Kia will significantly expand its range of electric cars in the most accessible part of the table. After recently launching the EV9, now it is the turn of the ‘cheapest’ ones. Kia celebrated its announced “ Kia EV Day ” just a few hours ago. At this particular event, new future models from the Korean firm were shown, as well as new technologies that these new-generation electric vehicles will implement. The first to arrive has been the Kia EV3, an electric crossover that influences the design already known from the company’s ‘EV’ family, although in a smaller format and that, commercially, can be very cutting-edge for the firm.
The conceptual model presented by the company in its digital event is the idea of a small SUV under the brand’s design philosophy “Opposites United” and was inaugurated by the Kia EV9 at its launch. A concept that has already been seen previously in other vehicles such as the EV5. Today, the cheapest model in the ‘EV’ range is the EV6 (taking into account that the e-Soul and e-Niro do not have this name). However, in the coming years the new vehicles shown by the brand at its ‘Kia EV Day’ will take over and the EV3 has captured all eyes.
This will be Kia’s cheapest electric SUV
In terms of design, the new electric SUV has very robust and muscular shapes. The front is dominated by optical groups positioned vertically at the ends, although with an LED light line that runs through the entire front. It also presents the now classic black plastic protections throughout the lower profile of the vehicle, thus emulating the adventurous look so classic in SUVs.
In profile, its large diameter wheels and particular design with square shapes stand out. The C pillar, for its part, is of considerable width and has a horizontal molding that gives the roof the famous sensation of buoyancy. Finally, its rear offers the now classic very thin, and stylized LED optical groups that run through a good part of the C-pillar and intrude into the width of the car. In general terms, this area is quite minimalist, since it is only decorated by the company’s emblem.
Its cabin also presents new and groundbreaking shapes for the company. Specifically, minimalism takes over this space, since only a steering wheel with straight shapes has been inserted (it is not round) and a panoramic panel that will serve as instrumentation and infotainment. Everything will be managed through touch controls on the said panel since the absence of physical buttons is total. The seats are made of a structure based on natural and sustainable materials, like the rest of the interior upholstery.
In mechanical terms, the company has not given many clues, although it is known that the KIA EV3 will use the Hyundai Group’s E-GMP platform, so it is expected that it can have a power that is between 215 and 302 HP, as well as a range that will be around 500 kilometers.
The brand has not emphasized specific dimensions or measurements of the SUV, although it is known that the EV3 will have the approximate size of a Kia e-Niro. Still, it will have a differentiated positioning. “We continue to believe there are customers who will look for more affordable electric vehicles, like the Niro. We continue to maintain our strategy for that,” said Min Woo Park, Kia Global Product Team Leader. However, the possibility that this could be the spiritual substitute for the current e-SOUL has been toyed with. Its market price should be around 30,000 euros when it begins marketing next 2024.