Kia EV3
Practicality in a distinctively striking package
Words by Mark Slack
It’s hard to believe that just over 10 years ago Kia launched its first useable EV, the Kia Soul had a range of around 130 miles and only sold a small number through a limited number of Kia dealers. A decade later and Kia is one of the foremost providers of EVs, and the number you see on the roads proves just how popular they have become with eco minded motorists.
The Korean car maker’s style has also become one of the most distinctive on the road and no matter which side of the marmite fence you stand they are a welcome sight amongst a motoring sea of lookalikes.
The EV3 is arguably one of their more conventional looking models, although there are still elements of Kia’s distinctive styling pen. It’s effectively a replacement of the aforementioned Soul and its cubic looks hide a particularly specious interior.
A three trim model line-up – Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S – makes things simple and there is a standard range 58kwh battery and a longer range 81kwh version. Standard fare across all models includes auto lights and wipers, powered heated and folding door mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, air conditioning and keyless entry and start.
Priced from £33,005 the standard range Air model will carry you for around 270 miles, although in real world driving probably 200-220 miles. Although some complain about the manufacturer stated range figures with EVs, it’s really no different to the MPG figures with ICE cars, it’s all ideal world testing.
An additional £3,000 gets you the larger 81kwh Air model which adds a likely 100 additional miles to your range and standard equipment remains unchanged from the lead-in model. In addition to the usual rear boot, you get a smaller but still useful ‘frunk’ and occupants fare well inside the EV3 with very decent space and a nice airy feel to the interior.
On the road the EV3 is smooth, refined and handles the appallingly bad road surfaces that seem to populate most of the country extremely well. It will never be a performance machine but still offers the instant acceleration that is beloved by EV drivers. It is extremely useful for nipping past slower moving traffic, where in an ICE car you would think twice before attempting the same manoeuvre.
As you would expect of Kia the build quality is excellent and the EV3 is probably one of most practical and useable EVs out there at the moment. There are cheaper EVs but the EV3 does, subject to the vagaries and expense of public charging, offer a more practical option for longer journeys.
Words by Mark Slack
