EV3 is the smallest electric model of the Korean company and flanks the older brothers of EV6 and EV9, having all the guarantees to star in the demanding B-SUV category. Although the family’s Benjamin, the dimensions of Kia EV3 with a length of 4,300 mm, a width of 1,850 mm, a height of 1,560 mm, place the electric crossover at the upper end of the B-SUV class and at the base of the C-SUV. In fact, the 2,680 mm wheelbase gives scope even for five passengers. CORVERSE With technologies borrowed from EV9 and EV6, rich equipment, comfortable road behaviour, autonomy up to 605 km and price starting from 28,990 euros with the company’s state subsidy and promotional energy, competition has every reason to be concerned. The new EV3 shares the articulated e-GMP platform with EV6 and EV9. Designally reminding a more compact EV9, incorporates the “Opposites United” philosophy of the brand. Bold line, sharp edges, side with inflated wings, eccentric front and rear light bodies, hidden handles, inclined rear… plot for a futuristic and aerodynamic design. Futuristic and functional interior Corresponding image we find inside . Futuristic design with minimalistic element dominated. Very good quality materials, flawless fit with most of the cabin being lined with recycled PET fabric. Also, among others are used bioplastics and paint without BTX, exclusively by Kia. Ergonomics and functionality give lessons, since everything is properly placed for the greatest comfort and convenience of passengers. Smart storage spaces, sliding tables, large room for the head and feet (the space for the legs of the rear passengers reaches 950 mm), lighting with colors inspired by nature with a rich palette that can adapt accordingly to the mood of passengers, while the seats have head restraints that remind grid for better ventilation and comfort. The luggage space reaches 460 liters, top number for the B-SUV category, while we meet an additional 25 liters of storage space at the frank on the front cap. With the rear seats folded the storage space rises to 1,251 liters. It is worth noting that the trunk is lined with a limited edition pattern reminiscent of waves and plastics flowing into a net, which is made of recycled materials consisting of 40% of recycled plastic from the Pacific Ocean. This is collected in the context of cooperation with “The Ocean Cleanup”, a non-profit organization based in the Netherlands that focuses on cleaning up plastics accumulated in the oceans and rivers. According to the company’s long-term sustainability strategy, Kia has set 20% of the plastics used in its vehicles as a target from recycled sources by 2030. The uncluttered dashboard hosts a common panel with three total screens. One with a diagonal 12.3 inch that has the role of the instrument panel, is followed by a 5.3 inch touch screen for air conditioning control and then the third, also with a diagonal 12.3 inch for infotainment. Furthermore, depending on the version you choose, there is a head-up display with a 12.3 inch screen, to facilitate the driver to see all the necessary information, without removing his look from the road. Another point in ergonomics for EV3 on the selection of natural switches, except those of touch, for important functions. Thus, the air conditioning system settings are made by four buttons in the center of the console, an important element concerning the driver’s distraction part. In two versions of equipment, Earth and GT-Line, EV3 offers among other over-the-air updates, video streaming, functions on demand through Kia Connect Store, digital key via smartphone that allows up to 7 people to unlock and start the car, while it is the first model of the brand with digital assistant with AI technology (Chat GPT). In addition, it features Highway Driving Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Remote Smart Parking Assist and all necessary driver security and assistance systems. Finally, Kia offers Kia Connect services for free for 7 years. Autonomy and charging EV3 is available in two versions depending on battery capacity. With the Extended Range battery, EV3 ensures up to 605 km of mixed autonomy and up to 773 km by driving exclusively into the city, with a full charge. This version uses a new battery array with a capacity of 81,4kWh and is the largest of the class. In the Standard Range version, i.e. with the smallest battery capacity of 58.3kWh, the estimated autonomy reaches 436 km per WLTP. The drive is undertaken by a 150kW (204 horsepower) and 283Nm torque electric motor, which transmits the drive to the front wheels. The charge in a DC charger from 10% to 80% takes just 29 minutes for the battery version of 58.3 kWh and 31 minutes for the battery version of 81.4 kWh, while up to 202 km of autonomy can be added in just 15 minutes. Both with the large and small battery, EV3 provides a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charge, first even in the compact electric SUV category, while each EV3 is capable of two-way charging, including the Vehicle-to-Grid charge, Vehicle-to- Home and Vehicle-to-Building, which will gradually be introduced into European markets. On the road During our short contact with the new Kia EV3 and specifically with the Standard Range version (with the small battery of 58.3kWh) on the route of Dionysos Avenue to New Makri, we were not late to see the high level of comfort and quality rolling, but also the very good driving behaviour. He may not promise to set fire to the road, however, 204 horsepower appear immediately and quickly move 1,810 kilos of bodywork. The EV3 from a stop reaches 100 km/h to 7.5 λ , while the top speed reaches 170 km. The absorption of the suspension gave us the impression that we were moving on another route, since we did not notice particularly the roughness of the road, however, at a more rapid pace expected relative inclinations of the body make their appearance. Under no circumstances will it cause insecurity to the driver, with his reactions predictable and the level of adhesion high. The steering wheel has a good sense, while it is direct and accurate to the driver’s commands. The brand new EV3 is equipped with the upgraded i-Pedal 3.0 system, which features four levels of regenerative braking. Thus, the driver has the ability to choose the level of energy recovery, using the paddles behind the multifunctional steering wheel, while in i-Pedal mode, the driver essentially only uses the right pedal during driving and the car can even be fully immobilized without brake pressing. The consumption of EV3, with the small battery we drove, ranges from 17.9-15.8kWh/100km according to the company, however, more information on the issue will be given in the normal test of the car. It is worth noting that EV3 has even predicted an assistant for better autonomy! The Driving Range Guide system, which we encounter on the instrument panel shows the minimal and maximum autonomy that can be achieved depending on the driving style, thus supporting drivers to achieve the greatest autonomy possible. Prices and publications The EV3, although purely electric, is a model that gives the best of itself both in the city and in travel and that was the goal of the Korean company. With bold design, advanced technology, “strong” autonomy number and very good behavior on the road, Kia EV3 is expected to steal hearts, but not… wallets, since the Standard Range version with the battery capacity of 58.3kWh starts at the very good price, for the data of the time, of 28,990 euros, including state subsidy and an additional discount as promotional energy for the first months of the model’s disposal. The Long Range version with the 81.4kWh battery starts at 32.990 euros and the GT-Line version , which is available exclusively in the Long Range version , starts at 35.990 euros .
KIA EV3 in Greece: First impressions, prices and publications
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in Driveit