00:00Welcome to the video from Auto Magazine Tuning Blog on the topic of the Kia EV3.
00:11The Kia EV3 is a compact electric SUV that takes the stage after the Kia Soul.
00:17This vehicle competes against models such as the Volvo EX30, the Smart M and the Peugeot 2008 and has many strengths, but also one weakness.
00:25Some cars trigger a real wow effect and are often referred to by connoisseurs as statement cars.
00:34The Kia Soul was such a vehicle, a striking rolling cube that played a key role in Kia shedding its rather boring image and positioning itself as a trendy brand for young drivers.
00:46When the fully electric Soul finally hit the streets, the step into the automotive future was complete.
00:51But like everything else, the Soul also has an end and so the model said goodbye this year.
00:58But Kia is not leaving the segment of compact battery electric SUVs without a fight.
01:04With a new name, the Soul has become the EV3.
01:08However, that does not mean that its successor is soulless.
01:12On the contrary, this compact Korean crossover shows character and edges without being overdone.
01:17The design is appealing, but by no means ordinary.
01:23At 4.30 meters long, the EV3 joins the Volvo EX30, the Lexus LBX and the Smart M one.
01:30Its corporate sibling, the Hyundai Kona, is 3 centimeters longer.
01:36Despite these compact dimensions, you don't feel cramped in the Kia EV3 either in the front or the back.
01:41The driver and front passenger would be happy with a longer leg rest and more lateral support,
01:47as you're more likely to be perched on the seats than sitting in them.
01:51However, since the EV3 is not a sports car, this point is hardly significant.
01:56What's much more important is that adults also have enough space in the rear seats to travel comfortably.
02:01The 460-liter boot offers ample storage space and doesn't make the EV3 look like an oversized handbag.
02:13Folding down the back seat creates a flat loading floor and, together with the compartment underneath,
02:18can hold up to 1251L.
02:22However, the loading sill is relatively high, which is something to keep in mind when loading.
02:27There is a small frunk at the front with a capacity of 25L for the charging cable.
02:35The EV3 already supports the vehicle-to-load function, also known as V2L.
02:40This means that you can even connect and operate electrical household appliances.
02:45The interior exudes a pleasant atmosphere,
02:47which also appears high-quality in the basic air version starting at âŹ35,990.
02:53The plastic surfaces of the dashboard are textured and in some cases even have a soft lining,
03:00which means that the EV3 does not appear cheaply made at all.
03:05The top-of-the-range GT-Line equipment, which starts at a minimum of âŹ48,690,
03:11naturally offers even more amenities.
03:13The three standard screens are combined in a slightly curved unit and result in a total size of 30 inches.
03:24This consists of two screens, each measuring 12.5 inches,
03:28and a 5-inch control unit for the air conditioning,
03:31which is positioned between the digital cockpit and the infotainment touchscreen.
03:34A minor disadvantage is that this control unit is partially covered by the steering wheel rim.
03:43Fortunately, the center console still features classic analog levers and buttons.
03:48The infotainment system leaves little to be desired.
03:52Even without special Kia knowledge, it's easy to find your way around the menus.
03:56An optional head-up display, available as a package for âŹ1,290, rounds off the display concept.
04:06There are two battery sizes to choose from for the Kia EV3.
04:12The smaller battery with a capacity of 58.3 kWh enables a maximum range of 436 km.
04:18The larger battery with 81.4 kWh even manages up to 605 km, which is impressive in this segment.
04:31In a test at a warm outside temperature of 31 degrees Celsius,
04:35the larger battery achieved an estimated range of 544 km,
04:40which is very close to the specified value of 563 km with 19-inch wheels.
04:45Kia uses NMC cells, i.e. nickel-manganese-cobalt batteries, as energy storage.
04:54In order to save costs, the EV3 uses a 400-volt architecture
04:58instead of the 800-volt technology often used by the Hyundai Group.
05:04This is understandable in a price-sensitive segment such as the compact class.
05:09However, the charging capacity is less pleasing.
05:11While 11 kW is more than sufficient when charging with alternating current,
05:17the maximum charging speed at a direct current fast charging station remains rather average.
05:21The smaller battery requires 101 kW and the larger battery 128 kW.
05:32In absolute terms, this means that 7 hours and 15 minutes are needed at a wallbox to charge the large battery from 10 to 100%,
05:39while the small battery requires 5 hours and 20 minutes.
05:42When fast charging, it takes 29 minutes for the small battery and 31 minutes for the large battery to go from 10 to 80%.
05:54The Korean electric car demonstrates impressive performance when driving.
06:00At the beginning of 2026, the EV3 will initially only be available in Germany with front-wheel drive.
06:07This produces 150 kW, which corresponds to 204 horsepower and delivers a torque of 283 Nm.
06:17An all-wheel drive version will follow later, probably with 125 kW to 170 horsepower on the front axle and 70 kW to 95 horsepower on the rear axle.
06:27The top model will be the Kia EV3 GT with an expected 145 kW, 197 horsepower at the front and 75 kW as 2 horsepower at the rear.
06:41Even the basic version is powerful enough to move the 2-ton vehicle quickly.
06:46From a standstill, it reaches 100 km per hour in 7.9 seconds.
06:51However, it stops at 170 km per hour.
06:55The Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes differ only slightly in the response of the accelerator pedal.
07:02In addition, the steering wheel return force increases in the sportier modes.
07:07Two additional driving programs are also available, one individual and one for snow.
07:14Our test vehicle was equipped with 19-inch wheels, which somewhat detracts from the comfort.
07:20Nevertheless, you won't be shaken around in the Kia EV3.
07:24The chassis is comfortably tuned.
07:27You can tell that the springs support the vehicle's weight and the dampers provide comfort.
07:32However, the tuning is more harmonious than in many other electric cars.
07:37Transverse joints do not unsettle the chassis.
07:41And on larger bumps, the body does sway slightly, but less so than in comparable vehicles.
07:46This means that you can also travel relaxed in the Kia EV3 on longer journeys.
07:53This compact crossover is also the first model from the Hyundai Group to be equipped with the i-Petal 3.0.
07:59This means intelligent recuperation that also adapts to the traffic.
08:06A total of three recuperation levels are available as well as the option of coasting, i.e. without recuperation, which makes one pedal driving possible.
08:14The EV3, whose production starts at the end of next year, will be followed by the smaller EV2.
08:22Kia CEO Hoesong is aware that the commercial success of electromobility can only be achieved through price.
08:28He explained that we are working hard to bring an even more affordable electric car to the market.
08:3730,000 euros is already a challenge.
08:41For me, 25,000 euros is the absolute lower limit, as we do not want to compromise on the quality and special features that define a Kia.
08:49This means that the EV2, whose production starts at the end of next year, is expected to cost just under 30,000 euros.
09:00The EV1 will take on the price challenge and will be around 25,000 euros.
09:07The battery will play a crucial role in achieving these prices.
09:11So it will be interesting to see what happens.
09:12In summary, the Kia EV3 is a successful, compact electric SUV that impresses with its design, interior space and range.
09:23The charging capacity could be better, but overall the EV3 offers an attractive overall package.
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10:03See you next time.
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