The Kia EV3 has finally marked its arrival in the South Korean market with a global debut. It is Kia's entry-level born EV (electric vehicle) in the international lineup. It will initially go on sale in Korea, with other markets to follow. Like Kia's flagship EV9, the EV3 compact EV embodies a new design on the lines of Kia's 'Opposites United' styling philosophy. Kia's Head of Design Karim Habib says the car combines playful design and thoughtful functionality.
Speaking of the design, the Kia EV3's striking front end incorporates angular headlamps flanking a closed-off grille. The headlamps feature the signature 'Star Map' lighting, which forms the vehicle's Tiger Face. The Star Map lighting with angular lines can be found at the back as well. This, combined with boxy rear fenders and tailgate, contributes to the vehicle's high-tech look. When viewed from the side, the design treatment of the Kia EV3's exterior produces a sloping, sleek roofline, as well as squared wheel arches and chunky alloys.
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Kia EV3 Compact EV: Dimensions, Platform
Being a compact EV, the dimensions of the EV3 are shorter than the EV5 and the EV6. The compact EV measures 4,300mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,560mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm. Unlike the EV9, the Kia EV3 is available only with a front-wheel drive electric powertrain based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
Kia EV3 Compact EV: Battery, Range
The platform offers two battery options for the EV3 – a 58.3kWh for the standard variant and an 81.4kWh for the Long Range (LR) variant. Kia estimates a range of up to 600km (WLTP) for the LR variant.
Both variants get a 201bhp/283Nm electric motor, resulting in a 0–100km/h time of 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 170km/h. Rather than an 800V system, Kia has employed the 400V electrical architecture in the EV3 to keep costs down. As a result, charging time is almost 31 minutes (10–80 per cent).
Kia EV3 Compact EV: Interior, Features
Thanks to a long wheelbase and short overhangs, the Kia EV3 offers a spacious cabin where you can find an almost 30-inch widescreen display – consisting of a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 5.0-inch AC panel. Then, there are steering wheel-mounted buttons for several functions (including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation), along with a host of buttons below the central screen for mapping, media, and vehicle system configuration.
The interior of the new Kia EV3 follows the design direction laid down by other newer Kia electric vehicles, albeit with minimalism. Kia says the electric vehicle features a new CMF design theme, where CMF stands for Colours, Materials, and Finishes, drawing on Air, Earth, and Water elements. Options include Subtle Grey, Warm Grey, and Blue, while Onyx Black is limited to the GT-line trim.
Like other Kias, there are various sustainable materials used in the EV3’s interior, including recycled fabric on the dashboard and door trims, and recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) on the seats, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board. Conveniences include the class-first largest luggage space (25 litres at the front and 460 litres at the rear), a sliding table, and ultra-comfortable seats with a fold-back relaxation mode.
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Kia EV3 Compact EV: Tech, Safety Kit
Despite being compact, the Kia EV3 is a comprehensively equipped SUV offering high-tech features, such as advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), remote smart parking assist, a 12-inch head-up display, i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking, digital key 2.0, and vehicle-to-load (V2L). A suite of connectivity and entertainment options include a Harman Kardon audio system, Kia Connect, in-car gaming, and AI Assistant.
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