Kia EV3 first drive | The sensible choice

Kia’s cut-price new entrant comes with a long range, fast charging and a high specification. It’s a no-nonsense package with bundles of practicality and technology, but lacks a little flair.

Overview

Kia is no stranger to the compact electric SUV segment. We’ve already seen two generations of Niro and Soul competing in this part of the market with great success.

But competition is becoming more fierce and the need for longer ranges, faster charging and advanced technology is very apparent.

Enter the EV3. It’s part of Kia’s new-generation of models, joining the EV6 and EV9. These don’t use legacy platforms or come with the option of a petrol engine. They are ground-up EVs that sit at the forefront of the brand’s line-up.

You might think that this high-tech new model comes with a hefty price tag, but surprisingly the EV3 is cheaper than a Niro EV. Prices start at £32,995, which is also less than the old Soul EV cost.

The model range starts with Air and the choice of a 58kWh or 81kWh battery. GT Line and GT Line S versions are both available with the larger battery.

Comfort and practicality

The EV3’s compact footprint puts it in the same segment as the Hyundai Kona and VW ID3, as well as Skoda’s new Elroq. With a flat floor and a stretched wheelbase, which pushes the wheels further into the corners, the EV3 has a similar amount of interior space as a Sportage.

The layout makes the most use of available space, giving passengers plenty of room. There’s a floating centre console between the front seats. On the Air it includes a storage pocket, but GT Line models have a sliding tabletop.

Lots of the materials are recycled and sustainable, so don’t expect lashings of leather and tactile finishings. Everything feels high quality and robust, which is ideal for families, if a little utilitarian. The higher-spec models come with contrasting trim colours and artificial leather seats, which lifts the interior somewhat. Base models do feel a bit 'cheap' inside, owing to a lot of grey plastics, but for the price point it's a fair trade off.

The boot capacity it 460 litres, which is on the better end of what some larger SUVs offer. There is also a small 25-litre compartment under the bonnet, but not much can fit in there.

Safety and technology

For a smaller, and cheaper, model, the EV3 comes packed with 'big car' technology. From LED headlights and keyless entry, to wireless smartphone integration and semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control, there's an excellent array of standard kit.

The minimalist interior layout is achieved, in part, thanks to the large central touchscreen. It’s mounted on a panel at the top of the dash and blends into the instrument cluster display, giving an immersive experience.

Climate controls are split between some physical toggle-style switches beneath the central screen and a small touch display that is sandwiched between the two main screens.

The user interface is pretty easy to understand, with a tile-based arrangement to organise the various functions.

We were a little disappointed to find that settings for the many driver assistance systems are buried within the infotainment menu. There’s a huge array of standard-fit kit that will beep, bong and intervene as you drive along. Understanding and disabling a lot of these ‘aids’ isn’t particularly straightforward and they can be far too sensitive to leave active, especially on country lanes.

Kia has provided a shortcut for the speed limit assist system, which alerts you every time you exceed the posted speed limit, by holding the volume mute button on the steering wheel.

Driveability and range

Whether you choose the smaller or larger battery, the EV3 is only available with one motor option. It’s a 204PS unit that powers the front wheels.

When paired with the 58kWh battery it provides a range of 270 miles. With the larger (81kWh) unit, the EV3 has a 375-mile range.

In the real-world, we’d expect closer to 280 miles from the bigger battery and around 200 from the smaller. The EV3 isn’t quite as efficient as we’d hoped, returning 3.6mi/kWh on a relatively sedate drive. Part of the problem is that Kia doesn’t fit a heat pump as standard, so on colder days a lot of energy is lost to keeping the cabin warm. You can spec one on the range-topping GT Line S, only, for £900.

On road manners are very good. The EV3 is set up for comfort and it delivers. The ride is smooth and the car remains quiet at higher speeds.

While it’s not the last word in agility, the EV3 feels competent enough in the bends to give reassurance that it can handle quick and unexpected manoeuvres.

Performance is good, too. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes less than eight seconds and there’s adequate mid-range punch. Sometimes the front wheels struggle for traction, especially in models with the larger battery.

Company car tax and running costs

When you look at the financials, the EV3 really comes into its own. Running costs are extremely low for the segment, at just 36p per mile for the Air with the bigger battery.

Skoda’s Elroq is the keenest rival, but in long-range guise that costs £2,600 more. Admittedly you do get quite a bit more power, but the Kia should match the Elroq’s range and costs 4p per mile less to run.

The EV3 might not be the most exciting compact electric SUV but its certainly the most competent. It makes a lot of sense as a company car, costing drivers and businesses very little while delivering a lot.