HERE at 50 Plus magazine we like to bring you the very latest models on test so I was delighted when we got our hands on the 2025 KIA EV3.
Launched at the end of last year they are still a rare sight on our roads but I predict we will be seeing many more as KIA appear to have yet another winner in their line-up.
Electric cars have really come of age in the last couple of years thanks to technology which means the EV3 can do up to 367 miles on a full charge. KIA also say that in average use the cost of electricity each month will only be around £62.
Thanks to those lovely people at KIA our test car was the entry level EV3 Air FWD 201bhp model with extended range battery for £35,995 including lovely premium Frost Blue paintwork. Now that is not bad for an EV with this level of spec, range and performance (0 to 62 in 7.5 seconds).
The EV3 goes up to the GT-Line S extended range version and standard kit across all models includes auto power flush door handles, heated front seats a heated steering wheel, automatic LED headlights, automatic air conditioning, keyless entry and start and adaptive cruise control.
GT-Line adds larger alloy wheels, sportier styling, wireless phone-charging, rear privacy glass and adjustable lumbar support for the driver.
Range-topping GT-Line S brings an upgraded eight-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, a customisable head-up display, electrically adjustable front seats with a heating and ventilating function, heated outer rear seats and power tailgate.
The South Korean brand’s smallest electric car, the EV3 sits below the Niro EV, the EV6 and the seven-seat EV9, with which the EV3 shares more than a passing resemblance inside and out.
There are two battery options – the Standard Range has a capacity of 55kWh and the Long Range 81kWh. The Standard Range can do 270 miles on a charge while the Long Range can manage up to 367 miles. Refinement is impressive with little road and wind noise and no audible electric motor whine
Taking inspiration from the EV9 means there’s a 12.3in digital display behind the steering wheel, a 5.3in climate-control panel and a 12.3in infotainment touchscreen.
On that main touchscreen the graphics are sharp and the system responds quickly with plenty of features including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.
There’s an appealing mix of sturdy materials throughout plus GT-Line versions have fabric on the dashboard and doors for an even more luxurious feel.
You sit fairly high up by small electric SUV standards and parking is no problem as every EV3 comes with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Going for top-spec GT-Line S trim adds a 360-degree camera as well as blind-spot monitoring and parking collision avoidance. There’s plenty of head and leg room all round and the EV3 has 460 litres of boot space.
We used it for a day trip to North Yorkshire with friends and it proved quiet and comfortable with plenty of performance when needed and lots of space for four adults over the 120 mile plus round trip.
Also with all that range there was no anxiety over running out of juice plus with the rapid growth of fast chargers you can go from 10 to 80 per cent charged in just 31 minutes.
The night before the slowest charge at home still added around 35 miles to top up the range so we had the near full capacity before setting off.
So the KIA EV3 has an impressive range, a comfortable and quiet ride, competitive entry price and plenty of standard kit – an excellent choice if you are in the market for a small electric SUV.
For more info see www.kia.co.uk