Global debut of Kia's compact electric vehicle: covers 600 kilometers.
Kia is bringing the luxury of its earlier electric vehicles to the compact car sector. However, certain sacrifices need to be made in terms of technology, as fast charging is no longer an option. Regardless, the Korean carmaker is worth taking a look at.
The Kia team might raise their eyebrows when asked why the new electric compact Kia doesn't have an 800-volt electrical system. Wouldn't that be a turning point for electric mobility? The budget-conscious eco-friendly motorist dreams of being able to charge somewhat quickly.
Or maybe not? Kia argues that most drivers in this country wouldn't travel far anyway. True, that's how it is. Yet, Kia is putting a halt on any enthusiasm. The EV3 will be able to sprint with a maximum of 128 or 102 kW (with a smaller battery). However, it depends on the charging curve, but for now the new Korean is just statically presented. So it would still be some time before the first tests.
And what the viewer gets to see in the studio for the first time dismisses all concerns about the charging issue like a violent storm. Because the 4.30-meter-long compact (wheelbase: 2.68 meters) looks really captivating. Perhaps a little too bold for traditionalists. But Kia seems to leave the conservative clientele to other brands. Here, the stylish edge triumphs, round is passé. And so the crossover, now available as a front-wheel drive model, also has a somewhat adventurous look. This is reinforced by the sporty-looking black wheel arches. In addition, its vertically arranged headlights not only match the geometric shape of the bodywork, but also show a relationship to the large EV9 SUV, from which the EV3 is essentially a smaller version.
Massive display from EV9 finds its way into the compact EV3
And in the interior? A test sit and investigation of the materials implies recycled materials, as confirmed by the press release. As for infotainment fans, they'll receive their money's worth with the mammoth double screen (30 inches) - also known from the EV6 and EV9. User-friendly: occupants won't need to delve into the depths of the menu to make adjustments for the climate control; the interface designers have left a section of the monitor free for them, which remains static. This is right in the center of the two displays, the left-hand one displays the instrument cluster with range and speed. On the right-hand side there are numerous menus and the map, for instance.
Those who still harbor a bit of conservatism will likely be content. With physical buttons. These can be found on the interior of the doors. The display car already hints at the features that will be available. These include steering wheel heating and ventilated seats. Other electric-specific options are also meant to make the EV3 future-ready. For example, the Korean offers a vehicle-to-grid function. This means it can serve as a buffer for the power grid, allowing energy providers to better balance out power fluctuations in the grid. But this is not yet possible everywhere, either.
EV3 starts with 204 hp
Let's discuss the propulsion. Opt for some options? Not yet, only 204 hp is up for grabs. An all-wheel drive is in the pipeline. It's hard to imagine that it will remain at just one power level. In any case, the compact accelerates swiftly from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. You'll also have a choice between a moderate 58 kWh and a hefty 81 kWh of electricity storage. With the latter, the EV3 should cover around 600 miles according to the WLTP. To improve efficiency, the front bumper houses active air flaps to optimize the range through short-term adjustable cooling capacity. By the way, the famous 80 percent charge is projected to take around 30 minutes, which is also fine.
Finally, a couple of treats for adult kids? The EV3 can be opened and closed using a smartphone provided you download the appropriate app. To pass the time while charging, games can be played and videos streamed on the large display. The engineers have also integrated ChatGPT into the voice control system. A practical feature is that the center armrest can also operate as a miniature extendable table - whatever you want to use it for. It will be intriguing to see whether Kia can offer the EV3 at an enticing price, perhaps thanks to less expensive lithium iron phosphate battery technology. The company probably won't withhold this information for long. After all, a number of people with a fondness for the brand are no doubt already dying to place an order, for whom the Niro offers too little and the EV6 is too pricey.
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Source: www.ntv.de
