With SUVs being all the rage in Malaysia, can the Kia EV3 make waves here?
Kia has unveiled the highly anticipated EV3, a compact electric SUV that blends bold design, innovative technology, and practical features, setting new standards in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Building on the success of Kia’s larger EV9, the EV3 aims to make electric mobility more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, exceeding customer expectations with its advanced electric drivetrain and sustainable design.
The EV3’s design follows Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy, combining dynamic aesthetics with functional design. Its bold exterior features vertical headlamps, a muscular stance, and a futuristic rear, inspired by Kia’s Tiger Face design.
Moreover, the SUV is available in nine colours, including two exclusive shades, namely Aventurine Green and Terracotta. The ‘GT-line’ variant offers a more rugged look with sportier trim and bolder graphics. Inside, the EV3 provides a spacious, nature-inspired cabin, designed for comfort and relaxation.
It features a multifunctional centre console with a sliding table for storage, ultra-comfortable seats, and a 25-litre front trunk. The Kia EV3’s large touchscreen display integrates climate control, entertainment, and navigation, while the dashboard can be personalised with various colour schemes inspired by natural elements like Air, Earth, and Water.
Under the hood, the Kia EV3 runs on the brand’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), with two battery options: a 58.3kWh standard battery and an 81.4kWh long-range battery. Both variants are powered by a 150kW motor, offering impressive acceleration and a top speed of 170 km/h.
On top of that, the Kia EV3 Long Range variant boasts a WLTP range of up to 600 km, with fast charging capabilities that recharge the battery from 10-80 percent in about 31 minutes, addressing common range and charging concerns. Safety and convenience features are top-notch, with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like Lane Keeping Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, as well as Kia’s Remote Smart Parking Assist.
The Kia EV3 is the first in its class to offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging, enabling users to power external devices. For entertainment, the EV3 offers a premium sound system and in-car streaming via LG’s Automotive Content Platform, plus gaming options. It also integrates Kia’s AI Assistant, which provides natural voice interaction and supports intuitive feature controls.
The Kia EV3’s innovative features aim to provide an immersive, connected experience for users, with future updates enhancing customization options. The Kia EV3 will launch in South Korea in July 2024, with European availability to follow later in the year, marking a significant step toward making electric vehicles more sustainable and accessible worldwide.
