Published
on 22
Jan 2025
|
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
Kia's
first dedicated EV for mainstream buyers is a solid effort.
|
|
Kia’s first step in the EV
market was the electric version of Niro crossover, which was quite
popular globally in the past few years. However, when more and more
competitors entered the market, it sees the need to develop a dedicated
EV in order to optimize everything: space efficiency, weight, cost,
energy efficiency… so here comes the EV3.
The EV3 sits under EV5, EV6 and EV9 as the most accessible member of
the EV family. It is sized to be a compact family hatchback, or
C-segment, rivalling the likes of VW ID.3, Renault Megane and a bunch
of cheap Chinese EVs. At 4.3 meters long and 1.85 meters wide, it is
right-sized. Expectedly, the EV platform allows shorter overhangs due
to lack of engine and exhaust, so it boasts a rather long wheelbase at
2680 mm. The car is also pretty tall at 1570 mm, allowing it to dress
itself like an SUV. No, it is not a real SUV, of course, as it lacks
offroad and towing capabilities and the majority of models are strictly
front-wheel-drive. It is actually a tall-body family hatch.
Exterior styling bears strong family resemblance to EV9, which means a
stylish and characterful look, with some flavors of Land Rover. It is
not as sporty or eye-catching as EV6, but that is to be expected for a
compact car that needs to maximize interior space.
|
|
Good-looking,
spacious and comfortable, if not particularly keen to steer.
|
|
The interior also shares the same design theme with other EV family
members. It emphasizes space and simplicity. A flat panel houses both
instrument and touchscreen, but thankfully it keeps some crucial
physical switches and rotary knob at the lower dashboard for
controlling audio and HVAC. You will appreciate its sense of
spaciousness, thanks to an airy ambience as well as flat floor. Rear
passengers enjoy generous legroom, and they can fit their feet under
the front seats, something not many EVs running skateboard platform can
match. The infotainment system is responsive and easy enough to use.
The graphics are crisped. The materials used throughout the cabin is
decent. Entry-level models use a lot of hard plastics, understandably,
but they feel sturdy and well screwed together, and it uses a lot of
recycled materials. Top GT-Line models uses more soft-touch plastics
and fabrics to match their prices. At the back, the boot is quite large
at 460 liters, although some of which is hidden under a false floor.
Despite a boxy shape, its surfaces are well polished and covered to
achieve a good Cd of 0.26, which helps boosting energy efficiency and
range. The EV3 is said to share the EV6 and EV9’s E-GMP platform, but I
don’t believe, because for cost reasons it is downgraded from 800 to
400V. This limits its charging speed as well, reaching only 102kW or
128kW depending on battery capacity. Speaking of the latter, there are
two sizes to chose from: 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh, both are slightly more
generous than what Volkswagen group is offering. The smaller battery
has a WLTP range of 436 km (271 miles), while the larger battery boosts
that to a remarkable 605 km (376 miles), so you can expect a real world
range of 480 km. Opt for the GT model which comes with long-range
battery, 19-inch wheels and grippier (but no wider) tires will cut that
to 563 km (350 miles). As for prices, the range starts from
£33,000 for standard battery or £36,000 for large battery,
topping £40K for GT-Line model. Not particularly cheap, but
competitive against VW group cars considering the range and equipment
it offers.
|
|
Airy cabin
offers space and easy-to-use infotainment system, keeps some physical
switches.
|
|
No matter which battery, the EV3’s front-mounted motor produces 204
horsepower and 209 pound-foot of torque, so the entry-level model is
actually slightly quicker, doing 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The GT-line
with larger battery and more equipment carries 85 kg more, so it takes
4/10ths longer. All versions are capped at 106 mph. A twin-motor GT
model will be added later, but don[‘t expect it to be a bargain.
As for charging performance, although the rated DC charging speed is
unremarkable, the Kia can work near its maximum charge rate for longer
time than many rivals, so a typical charge from 10-80 percent takes
half an hour, more or less the same as its rivals.
On the road, the EV3 does not sets new standards for performance, ride
or handling, but it is a well-balanced package. The acceleration is
brisk enough no matter in town or on highway. The range is long enough
not to worry about when flooring down the throttle. The regenerative
braking level is adjustable to allow one-pedal driving, while brake
feel is one of the most natural among cheap EVs.
The EV3 offers decent grip, body control and stability without being
remarkable. It is a typical family hatch designed to be safe and easy
to drive. Not particularly agile or communicative to push, but most
controls feels well weighted and linear. On standard 17-inch wheels the
ride is pretty comfortable, especially strong at dealing with large
intrusions. However, GT-line with 19-inch wheels suffers a lot more on
surface imperfections, failing to filter them out as well as European
rivals. In fact, cheaper trim levels, no matter with which battery,
feel nicer to drive and more sensible on your pocket. The EV3 is more
about comfort and practicality instead of driving thrills, with the
bonus of a stylish look.
|
Verdict:  |
|
