IN THE FACE OF INCREASING competition from Chinese newcomers, Kia has confirmed pricing for its all-electric small SUV – the Kia EV3 – ahead of its arrival into Kia dealerships later this month.
The Kia EV3 range opens with an impressive $47,600 for the Air Standard Range variant and tops out at $63,950 for the GT-Line variant.
Based on the group E-GMP platform in 400V guise, the EV3 is available across three trimlines; Air, Earth, and GT-Line. Air is offered with a choice between Standard Range and Long Range battery systems, while Earth and GT-Line are both Long Range.
The Standard Range battery is rated at 58.3 kWh, while the Long Range steps up to 81.4 kWh, and both batteries are lithium-ion type.
This contributes to a class-leading 604km WLTP driving range for the Long Range version of the EV3 Air, with the price-leading EV3 Air Standard Range rated for 436km, and the more feature-laden Long Range Earth and GT-Line boasting a 563km figure.
Also optimising driving range is the EV3’s introduction of the new iPedal 3.0 adjustable regenerative braking system.
iPedal 3.0 enables one-pedal driving that adjusts the level of regenerative braking according to your preference to maximize efficiency.
Conveniently, iPedal 3.0 settings will remain after restarting the vehicle and the system can also be operated in reverse.
The front-end design incorporates Kia Star Map lighting and Tiger Face family elements, with the GT-Line distinguished by stronger opposing diagonal elements and a larger, black lower grille for a sportier appearance.
This theme is carried along the sides into the rear of the GT-Line, which combine with unique front and rear lighting elements for a comprehensively unique look.
The EV3’s aerodynamic side view shows flowing geometric shapes, dynamic loop lines and surfacing paired with flush front and hidden rear door handles and corresponding trim-specific alloy wheel designs (17-inch Air,19-inch Earth/GT-Line) for a high-tech and compact look.
The EV3’s rear design correlates with the front via further Star Map lighting, with the black window frames of the sides flowing through the C-pillar to the rear window.
A ‘home-like’ theme has been applied to the interior, with minimalistic details and soft touch points complemented by large touchscreen displays and physical buttons for frequently used functions.
Across all Kia EV3 grades, these touchscreens are comprised of 12.3-inch Digital Driver Cluster, 5.3-inch Climate Monitor, and 12.3-inch Touch Screen Infotainment interfaces of the ccNC type with Kia’s latest GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Comfort and convenience features across the range include Kia Connect, OTA updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and phone charging, V2L including connector kit, a column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) gear selector, while Earth and GT-Line trims are equipped with a Smart Power Tailgate.
Features exclusive to the top of the range EV3 GT-Line include a Head-Up Display (HUD), wide sunroof with safety function, and eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.
The EV3 has all of the active and passive safety technology expected in a new Kia. Safety features of all trims include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) and a centre side airbag.
The EV3 continues to leverage the packaging benefits of the E-GMP platform to optimise interior space within a compact exterior, benefitting legroom, shoulder room and headroom.
Cargo space is also generous for its class, spread between a 460L VDA area in the rear and an additional 25L VDA cavity in the nose of the EV3.
The Kia EV3 is available in eight exterior colours across the line-up, with three distinct two-tone interior colourways spread across the trimlines. EV3 Air models feature cloth trim, while Earth and GT-Line step up to artificial leather. The Earth grade goes a step further in providing a choice between Subtle Grey and Light Warm Grey artificial leather.
| Model | EV3
Air Standard Range |
EV3
Air Long Range |
EV3
Earth Long Range |
EV3
GT-Line Long Range |
| Battery | 58.3 kWh | 81.4 kWh | ||
| Powertrain | 2WD Single Motor | |||
| Power/Torque | 150 kW / 283 Nm | |||
| Wheels | 17” Alloy | 19” Alloy | 19” Alloy (GT-Line Design) | |
| WLTP Range | 436 km | 604 km | 563 km | |
| RRP | $47,600 | $53,315 | $58,600 | $63,950 |
| Drive-Away
(Except WA)# |
$48,990 | $56,490 | $62,690 | $68,490 |
| Drive-Away (WA) | $49,990 | $57,490 | $63,690 | $70,490 |
# For ACT, Drive-Away pricing is available for Air Standard Range only.