New Kia EV3 electric SUV undercuts Renault and Cupra with £33,000 starting price

With a class-leading electric range, strong standard equipment, and the promise of an all-wheel drive model in the pipeline, Kia’s EV3 is raring to cause a ruckus in the small E-SUV segment.

Kia’s EV range just got one bigger, though its latest addition is the smallest one yet: the all-new EV3.  

Destined to take the reins from the distinctive and daring Soul EV, the EV3 looks suitably quirky with styling inspired by its EV6 and EV9 bigger brothers. But what’s it like when you peel away the eye-catching design? From range to release date, here’s all you need to know about Kia’s baby electric SUV.

What powers the Kia EV3?

Refreshingly, the range comprises of just one motor and two battery options from launch. Aside from simplifying the buying process, this easy-to-understand lineup should also cater to the needs of most small SUV buyers when it comes to performance, range, and price.

Those looking for the most affordable route to EV3 ownership will opt for the 58.3kWh battery variant – good for 267 miles of range, 201-bhp, and a punchy 7.4 second sprint to 62 mph. If you’ve got a longer commute, an 81.4kWh Long Range version gets you significantly further on a charge — at 373 miles, it beats Volvo’s EX30 and Smart’s #1 by some margin — though acceleration does suffer slightly from lugging a heavier battery pack around.  

Interestingly, Kia has opted for a front-wheel drive configuration rather than the rear-drive layout used by some rivals. As Jonny Smith discovered in his recent Honda e:NY1 road test, sending instantaneous electric torque exclusively to the front tyres can have disastrous consequences for traction. However, thanks to the ProDurable compound of the standard fit Hankook ION EVO tyres, the EV3 shouldn’t be blighted by such spontaneous wheelspin.  

Planning on using your EV3 for a spot soft roading? A range-topping, all-wheel drive model is reportedly under development, benefiting from unflappable grip and startling oomph.

Designed with Kia’s 'Opposites United' philosophy

Just like its larger EV stablemates, the EV3’s styling is sure to be divisive – and that’s something we admire. According to its maker, the EV3’s fusion of smooth and sharp lines was derived from harnessing “the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity”. And, while the end product might not be to everyone’s taste, it’s hard to argue that this bold look isn’t at least distinctive.  

Inside, things are a little more conservative. That’s not to say the EV3’s cabin is dull, though. Designed to exude a “living space-like ambiance” the cabin prioritises space and comfort above all else. Plus, whichever model you pick, it’s bristling with the latest tech and features. As standard you get not one, not two, but three screens to control everything from climate to navigation. A brace of LED exterior lights, heated seats and steering wheel, automatic air-con, and smart entry, are also completely gratis. 

How much does the EV3 cost?  

For the headline-grabbing £33,000 asking price you’ll get a base model EV3 with the smaller battery. Supplement that figure with an additional £3,000 and you can add the long-range battery with faster charging speeds. Move up another rung and you’ll get bigger alloys and tinted glass courtesy of the GT-Line trim, though you’ll have to fork out a healthy £39,500 for the privilege. Finally, those looking for all the bells and whistles should opt for the flagship GT-Line S spec, which includes all but the kitchen sink as far as gadgets go and, usefully, a heat pump to aid cold weather efficiency.  

Interested? UK order books are now open and given the EV3 offers class-leading range for less money than many key rivals — including Renault’s Meganne E-Tech and Cupra’s less practical Born — we wouldn’t be surprised if Kia’s flooded with inquiries.

Is driving range your biggest consideration when buying an E-SUV, or do you prioritise driving dynamics and styling instead? Let us know how you’d spend c.£30,000 on a small electric crossover.

Hero image credit:  Kia