Kia has revealed details for the new EV3, which arrives later this year with up to 372 miles of range and expected sub-£30k pricing.

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Intended to spur EV accessibility, the Volvo EX30 rival will also shake up the electric vehicle compact SUV segment with its bold design and advanced technology, alongside its best-in-class range and fast charging.

Ho Sung Song, president and CEO at Kia, said: “By providing groundbreaking design, an industry-leading electric drivetrain, and practical, innovative lifestyle solutions, the EV3 aims to extend Kia’s exceptional EV SUV experience to a wider audience. With a WLTP driving range of up to 600km and fast-charging capability, the EV3 addresses common concerns about electric vehicles. It will reassure those who may have been hesitant to make the switch to electric mobility and will lead the mass adoption of EVs.”

Initially unveiled in concept guise at the brand’s first annual EV Day in October, it’s a key model in Kia’s electrification plans. The South Korean carmaker is expanding its EV line-up to 15 fully electric models by 2027, up from the previous figure of 14 and supporting existing plans for 1.6 million EV sales in 2030, while also growing its hybrid line-up to cater for rising demand there.

Also being joined by the upcoming EV5 SUV, EV4 saloon and EV2 city car, the EV3 will sit alongside the existing EV6 and EV9 to “offer more people greater options and access to EVs”. It’s also not expected to supplant the existing Niro EV SUV, despite being similar in size, as the latter model typically sees higher demand for its hybrid version and the EV3 will offer more choice for drivers.

Looks and technology are taken from the flagship EV9 but Kia says the EV3 carves out its own identity and brings a unique, immersive experience to the compact EV SUV sector.

The front-wheel drive electric powertrain is based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) used for other Kia and Hyundai models such as the EV6, and features fourth-generation battery technology using NMC battery chemistry.

The initial line-up will include an EV3 Standard model, offered exclusively with a 58.3kWh battery and delivering 254 miles of range, while the EV3 Long Range variant is fitted with an 81.4kWh battery, enabling the longer 372-mile official range.

Both models feature a 204hp (150kW) electric motor with 283Nm of torque and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. Top speed is 105mph (170km/h).

The line-up will expand later and is expected to include a performance-focused GT model.

The EV3 is the first model to benefit from Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving.

The lower 400V battery architecture compared to the 800V set-up for the EV6 and EV9 means the EV3 won’t be able to charge as fast as its larger EV siblings, but will still enable 10-80% in around 31 minutes. The EV3 will also be capable of bi-directional charging and offer vehicle-to-load functionality – delivering a segment first.

Design is based on Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy and echoes many features of the EV9 while adding in a new interpretation of the brand’s Tiger Face design that incorporates its latest Star Map signature lighting concept. As with the EV9, it also features enhanced body aerodynamics, delivering an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.263Cd.

Thanks to a design approach of a long wheelbase with short overhangs and wheels in corners, the EV3 interior delivers plenty of room for five people, plus a sliding table integrated in the front console and a 25-litre frunk and 460-litre boot. Said to bring the largest luggage space in its class, the boot also comes with an adjustable two-tier luggage board to give load height flexibility.

Technology has clear links with Kia’s flagship EV9 and includes a suite of connectivity and entertainment features. A Premium Streaming service will provide various streamable content and Kia also offers arcade games, allowing occupants to enjoy in-car gaming. The EV3’s Harman Kardon audio system is said to deliver an experience akin to a home cinema.

The EV3 also enables occupants to personalise their vehicle’s dashboard and infotainment system with NBA team-inspired Display Themes.

The cabin also comes with a near-30-inch combined widescreen display – including two 12.3-inch displays and a 5-inch air-conditioning panel. A 12-inch head-up display will also be available. Kia says it’s removed as many buttons as possible but has kept a row of controls below the central screen for essential functions. Many of the EV3’s functions, including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation, can be accessed and controlled via steering wheel buttons.

It’s also the first EV model to feature Kia’s AI Assistant technology, due to roll out to other models and using generative AI to advance interaction with the vehicle and functions, including entertainment and information search.

Advanced driving assistance systems include electric dynamic torque vectoring control, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, highway driving assist, and reverse parking collision-avoidance assist.

Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist enables owners to manoeuvre the EV3 into and out of tight spaces without the driver having to sit in the vehicle.

The EV3 will arrive first in Korea in July 2024, followed by its European launch in the second half of the year and subsequent rollout to other regions.

Prices will be announced closer to launch.