Kia has revealed full details of its new EV3 small SUV, which will launch in Ireland this October.
Taking its place alongside the EV6 and EV9, the new fully-electric Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide, 1,560mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,680mm.
It features a front-wheel drive electric powertrain based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP ), utilising Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology.
The EV3 Standard model is offered exclusively with a 58.3kWh battery, while the EV3 Long Range variant is fitted with an 81.4kWh battery. Both models utilise a 150kW/283Nm electric motor, which enables a best 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. The EV3’s maximum speed is 170km/h.
In pursuit of optimum efficiency, Kia says the EV3 features enhanced body aerodynamics incorporating a full 3D undercover to deliver an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd.
Battery Management Unit (BMU ) and Cell Monitoring Unit (CMU ) technology ensures the 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh High-Voltage Battery Systems use energy as efficiently as possible.
The EV3 Long Range provides an estimated range of up to 600km (WLTP ), and can be charged from 10-80 per cent in approximately 31 minutes, according to Kia.
Kia says it has equipped the EV3 with a raft of ultra-advanced safety, driving, convenience and charging features usually reserved for higher segments. The vehicle’s Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS ) technology includes eDTVC Electric Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control to ensure the EV3 transfers its power to the road smoothly and with stability.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Highway Driving Assist, and Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist are all as standard.
The EV3 is the first model to benefit from Kia’s new i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking technology, which allows the driver to adjust the level of regenerative braking according to their preference, enabling one-pedal driving - maximising energy efficiency.
According to Kia, the EV3 offers a 25-litre frunk (a covered space at the front of a car, especially an electric car, for carrying or storing things in ) and a 460-litre rear load capacity, which it claims is the largest luggage space in its class.
It has a near-30-inch widescreen display, including a 12.3-inch cluster, a five-inch air-conditioning panel, and another 12.3-inch AVN display. The screen also extends to the centre of the dashboard, giving the front-seat passenger access to entertainment and navigation features.
Recycled fabric is applied to the dashboard and door trims. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET ), which is among the most easily recycled plastics in the world, features in numerous areas of the interior, including the seats, headliner, door armrests, garnish, floor mats, and luggage board.
Kia will offer the EV3 in nine body colours – two of which have been created exclusively for the new model: 'Adventure Green' and 'Terracotta'.
Irish pricing and specifications for the new Kia EV3 will be announced closer to its October launch date.
