By Jonathan Crouch

The EV3 is the first in a new generation of small electric Kias. If you think that the futuristic looks suggest a step forward from the technology the brand was previously offering with the Niro EV in this segment, you won't be disappointed. Compact EVs have moved on significantly. And if you doubt that, then you need to try this car.

Kia doesn't hold back when it comes to visual impact these days and the EV3 is certainly divisively styled, as we knew it would be from the concept car shown in 2023. At 4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,560mm tall, it's fractionally shorter and lower but slightly wider than a Niro EV. With squared-off looks, a sloping roof and sharp surfacing, plus all kinds of cues borrowed from the larger EV9. Roof rails and angular wheel arch cladding supply the crossover vibe and there are flush-fitting door handles that are hidden in the C-pillar at the rear.

At the front, despite the lack of a grille, Kia has still retained its trademark 'Tiger Face' incorporating thin 'Star Map' headlights. The LED tail lamp strips are even narrower and wheel rim sizes are between 18 and 20-inches.

Indoors, Kia says it's tried to achieve a 'living space' feel, though to appreciate that, your 'living space' would have to be dominated by screens, as this one is. As with the EV9, there are 12.3-inch displays for instruments and infotainment, plus a further 5.3-inch centre screen for climate control and a 12-inch Head-up display. The central monitor's look can be customised with a selection of design themes based around things like Marvel or Star Wars: in the US, Kia offers skins for it based on NBA teams. And ChatGPT is embedded in its voice control software. There's also a central unit between the seats with a sliding table.

There's only one motor on offer with the EV3 - producing 201bhp - but there's a choice of two batteries. Standard Range variants get a 58.3kWh unit giving a range of 267 miles. Ideally though, you'd want the Long Range version, which has a bigger 81.4kWh battery that will take you up to 372 miles (or 347 miles in 'GT-Line' trim); either way substantially further than most rivals and way further than the Niro EV's 64.8kWh battery can go (285 miles). Not every version gets the standard heat pump however, so you might struggle to replicate these figures in the depths of winter.

We're disappointed that this shortened version of the company's advanced E-GMP chassis can't accommodate the ultra-rapid 800V charging infrastructure you'll find on larger Kia EVs. And not everyone will like this EV3 model's divisively futuristic looks. But if you do and you're browsing in this segment, this is a car you simply can't ignore.

Llandudno Kia are in the process of building a brand-new, purpose-built Kia showroom across the road from North Wales Motor Co. in addition to the current showroom. This will be ready and open in November.Llandudno Kia are in the process of building a brand-new, purpose-built Kia showroom across the road from North Wales Motor Co. in addition to the current showroom. This will be ready and open in November. (Image: Llandudno Kia)

To find out more or to arrange a test drive please visit: www.llandudnokia.co.uk/new-cars/kia-ev3