Kia Australia has confirmed that its EV3 compact battery-electric SUV will launch into the local market in 2025.
Details of the EV3 were revealed last month with Kia saying the SUV will not only share styling cues with the flagship EV9 large SUV, but much of the technology of its big brother too.
As such, the styling means the EV3 has a sculpted design, wide stance, and muscular appearance – one that will be shared across the range, including on the GT-Line, which receives some extra
tweaks for a more rugged look.
The 5-seater EV3 measures 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, 1,560mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm. A front-wheel-drive electric powertrain based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) uses Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology, with the company saying that the EV3 Standard model has a 58.3kWh battery, while the EV3 Long Range variant is fitted with an 81.4kWh battery. It’s been reported a dual-motor, all-wheel drive version is on the cards.
Both the Standard and Long Range models have a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which enables a best 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. Maximum speed is 170km/h. Kia says the EV3 features enhanced body aerodynamics to deliver a drag coefficient of 0.263Cd.
The company adds that the EV3 Long Range provides an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP).
Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology is here, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking, enabling one-pedal driving. Also available is Vehicle-to-Load technology.
Availability of the EV3 features highlighted by Kia at its launch may vary by trim level and/or country, but there’s plenty to look forward to.
The interior design is one that, the company says, ‘. . . exudes an appealing living space-like ambience, designed to be enjoyed by occupants on every journey and when the vehicle is charging.’
Inside, there’s a near-30-inch widescreen display – including a 12.3-inch cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch AVN (Audio, Visual, Navigation) display. The screen also extends to the centre of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features.
Many of the EV3’s functions, including drive mode, cruise control, entertainment, and navigation, can be accessed and controlled via steering wheel buttons.
A row of buttons below the central screen operates various functions like mapping, media, and vehicle system configuration.
There’s a centre console that incorporates a sliding table and storage area. There’s adjustable ambient lighting and seats which incorporate a fold-back relaxation mode, plus a 25-liter frunk and a 460-litre rear load capacity. An adjustable two-tier luggage board provides over 140mm of load height flexibility.
The EV3 incorporates various sustainable items to accelerate sustainability at scale. Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims. while recycled PET plastic features in numerous areas of the interior, including the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.
There’s a raft of safety, driving, convenience and charging features.
The Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology includes eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. There’s Remote Smart Parking Assist and a 12-inch Head-up Display (HUD).
Kia says the EV3 is the first EV model to feature its AI Assistant technology that provides customers with new ways to interact with and control the vehicle’s features directly and intuitively. This AI makes the voice assistant more capable, enabling it to converse naturally with users. Set to be implemented in mass production in South Korea initially, Kia plans to expand AI Assistant’s domain and services in Europe.
The EV3 will be introduced first in Korea in July 2024, followed by its European launch in the second half of the year. As noted, it is scheduled to arrive in Australia in 2025 with further details on models to be revealed.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2024)
12 June 2024