After the success of the EV6 and EV9, the Korean company is hoping to make it three in a row with models from its battery-powered sub-brand. By John Challen.

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WHAT IS IT? Compact electric SUV    HOW MUCH? from £32,995     RANGE? 270-375 miles

How long to charge 10-80%? Standard range: 29 minutes (100.7kW DC charger); Long range: 31 minutes (127.5kW DC charger)

Kia continues to be on a roll with its burgeoning vehicle line-up and it’s looking well-placed to hit 112,000 sales in 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, the EV3 represents what Kia believes will be its best-selling EV in its portfolio, with a target of more than 10,200 sales (68% of which are expected to be to fleets) for its first full year. The new compact SUV is clearly an important car for Kia – which now has a 49% ‘electrified’ sales split – and it certainly hits the mark in terms of carrying on the good work that was started by its larger EV6 and EV9 siblings.

We trialled two of the three grades on offer, with the volume product in the fleet market expect to be the GT-Line (accounting for 56%, with entry level Air 16% and range-topping GT Line S at 28%). This mid-range EV3 is well equipped (see details below), although it only offers one of the two battery pack options – an 81.4kWh pack as the long-range option, producing up to 367 miles WLTP. The other ‘standard range’ option is a 58.3kWh pack (270 miles WLTP) and is available on the Air, which also has the bigger battery, the available mileage of which is slightly more than on the GT-Line, at 375 miles (WLTP). These are some pretty impressive numbers as some drivers still search to maximise their EV driving ranges.

The overall appearance takes inspiration from the larger EV9, especially the lights, with a choice of seven colours and some aerodynamically enhanced features such as flush door handles.

Inside, the materials feel high quality, there’s a good mix of controls on the screens as well as physical buttons – including the clearly positioned ones for seat and steering wheel heating, which are set next to the door handle. There are two 12.3-inch screens – driver cockpit and central touchscreen – and a 5.3-inch climate control separate screen. That might sound like a lot of displays, but they don’t come across as imposing. Depending on the grade, there’s a two- or three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which enables a lot of tasks to be carried out, including the driving mode (the choice of eco, sport, normal My Drive and snow is available). That steering wheel and the seats are easily adjustable and it’s a comfortable place to be. The rear seats might be a bit of a squeeze for taller rear passengers – and the aperture of rear door isn’t particularly wide – but it’s not cramped.

All EV3s have a wide range of safety features as standard, including highway driving assist, blindspot collision avoidance, intelligent speed limit assist, lane follow assist (with hands-on detection) and multi-collision brake assist. Our car also had a driver monitoring function that warned you – a little prematurely, in some cases – when your eyes deviate from the road.

Functional highlights include four USB-C charging points (two each, front and rear) and an extra one for connecting a media device. The boot space is generous (including a good area of storage underneath the floor panel. In total, with the seats down, there is 1,250 litres to play with – and 460 with the seats in their natural position.

Which model is right for you?

There’s plenty of choice with the EV3 – three grades (Air, GT-Line and GL-Line S) and five different variants. All models offer the long-range battery, while the Air has a standard range option and the GT-Line S has a long-range option with heat pump.

Even in base Air spec, (starting at £32,995) there is a generous amount of equipment, including 17-inch alloys, dual 12.3-inch driver and touchscreen displays, front and rear parking sensors, rear camera and heated front seats and steering wheel. ADAS options include collision avoidance tech and highway assist.

Move up to the GT-Line (starts at £39,495) and there are bigger wheels (19-inchers), artificial leather seats, privacy glass, wireless phone charging and LED headlights. Other standard items over the Air include driver lumbar support, automatic flush door handles and a digital key. Kia says it expects the bulk of orders to be for GT-Line models.

The range-topping GT-Line S (from £42,995) adds in heated rear seats and ventilation to the front ones. There’s also a powered tailgate, 360° surround view monitor and head-up display. Other standard features include memory seats, a sunroof, upgraded stereo system and an optional heat pump.

The Verdict

It’s probably not surprising that the EV3 is an impressive vehicle, given that the two larger models in Kia’s ‘EV’ series have been so well received over the past couple of years. The Koreans have stuck with a tried-and-tested formula on a smaller scale, with a quality interior, decent performance (from both powertrains) and loads of miles from a full charge.

Dynamically, it fares well too – the steering has plenty of feel and the ride is complaint, even when switching to Sport mode. It’s not on the level of a driver’s car – who knows if there will be an EV3 GT? – but it certainly isn’t dull, either.

Kia says that the EV3 will be its best-selling EV and, given its track record with the rest of its electric offerings, who are we to doubt the company?

The Lowdown

Key fleet model: GT-Line

Thumbs up: Performance, interior quality, ride

Thumbs down: rear passenger space, strong competition

Seven-word summary: An excellent addition to Kia’s EV line-up

Also consider: Cupra Born, Škoda Elroq, Volkswagen ID.3