KIA EV3 81 kWh model review: "It's the best EV to come from Kia so far"

[Administrator]

Summary

• KIA EV3 Positioning – The EV3 is not a successor to the Niro but a new, dedicated electric vehicle, following the EV6 and EV9, designed without compromise for multiple powertrains.
• Battery and Range – The EV3 comes in two battery versions:
  • Standard range: 58 kWh (gross), 55 kWh (net)
  • Long range: 81.4 kWh (gross), 78 kWh (net)
  • Offers a WLTP range of 436 km (standard) and 605 km (long range)
  • Real-world winter test suggests 400+ km possible in cold weather
• Charging & Efficiency – DC fast charging peaks at 127 kW, with a flat charging curve. AC charging is 11 kW, increasing to 22 kW from 2026. Vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) features may be introduced depending on the market.
• Performance & Driving Feel – The EV3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds (tested at 7.8s at -9°C). The ride is stiff but stable, and handling is responsive but not as engaging as some competitors.
• Winter Driving & Energy Consumption – The heat pump helps reduce energy consumption in cold weather, and real-world range remains strong despite freezing temperatures.
• Interior & Practicality – The cabin features a large digital panel with a 12-inch driver display, a 5-inch AC panel, and another 12-inch infotainment screen. Storage and passenger space are well-designed, with good rear legroom and a 460L boot capacity.
• Tech & Safety – The 360° camera, blind spot assist, and adaptive cruise control are included, but no seat memory function is available.
• Pricing – Starts at €35,990 for the base model, with long-range versions exceeding €48,000. The EV3 is compact yet practical, making it a viable primary household vehicle rather than just a secondary EV.

Insights Based on Numbers

• 81.4 kWh battery – One of the largest in a compact EV, providing impressive range.
• 605 km WLTP range (long range version) – Competitive, though real-world results vary based on conditions.
• 0-100 km/h in 7.9 sec – Proves the car is zippy despite its weight (~1,900 kg).
• DC charging peak at 127 kW – Ensures relatively fast charging sessions.
• Winter range of ~400 km – Shows solid efficiency in freezing conditions.