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By Jonathan Crouch

Kia gets even more focused on small EVs with this car, the EV3. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 61

The EV3 is the first in a new generation of small electric Kias. If you think that the futuristic looks suggest a step forward from the technology the brand was previously offering with the Niro EV in this segment, you won't be disappointed. Compact EVs have moved on significantly. And if you doubt that, then you need to try this car.

Backgroundword count: 179

Kia is already very serious about electric cars. It's about to get more serious still. The E-GMP electrified platform it developed for its two most advanced bigger EVs, the EV6 and the EV9, has now been used for the kind of small electric models that will really drive the Korean company's sales forward. It's been re-engineered for three more compact electric cars - and this is the first of them, the EV3. As you may be aware, Kia already has a compact EV hatch (the Niro EV) competing in this space against volume electric small models like the Volkswagen ID.3 and the Renault Megane E-Tech. But that Niro is very much an EV/combustion compromise: the Niro range does after all also have Hybrid and PHEV variants. The EV3, in contrast, has none of the design constraints of having to allow for combustion power and as a result, is a much more serious kind of electric vehicle, with more range and greater cabin space. Aimed at people also much more serious about the EV switch. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 285

There's only one motor on offer with the EV3 - producing 201bhp - but there's a choice of two batteries. Standard Range variants get a 58.3kWh unit giving a range of 267 miles. Ideally though, you'd want the Long Range version, which has a bigger 81.4kWh battery that will take you up to 375 miles (or 347 miles in 'GT-Line' trim); either way substantially further than most rivals and way further than the Niro EV's 64.8kWh battery can go (285 miles). Not every version gets the standard heat pump however, so you might struggle to replicate these figures in the depths of winter. The 62mph sprint takes between 7.4s and 7.7s, depending on variant (the heavier, bigger-battery version is slightly slower). Top speed is 106mph. Unlike competitors like the ID.3 or the CUPRA Born, the EV3 is front-driven - the first time the Hyundai Motor Group conglomerate's E-GMP platform has been used in this form. Kia says that putting the motor on the front axle maximises interior space. A GT version with twin motors and AWD will appear later in production. There are four selectable drive modes - 'Eco', 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'My Drive'. Don't expect huge amounts of driver engagement, even in 'Sport'. But 'My Drive' allows you to configure throttle response and steering feel to your taste. Kia also offers the latest generation version of its 'i-Pedal' system, which provides so much regenerative braking off-throttle that you'll hardly ever need to use the brake. Expect refinement to be exemplary, even by EV standards, helped by a slippery 0.267Cd drag factor. As usual with any new car that complies with current safety legislation, there's lots of binging and bonging from the active safety aids.

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