After some gentle teasing, Kia has formally unveiled the all-new EV3. The South Korean model’s newest electrical car (EV) joins the EV5, EV6 and EV9 as a compact SUV that may go on sale in its residence nation in July, with Europe and different areas set to comply with from the second half of this yr.
First previewed by an identically named idea final October, the EV3 is constructed on the E-GMP (Electrical-International Modular Platform) however doesn’t get an 800V structure just like the EV6 and EV9. As a substitute, it follows the EV5 through the use of a 400V structure, which permits a DC quick charging that may get the 81.4-kWh battery from a 10-80% state of cost in about 31 minutes.
Totally charged, the EV3 delivers as much as 600 km of vary following the WLTP normal, however keep in mind the figures talked about thus far solely apply to the Lengthy Vary variant. There’s additionally a Customary Vary mannequin with a 58.3-kWh battery which will get much less vary.
In a media briefing previous to the debut, Kia mentioned the corporate went with a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) chemistry for the battery as an alternative of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as a result of the previous provided higher energy outputs and had an extended lifespan. Full charging particulars weren’t supplied however the EV3 is claimed to return with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system and will certainly help AC charging.
Whatever the battery chosen, each variants share the identical electrical motor, which is mounted on the entrance as an alternative of the rear. Outputs are 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 283 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of seven.5 seconds and prime velocity of 170 km/h.
The EV3 will get eDTVC (Electrical Dynamic Torque Vectoring Management) to make sure optimum traction on the transfer, whereas a brand new piece of Kia tech to debut right here is i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking, basically one-pedal driving with completely different ranges of adjustment out there to the motive force.
By way of dimensions, the EV3 measures 4,300 mm lengthy, 1,850 mm large, 1,560 mm tall and packs a wheelbase of two,680 mm. For context, that’s concerning the dimension of a Volvo EX30 and the present Honda HR-V we now have again residence. The SUV additionally has a 25-litre frunk and a 460-litre boot, the latter mentioned to be greatest in its class and with an adjustable two-tier baggage board with 140 mm of load peak flexibility.
Should you discovered the EV5 and EV9 interesting to have a look at, the EV3 will probably be in your good books as effectively. Showing as a kind of “child EV9”, Kia’s newest adopts the Opposites United design philosophy and options boxy rear fenders, a sloping roofline in addition to a strong stance. Regardless of the chunky form, the drag coefficient (Cd) is quoted at simply 0.263.
In the meantime, the ‘Tiger Face Star Map’ carries a daytime working gentle signature harking back to constellations that has gentle bars wrapping round the primary headlamp clusters that carry a number of particular person diodes.
A closed-off grille can be a part of the entrance finish, which will get two bumper designs. The bottom model has its decrease consumption giant coated up and is joined by black trim with an array of vertical slats. Go along with the GT-Line and it’s a design that appears to be impressed by the EV6, with “tusk-like” components on both aspect of a giant black part with small cutouts.
The outstanding bookends are replicated on the rear of the GT-Line to border the quantity plate, whereas the bottom mannequin is much less expressive. Each get the identical taillights which mimic the DRLs seen up entrance. For the EV3, Kia is providing 9 physique colors, together with two unique ones referred to as Aventurine Inexperienced and Terracotta.
Transferring inside, we discover a minimalistic dashboard design that doesn’t stray too removed from what we noticed within the idea. The air vents are positioned in a single file to simulate a full-width look and act to separate the sprint into two sections, with the underside having bodily controls for the air-conditioning system whereas between the central air vents is an easy media quantity management.
Above that’s virtually 30 inches of display screen actual property, together with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a five-inch air-conditioning contact panel.
This setup is like what you’d discover within the EV9 and is supposed to advertise ergonomics and ease of use together with the multi-button steering wheel that’s lifted straight from the newest EV6. Patrons can even choice a 12-inch head-up show that initiatives info on the windshield to minimise driver distraction.
Recycled supplies are used for a lot of elements of the cabin, which comes with Air, Earth and Water trim finishes. There are additionally a number of color themes to select from, together with Delicate Gray, Heat Gray, Blue and Onyx Black, the final of which is a GT-Line unique.
For practicality, the centre console incorporates a sliding desk and storage space along with a number of driving-related controls. There’s additionally storage underneath the console for gadgets as giant as a small backpack, whereas different notable options embody ambient lighting and seats that include a fold-back leisure mode.
As for the infotainment system, it integrates LG’s Automotive Content material Platform (ACP) powered by webOS to allow in-car gaming and content material consumption, complemented by a Harman Kardon sound system. The infotainment additionally has configurable themes (purchasable by means of the Kia Join Retailer) and one other first for a Kia EV, an AI assistant.
No scarcity of superior driver help programs (ADAS) with the EV3 both, with out there options being Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help, Lane Holding Help, Freeway Driving Help, Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Help and Distant Good Parking Help.
What do you consider the Kia EV3? Do you want the best way it seems and what do you consider the vary and tech it comes with? Share your ideas with us within the feedback under.
Kia EV3
Kia EV3 GT-Line
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