Wait, doesn’t the Kia EV3 look like the Sonet when viewed from the side? Well, we’ll let you be the judge of that. What we can tell, however, is that Kia is aiming for a price between USD 35000 to 50000, which could place it anywhere between Rs 29.22 lakh to Rs 41.75 lakh (ex-showroom). It also has a longer wheelbase than the Hyundai Creta, but bears similar length and width dimensions.
The Kia EV3 is underpinned by the E-GMP platform, and this one is a front-wheel driven car. Its electric motor produces 201 bhp and 28.85 kgm of torque, propelling it to a claimed top speed of 175 kph. There are two battery pack options; a 58.3 kWh unit and a long-range 81.4 kWh unit. While range figures for the former remain undisclosed for now, the latter claims to cover 600 km on a single charge, and can be topped-up via a 128 kW DC fast charging setup, with a 10-80% charge taking a claimed 31 minutes.
On the outside, the EV3 mostly remains true to the concept car, with glimpses of the Sonet, and the bigger EV9 in its design. However, it also differentiates itself with the three-door look, the rear door handle hidden in the C-pillar.
The interiors obviously aren’t as edgy as on the concept version, but they’re still very much worth looking at. As the trend is these days, there is a blended screen setup, combining a cluster and an infotainment screen, both measuring 12.3-inches. The steering wheel features buttons for various functions such as drive modes, cruise control, and navigation among others. The EV3 is also the first Kia EV to be equipped with the new AI assistant, which enables owners to have human-like interactions with the car for various functions.
As is with every new Kia, the EV3 also features various components inside made of sustainable and recyclable materials. Did we mention practicality? Well, with a 460-litre boot and a 25-litre frunk, the EV3 is also mighty capable as well.
But, the big question; is it coming to India? While Kia certainly has plans to expand its EV lineup in India, it hasn’t commented explicitly on the EV3’s arrival yet. Besides, we are expected to receive the bigger EV9 first, and then the Carens-based EV that is also under development as well. This might be a long wait.
