Kia EV3 available with two range options
Details of the Kia EV3 have emerged following Kia EV Day 2024 held in Taipei, Taiwan. Retaining the boxy form of the concept EV3 unveiled last year, the compact EV is a key vehicle in Kia’s strategy for a strong presence in the small EV segment.
The Kia EV3 is 4300mm long with a wheelbase of 2680mm. The height is 1560mm while the width is 1850mm. The boot capacity is 460 litres.
The EV3 has a boxy shape with vertical headlamps positioned at far ends of the front create an impression of width. The signature Kia Tiger face is formed by the planes of the front bonnet and the vertically arranged daytime running lights on the front fascia. There is a long sloping roofline leading to a hatchback-style tailgate. The surface of the sides is plain but the black wheel arches give it a distinctive and muscular side view. The bold black trim lines are a significant design element as they frame and draw the eye across the angular body and give the EV3 a purposeful stance. The geometric rear lamps are flush with the tailgate glass. They run along the glass panel before curving down along the flanks of the C-pillars, which like the front, emphasises the width of the SUV and gives it a predatory stance.
The interior of the EV3 looks and feels spacious because of the light through the panoramic glass roof and light-coloured interior materials and upholstery. The pared down but functional interior design gives it a space-age ambience. A single glass panel houses the screens for the instrument panel and infotainment. The audio system is Harman Kardon which provides a home cinema experience while on the road. The dashboard has horizontal air vents along the length which adds to the impression of width and spaciousness.
There are buttons on the steering wheel to access functions like drive mode, cruise control and navigation.
Very conveniently, there are physical tabs to adjust climate control, including vent angles, in the middle of the dashboard. The traditional centre console area is a recessed open space with a chrome yellow multifunctional tray with cupholders. The vibrant colour is like a splash of energy in an otherwise overly tranquil environment. There are also vertical satinised strips on the doors that provide textural contrast and visual interest.
Above the centre console, the arm rest between the front seats has buttons feature such as Auto Hold, parking camera, parking sensors and hill descent control. It also houses an extendable tray that slides out. There are ventilated seats for the front as well as rear passengers. The boot is 460 litres but the foldable rear seats increase this to more than double. There is also a frunk which provides an additional 25 litres.
The EV3 will be available in two range options. The shorter range with a battery capacity of 58.3kWh is capable of delivering 436km while the longer range manages 605km from a 81.4kWh battery. These are WLTP figures. Both produce a maximum power of 150kW and 283Nm of torque.
The long range goes from zero to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds while the short range does it in 7.5 seconds.
DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes around 30 minutes for both long and short range variants.
The Kia EV3’s competitors in Malaysia for this size range are the Volvo EX30 and the soon-to-launch Zeekr X.
Video to be added soon.
