Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the EV3, their third fully electric model. Aimed at one of the fastest-growing segments, the car will compete against the SMART #1, Volvo EX30, and Skoda Elroq. InstaAutoVlog’s Irwin’s first impression? It’s best in class.
This article in short:
- Dimensions and design: The Kia EV3 is compact and spacious
- Range and batteries: choice of 436 km (58.3 kWh) or 605 km (81.4 kWh) range
- Charging: Fast charging from 10-80 percent in 30 minutes, charging cable can be stored in the frunk
- Driving behavior: comfortable cruiser with good insulation and adaptive Koni dampers
- Disadvantages: no heat pump available in the Netherlands
- Technology: renewed i-Pedal and efficient energy performance with 16.3 kWh/100 km consumption
Real electric car
The new Kia EV3 is 4.3 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.55 meters high. Its wheelbase is the same as that of the Sportage but is shorter than that of the Niro EV, another electric Kia that essentially operates in the same class. Kia saw room for improvement since the Niro EV is also available as a hybrid and even a plug-in hybrid.
Range up to 605 kilometers
The Kia EV3 has two battery packs and one electric motor and versions: Air, Plus, Plus Advanced, GT-Line, and GT-PlusLine. , and GT-PlusLine. The standard battery is 58.3kWh and of 436 kilometers. The 81.4kWh battery promises a maximum driving range of 605 kilometers. The electric motor has 204 hp and 286Nm.
No heat pump is possible
One point of criticism is that Kia Nederland does not supply a heat pump. This technology is supplied in all countries around us, whether as part of the equipment or optionally available, but it is not even offered here as an option. This is a mistake since a heat pump is more economical than conventional heating.
Up to 1251 litres of luggage space
The Kia EV3 offers a comfortable and spacious interior that is reminiscent of a compact EV9. The seats are comfortable, although the shoulder support could be better. Thanks to the flat floor, there is sufficient space, both in the front and in the back. The boot space varies from 360 liters standard to 460 liters with the floor in the lowest position. With the seats completely folded down, the maximum capacity is 1251 liters. For the charging cable, there is a practical storage space of 25 liters in the frunk.
Charge in half an hour
Charging is via an 11kW 3-phase on-board charger (a 22kW charger will be available from 2026) and fast charging is available with 101 or 128 kW depending on the battery size. Kia states that a 10-80% charge is possible in around 30 minutes.
Koni adaptive dampers
While driving, the excellent sound insulation of the Kia EV3 is immediately noticeable. Both wind and rolling noises remain subtly in the background. The driving behavior is comfortable, partly thanks to the use of Frequency Selective Dampers (Koni). The body remains stable and responds smoothly to unevenness in the road surface. This makes the EV3 a pleasant car for both urban use and longer trips outside built-up areas.
Renewed i-Pedal
The EV3 is also convincing in the refinement of the technology. From the renewed i-Pedal function to the 204 hp engine and the steering character. The EV3 is a pretty pleasant car to drive. The first impression about the energy consumption is also encouraging, as was evident from the test drives with the GT-PlusLine and large battery. The consumption was 16.3 kWh / 100 km and that does not differ much from the factory specification.
Kia EV3 video
Want to know more about the new Kia EV3, such as its driving characteristics and why it is the new market leader?
