There is something for Kia to celebrate with their new EV3

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Car Reviewed: Kia EV3 GT-Line

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Over the years, Kia has added 70,000 BEVs to UK roads with the EV6, Niro EV, and EV9 and now puts the compact SUV EV3 into showrooms as it plans to produce nine fully electric vehicles in the UK by 2027. That also includes at least one pure electric van which will take them into a new sector and deliver even more problems for their CV competitors.

Today’s EV3 is being launched at about the same price as the Soul EV after adjusting for inflation. It comprises not the single model of the predecessor’s series but three grades and five variants based on Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trims with 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh powertrains in the entry and top models, while the mid-range gets only the long-range pack.

The GT-Line S also gets a heat pump for optimal performance in colder weather from the bigger battery and a higher equipment specification.

All get the standard Kia 7 years and 100,000 miles transferable warranty with zero deposit finance at 3.9% APR, while existing Kia customers also benefit from a £1,000 deposit contribution.

Prices rise from £32,995 and £35,995 on Air models, £39.495 for the sole GT-Line and onto £42,995 for the top model and £43,895 for the version with the Heat Pump.

Depending on the grade and variant, charged miles run from 270 miles to at least 375 miles, with the anticipated best-selling mid-range GT-Line good for 367 miles on test.

Kia UK president Paul Philpott said at the EV3 launch in Gloucestershire they anticipated it will become their best seller, “Having repeatedly called for smaller, more affordable long-range and practical electric cars, EV3 is resounding proof that Kia has listened to this and delivered.”

Outwardly similar styling cues to the range-topping EV9 are matched inside by highlights, which could have come from the medium-sized EV6 or smaller Niro EV.

We briefly evaluated the EV3 GT-Line with 19-inch wheels, privacy glass, wireless charging and LED headlights included in its specification at just under £39,500.

It’s a lot of money, but the impression is a striking design inside and out with many practical features at your fingertips, which will be useful.

That includes five selectable driving modes to stretch economy, make the most of power underfoot, or even go gingerly on slippery surfaces, and even mix them up a bit. Using different modes over our route on country roads and lanes, we saw an indicated 304-mile range, which is very good.

It looks spacious rather than sporty and was comfortable with room for five at a push while the handling was good; even though it tended to roll around tighter turns, it stayed planted on the tarmac.

The long-range model developed 201bhp and suggests a 105mph maximum with 0-62mph taking 7.9 seconds and it should be 81% charged from 10% base in about 31 mins.

We found the Air long range to be sprightly and it felt more agile for some reason, as well as smoother riding on 17-inch as opposed to the 19-inch shod wheel and tyres of the GT-Line. Its seat trim was a more basic plain upholstery and the interior had fewer highlights on the door and fascia, but we could live with it happily.

It has a duo of 12.3-inch driver and infotainment touchscreens, which fill the fascia, heated front seats and steering wheel, parking sensors and reversing camera and numerous dynamic safety systems.

Kia hopes to sell over 10,200 EV3 models in the UK in a full year, with retail customers taking about a third and a half will be GT-Line. However, in the business and fleet/ rental sector, accounting for two-thirds of total sales, the GT-Line is likely to take over half of registrations and 28% will be the top GT-Line S, with 16% going out as Air specification for runabouts.