Kia EV3: pure electric model in Niro format – Preview

Highlights

• Niro-sized ‘Dedicated’ EV
• EV9 design language
• Entry in an increasingly busy segment

Reportedly, there is no proper translation of the word “cozy” in the English language. However, this also happens the other way around, because we do not know a good Dutch word for ‘dedicated’ that is often used for electric cars. The literal translation is ‘dedicated’, but in this case it means that an electric car has been completely developed as an EV from the first stroke of the pen. This is perhaps the biggest difference between the future Kia EV3 and the current Kia Niro Electric. After all, the latter is the electric version of the Niro, which is also available as a hybrid, and is therefore not ‘dedicated’. The EV3 is and is based on a variant of the e-GMP platform on which the EV6 and EV9 are now also based. That EV9 plays a bigger role in this story. While sister brand Hyundai chooses to give each (electric) model a completely different appearance, Kia goes much more for uniformity.

Lots of competition

The EV9 therefore serves as a blueprint for more future models in the EV range, such as the mid-sized EV5 (Sportage-like) and the compact EV3 that stars on these pages. We see a similar chunky, square carriage, similarly stubborn wheels and a recognizable layout of nose and tail, with vertical light units with large, striking extensions. The enormous black wheel arch edges contribute to the sturdy appearance, although the EV3 secretly does not stand very high on its legs. However, it does have a somewhat unyielding look due to its wide flanks and straight-line design. The interpretation of a Kia EV3 shown here does not just come out of the blue, because the EV3 has already been captured by our spy photographer. The thick layer of camouflage material concealed a lot, but not that the EV3 looks like a small EV9. The name ‘EV3’ is still a guess, but seems logical for a model below the aforementioned EV5.

Kia EV3 (Illustration: Larson)

Compared to the Niro, the EV3 will distinguish itself with significantly shorter charging times and better performance, made possible by the rear-wheel drive that comes with this platform. Moreover, such an EV model is a bit more daring and high-tech in every respect. More screens and gadgets, with which Kia can serve two buyer groups in more or less the same segment. Expect a lounge-like interior with plenty of air and space, partly due to the lack of a traditional center console, and a completely flat floor. The wheels pushed far to the corners of the car provide a large wheelbase and therefore plenty of legroom for rear passengers. What the car lacks in luggage space is partly made up for by a small extra luggage space in the nose. Compared to a Niro, the EV3 is probably slightly more compact, but also more ‘SUV’.

Lots of competition

This means that the EV3 will be in luck with its snub nose, because this class will be very busy in the near future. Stellantis recently introduced – in addition to the existing Peugeot e-2008, Opel Mokka-e and DS 3 E-Tense – the Jeep Avenger and the Fiat 600e, while Alfa is still going to introduce its variation on this theme. In the meantime, Volvo is launching the promising EX30, which shares its technology with the Smart #1 and other similar products from the Geely stable. Then there is also the Volkswagen Group. So far it is not smaller than an ID3 or Cupra Born, but in the foreseeable future it will come with smaller, more affordable EVs that are just as ‘dedicated’ as the new Kia. Fold a Skoda SUV carriage around it and you have another direct rival to the EV3. So it will remain exciting in this class for a while, although it is not yet known when exactly the third or fourth branch of Kia’s EV model family will appear.