The 2024 Kia EV3 launches as the brand’s new compact EV SUV – up to 600 km range; 204 PS; Competitor of Volvo EX30
After a few gentle teasers, Kia has officially launched a completely new car model EV3. The Korean brand’s latest electric vehicle (EV) participates EV5, EV6 And EV9 is a compact SUV that will go on sale in its home country in July, followed by Europe and other regions starting sales from the second half of the year.
First previewed by an identically named concept last October, the EV3 is built on E-GMP (Global Electrical Module Platform) but does not have 800V architecture like EV6 and EV9. Instead, it follows the EV5 by using a 400V architecture, allowing for DC fast charging so it can get the 81.4 kWh battery from a 10-80% state of charge in about 31 minutes.
When fully charged, the EV3 has a range of up to 600 km according to WLTP standards, but remember that the figures mentioned so far only apply to the Long Range variant. There’s also a Standard Range model with a 58.3 kWh battery that has a shorter range.
In its pre-launch press conference, Kia said the company used nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry for the battery instead of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) because the former offers better power output and has a longer lifespan. longer lifespan. Full charging details were not provided but the EV3 is said to come with a vehicle charging system (V2L) and will certainly support AC charging.
Regardless of the battery type chosen, both variants share the same electric motor, mounted at the front rather than the rear. Power output is 204 PS (201 horsepower or 150 kW) and torque of 283 Nm, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.
The EV3 is equipped with eDTVC (Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control) to ensure optimal traction on the move, while a new piece of Kia technology coming here is i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking, essentially driving with one pedal with different levels of adjustment for the vehicle. driver.
In terms of dimensions, the EV3 is 4,300 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,560 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. For context, that’s the size of one Volvo EX30 and the current Honda HR-V we have back home. The SUV also has a 25-litre boot and a 460-litre boot, the latter said to be best in class, and features an adjustable two-tier luggage board with a flexible loading height of 140mm.
If you find the EV5 and EV9 appealing to look at, the EV3 will probably be on your good list too. Appearing as the “EV9 baby,” Kia’s latest model adopts Opposites United’s design philosophy and features boxy rear fenders, a sloping roofline, and a sturdy stance. Despite its stout shape, the drag coefficient (Cd) is only 0.263.
Meanwhile, the ‘Tiger Face Star Map’ features daytime running lights reminiscent of constellations with light bars surrounding the main headlight cluster carrying a number of individual diodes.
The closed grille is also part of the front of the car with a two-bumper design. The base version has a large lower intake that is covered and connected by black trim with a series of vertical bars. Go for the GT-Line and it’s a design that appears to be inspired by the EV6, with “ivory-like” detailing on either side of a large black section with small cutouts.
Prominent rockers are replicated at the rear of the GT-Line to frame the license plate, while the base model is less expressive. Both have similar tail lights that mimic the DRLs seen at the front. For the EV3, Kia is offering 9 body colors, including two exclusive colors: Aventurine Green and Terracotta.
Moving inside, we notice the minimalist dashboard design doesn’t stray too far from what we saw in the concept. The air vents are positioned in a single file to simulate a full-width look and have the effect of separating the dashboard into two sections, the bottom of which houses the physical controls for the air conditioning system in Between the central air vents is a simple multimedia volume control. .
Above that is a nearly 30-inch wide screen, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 5-inch air conditioning touch panel.
The setup is the same as what you’d find on the EV9 and aims to enhance ergonomics and ease of use along with the multi-button steering wheel lifted straight from the latest EV6. Buyers can also opt for a 12-inch head-up display that projects information onto the windshield to minimize driver distraction.
Recycled materials are used for many parts of the cabin, accompanied by Air, Earth and Water trims. There are also several color themes to choose from, including Subtle Grey, Warm Grey, Blue and Onyx Black, the last of which is exclusive to the GT-Line.
For practicality, the center console incorporates a sliding table and storage area along with a number of driving-related controls. There’s also under-dash storage for large items such as a small backpack, while other notable features include ambient lighting and reclining seats with foldable.
As for the infotainment system, it integrates LG’s Automotive Content Platform (ACP) powered by webOS to enable gaming and content consumption in the car, complemented by an audio system Harman Kardon. The infotainment system also features configurable themes (available for purchase through the Kia Connect Store) and another first for the Kia EV, the AI assistant.
There is no shortage of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) on the EV3, with available features being Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Avoidance Assist reverse parking collision and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
What do you think about the Kia EV3? Do you like the way it looks and what do you think of its range and included technology? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
Kia EV3
Kia EV3 GT-Line
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