the Premium Leisure Seat that electrically slides and reclines like a lounge or armchair whilst you look forward to the EV3 to cost or just need to take a break. It’s has been supplied throughout Hyundai and Kia’s vary of E-GMP merchandise, and we think about this will probably be reserved for increased grades solely – nevertheless it’s a fairly useful characteristic to have.
The shrunken giant automobile theme continues with infotainment, because the EV3 lifts the dual-screen array with central contact panel from the bigger EV9.
A 12.3-inch digital driver’s show and 12.3-inch central touchscreen characteristic, sandwiching a 5.3-inch contact panel for the local weather controls. It’s the newest linked automobile navigation cockpit (ccNC) that we’ve seen rolling out throughout the newest Hyundai and Kia fashions – and as you’d count on, it’s excellent.
With linked companies and navigation, then Korean-spec vehicles did all of the drive route planning. Korean market vehicles even have embedded fee features for issues like toll cubicles and carparks. The latter doesn’t have the infrastructure help in Australia, however we think about it might turn into a future factor.
Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will characteristic on Australian fashions, as will a Kia Join subscription with app-based distant companies and performance. As we’ve mentioned in different vehicles working this technique, it’s a benchmark amongst rivals and costlier vehicles.
We didn’t spend a number of time within the again seat, however the boxy proportions and lengthy wheelbase for the category imply you’ll be able to comfortably match a 6’0 grownup behind a 6’0 grownup.
The flat bench and flooring imply occasional center seat use needs to be extra manageable than in most autos this dimension, and also you get cool facilities like an out there vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet below the rear seat to cost a laptop computer or one other equipment.
Different options embrace rear air vents, a folding centre armrest with cupholders, in addition to heated outer rear seats on increased fashions to enhance the out there heated and ventilated entrance seats.
There are the requisite ISOFIX and high tether factors for little one seats on the rear.
Baggage capability is a giant speaking level right here, with 460 litres of claimed quantity out there with the rear seats in place and 1250 litres with them folded.
That’s nearly 30 litres greater than most Seltos fashions; 20 litres greater than a BYD Atto 3 which is bigger in most dimensions and technically a dimension class up; and over 140 litres greater than the Volvo EX30.
The rear seats fold 60:40 and lay nearly flat, whereas the adjustable rear load flooring consists of an underfloor compartment that can be utilized to cover cables away or different gadgets you need out of sight.
All instructed, the EV3 is shaping to be a really sensible little factor.
To see how the Kia EV3 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
What’s below the bonnet?
At launch, the Kia EV3 is out there with one single-motor electrical drivetrain with the choice of two battery sizes. There’s additionally a 25-litre frunk below the bonnet which is surrounded by plastic trim to cover the drivetrain gear.
Kia formally quote a charging time of ~31 minutes utilizing a 350kW quick charger for the Lengthy Vary battery. The 400V structure means it is going to max out at 128kW, in contrast to the EV9 which may hit 270kW on a DC quick charger.
Our cost figures are primarily based on numbers shared with British media earlier this 12 months; different figures offered by Kia world on the launch drive have been obscure or didn’t add up primarily based on the automobile’s battery dimension.
To see how the Kia EV3 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device.
How does the Kia EV3 drive?
Our drive loop lined practically 200 kilometres across the South Korean capital of Seoul, together with freeway and metropolis driving and ranging site visitors circumstances.
We drove each a ‘customary’ or ‘base’ automobile – successfully the Air or Earth styling packages – in addition to a GT-Line, each sporting bigger 19-inch alloy wheels. All fashions have been front-drive and Lengthy Vary.
Left-hand drive Korean examples we drove aren’t essentially indicative of Australian specification and tune, given Kia Australia plans to present the brand new EV an area chassis tune.
However regardless, this drive gave us a good suggestion of what to anticipate when the EV3 lands within the early levels of subsequent 12 months. Lengthy story quick? It’s promising.
The 150kW/283Nm entrance electrical motor has loads of grunt for a automobile of this dimension, and Kia’s 0-100km/h declare of seven.7 seconds for the heavier Lengthy Vary appears proper by the seat of the pants.
Kia has dialled in a little bit of doughiness to the preliminary throttle response to make acceleration smoother and fewer jumpy, given the immediacy of torque from electrical motors. In regular driving, that is fantastic.
It effortlessly accelerates to metropolis speeds and has loads in reserve when you give it a boot-full when merging onto the freeway. We had loads of alternatives to check this, and straight-line efficiency will solely get higher with the dual-motor AWD and GT AWD variations that may launch down the observe.
The EV3 will very fortunately cruise alongside, with respectable however not fairly wonderful insulation from highway and wind noise on the 19-inch wheel and tyre package deal of the autos we drove. Tyre noise particularly picked up on rougher sections of freeway at velocity.
Our Korean autos have been tuned on the softer aspect, as tends to be typical for the area. We anticipate European and Australian-spec fashions can have tighter physique management and a barely firmer experience and steering tune for higher dealing with and engagement.
Talking of the steering and dealing with, the Korean-spec EV3 supplied correct controls with out a complete lot of suggestions. The low centre of gravity courtesy of the floor-mounted battery pack stored it hunkered down in corners, nevertheless it didn’t actually really feel set as much as correctly sort out the twisties – not that we drove on these sorts of roads, anyway.
The sunshine steering and compact dimensions make this a enjoyable and zippy city runabout, as I discovered driving via some tighter Korean metropolis roads and alleyways. The squared-off design and massive home windows additionally make it very easy to position, given the corners of the EV3 are all in simple view.
Even higher, there’s an out there encompass digicam system which in typical Kia trend presents a superb high-definition view of the automobile’s environment, making parking this field on wheels even simpler once more. The out there kerb view perform of the aspect mirrors means there’s no excuse for scraped wheels.
On the subject of cameras, the EV3 can be out there with Hyundai and Kia’s useful Blind Spot View Monitor cameras which show a reside aspect digicam feed into the instrument cluster while you point out left or proper. Do you completely want it? Most likely not, nevertheless it does make life that little bit simpler and helps to make the EV3 really feel extra upmarket.
There’s a collection of obtainable driver assists readily available too, most of which is able to doubtless be customary primarily based on Kia’s current product portfolio.
Adaptive cruise management and Lane Following Help type the premise of Freeway Driving Help 2.0, a semi-autonomous assistant that may robotically activate on designated highways utilizing navigation knowledge. It’s also possible to independently management the aforementioned features through the steering-mounted controls.
Like different Kias with comparable programs, each labored properly for essentially the most half. The adaptive cruise perform precisely and easily maintained the set velocity and managed gaps with out randomly slamming on the brakes or yo-yo-ing the velocity.
There was the odd event the place the lane centring perform picked up the flawed marking or was maybe a contact overzealous, and the motive force sentiment in the direction of this can largely be down to private tastes. I didn’t thoughts it, however I do know loads of individuals would really feel slightly uneasy concerning the automobile yanking the steering wheel.
Additional, the EV3 presents blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists for added surety when navigating gaps in site visitors or reversing out of blind parking areas, and we didn’t discover these to be too troublesome to deal with.
The annoying velocity restrict help seems to have been dialled down within the EV3, as I don’t recollect it incessantly beeping and bonging at me throughout our drive. You’ll be able to rapidly flip off the audible warnings by holding the mute button on the steering wheel.
It’s additionally fairly darn environment friendly. Typically manufacturers will quote WLTP driving ranges that are very onerous to realize in real-world driving, however the EV3 gave us confidence that the model’s lofty vary claims will truly be achievable.
Maintaining in thoughts we have been driving in 30-plus-degree climate and excessive humidity in Seoul, the journey pc was studying 6.7kWh/km throughout combined driving circumstances – that equates to 14.9kWh/100km which might see at the very least 550km of vary on a full cost.
What do you get?
Ultimate pricing and specs for Australia will probably be communicated nearer to the EV3’s native launch within the new 12 months, however we will look to our buddies within the UK for a information.
UK-market customary gear consists of:
17-inch alloy wheelsLED headlightsThree-screen dashboard layout12.3-inch driver display5.3-inch local weather management touchscreen12.3-inch touchscreen navigation systemWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoKia Join with 7-year subscriptionOver-the-air updatesHeated entrance seats, steering wheelFront, rear parking sensorsReversing cameraAutomatic air conditioningAutomatic headlight controlLED daytime working lights, excessive mounted brake lights, hind lights and rear fog lightseCall systemElectrically adjustable, folding, and heated door mirrors with LED indicatorsElectronic parking brake with auto hold25-litre under-bonnet storageRain-sensing wipersSmart key with movement sensorKeyless entry, begin
EV3 GT-Line provides:
19-inch alloy wheelsGT-Line exterior stylingGloss black door mirrorsTwo-tone ‘GT-Line’ upholsteryLED headlights with ‘small dice’ designAutomatic flush door handlesGloss black aspect sills, wheel arches, and window surroundsAlloy pedalsRear privateness glassElectric driver’s seat lumbar supportSliding consoleCustomisable ambient lightingWireless cell phone chargerDigital key
Is the Kia EV3 protected?
The Kia EV3 is but to be examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
Whereas Australian specs are nonetheless to be detailed, the EV3 comes decked out with the model’s newest security programs in abroad markets just like the UK.
UK-market customary security gear consists of:
Freeway Driving Help 2.0Adaptive cruise controlLane centring assistAutonomous emergency brakingPedestrian detectionCyclist detectionJunction turning assistJunction crossing assistBlind-spot assistRear cross-traffic assistSafe Exit Warning
How a lot does the Kia EV3 price to run?
The brand new EV3 will probably be lined by Kia Australia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Additionally count on seven-year cowl (or 150,000km) for the high-voltage battery and electrical motor.
Additional particulars of the aftersales program are nonetheless to be finalised, however like different fashions within the vary we will count on 12-month or 15,000km service intervals (whichever comes first) and 7 years of capped-price servicing.
Like most rivals, Kia doesn’t supply a public charger subscription with its electrical fashions, although model representatives have instructed media the corporate is engaged on a “potential provider” for public and residential charging options – the previous doubtless for sellers – with bulletins to be made subsequent 12 months.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia EV3
It’s onerous to say whether or not the EV3 will probably be a standout success in Australia as we don’t have a lot native element round pricing and specification as but – however the early indicators are promising primarily based on this world drive.
The automobile we drove in South Korea was a powerful little bit of equipment, with good efficiency, effectivity, and vary for an entry-level electrical automobile.
It’s additionally a straightforward automobile to drive on the town and on the freeway, and presents a gamut of tech options to maintain you comfy in addition to on the straight and slender.
It’s a city-friendly dimension whereas additionally boasting an impressively sensible cabin, with extra cargo and rear seat area than numerous autos with bigger exterior dimensions in the identical dimension class or the phase above.
The softer tune and on-road behaviour of the Korean-spec mannequin will show an attention-grabbing reference level as soon as Kia Australia will get its fingers soiled with an area experience and dealing with tune, however given earlier type we count on enchancment on what’s already a reasonably stable package deal.
Complaints? Highway noise may very well be higher, and we didn’t actually get a gauge of what base fashions with smaller wheels and fewer equipment will probably be like. That may all want to attend till the native launch in March or April 2025.
Some might also discover the virtually robotic design cues a polarising, and there’s a restricted variety of colors to go along with the shades of gray and beige out there.
Right here’s hoping the Frost Blue, Aventurine Inexperienced and Terracotta Pink all make it to Australia – similar goes for the totally different inside choices.
All instructed although, that is one thing to stay up for. Deliver on 2025.
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MORE: The whole lot Kia EV3
