Compact in size yet spacious and packed with convenient features. It feels like the confident David standing tall in front of Goliath. We met Kia’s small electric SUV ‘EV3’ at Kia’s Unplugged Seongsu on the 22nd.
Despite being a compact model, the front end features a smooth surface treatment on the hood and bumper, showcasing a lively contour. The star map signature lighting and vertically arranged headlights create a face reminiscent of ‘Kia’s iconic tiger face’. At the rear, the star map signature lighting flows beautifully along with the rear glass, extending to the ends of the vehicle.
Measuring 4,300 x 1,850 x 1,560 mm, the roofline starting from the A-pillar tilts towards the D-pillar, showcasing the dynamic character of the EV3. The wheelbase stretches to 2,680 mm. Sitting in the second row offers ample space, allowing a fist’s worth of legroom in front and similarly above headroom. The absence of a center tunnel ensures a flat floor. Even in the central seat of the second row, there’s sufficient headroom and no discomfort at all. The EV3 may be small, but it reveals a spacious interior, demonstrating that even compact cars can serve as family vehicles.
The dashboard features a 12.3-inch driver display, a 5-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch center display seamlessly integrated together. No need to look up and down; now you can check the car’s status at a glance. With the ccNc (connected car Navigation cockpit) system, you can enjoy OTT video services. Videos can be played on the 12.3-inch center display, providing a brief escape from boredom while stationary.
Despite being a small car, it boasts abundant convenience features. The front row is equipped with a sliding console table that can extend 120 mm towards the front. In addition, the front seats are relaxation seats, while the second row features reclining seats.
Moreover, a wireless smartphone charging pad and a large storage compartment with cup holders have been added for practicality. To showcase its commitment to sustainability, Kia has implemented essential recycled materials. Recycled plastic has been added to the black cladding along the vehicle’s wheel arches. Additionally, recycled fabric has been finished on the crash pad and door trim, creating a cozy and upscale atmosphere.
The EV3 offers both a long-range model equipped with an 81.4KWh battery and a standard model featuring a 58.4KWh battery. The long-range model showcases a maximum output of 150KW (203.9 horsepower) and a peak torque of 283Nm (28.9 kg-m). This long-range model can achieve a maximum driving distance of 501 km, easily covering a trip from Seoul to Haenam (432 km) and beyond.
The most critical aspect is the price. At the online announcement on the 21st, Kia’s Song Ho-sung stated, “For the basic standard model, we will set the price in the mid-30 million KRW range after subsidies,” expressing hopes for the popularization of electric vehicles.
The EV3 will begin pre-orders in June and will be delivered to customers starting in July. As electric vehicles have mostly disappeared from consumers’ purchase lists due to high prices, all eyes will be on whether the Kia EV3 can truly open the door to the popularization of electric vehicles.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr
