Kia EV3 Electric SUV Launched in South Korea, Priced Equivalent to Rs 25.60 Lakh

Following its debut last month, Kia has now revealed the prices for the compact EV3 in South Korea. The entry-level electric SUV's starting price is KRW 42.08 million, without tax benefits (around Rs 25.60 lakh). It is smaller than its larger siblings, the EV5 and EV6, with measurements of 4,300mm in length, 1,850mm in width, and 1,560mm in height. The Kia EV3 is built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and has only a front-wheel drive electric powertrain. Right now, it is unclear if the SUV will make it to the Indian shores. However, if it does, the Hyundai Creta, the Volkswagen Taigun, the Skoda Kushaq, and the Kia Seltos will be among its competitors in the segment. 

Also Read: Sonet, Seltos and More Help Kia India Register 3.9% Year-on-Year Sales Growth in May

Kia EV3: Exterior and Interior 

The new EV3 is based on the company's award-winning 'Opposites United' design philosophy. It features star map LED DRLs, vertically mounted small ice-cube projector LED headlights, blacked-out pillars, a shark-fin antenna, a roof spoiler, a robust tailgate with L-shaped LED taillamps, and chunky alloy wheels. Kia offers seven different colour options for the exterior. 

The interior of the electrified SUV is spacious, with an approximately 30-inch widescreen display that consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, and a 5.0-inch AC panel. There are buttons on the steering for several operations, including navigation, drive mode, cruise control, and entertainment. In addition, a multitude of buttons for media, maps, and vehicle settings are located beneath the main screen. 

The compact SUV's interior, similar to other Kia models, features a variety of eco-friendly materials. While Recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is used on the seats, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board, the recycled cloth is applied on the dashboard and door trimmings. The electric SUV comes equipped with a host of comfort features such as a sliding table, seats with a fold-back relaxation mode, and the largest luggage space in the class (25 litres at the front and 460 litres at the rear).

Also Read: Kia Carens Surpasses 1.50 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone in 27 Months of India Launch

Kia EV3: Powertrain

The EV3 offers two battery options: 58.3kWh (standard edition) and 81.4kWh (Long Range variant). The former has a certified range of 350 kilometres, while the latter offers a range of 501 kilometres. With a front-axle-mounted electric motor (201bhp/283Nm), the versions can go from 0-100km/hr in 7.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 170km/h. The base model can be fully charged from 10% to 80% in 29 minutes using a 350-kW fast charger. For the same, the long-range variant takes 31 minutes.