Kia EV3 in the first driving report: Option for unusually large battery

Contents

The Hyundai Group, which also owns the Kia brand, divides its electric mobility into two worlds: The entry-level models get a voltage level of 400 volts, the more expensive ones charge at 800 volts and therefore potentially faster. The EV3 is intended to appeal to a price-sensitive clientele, with the base model costing 35,990 euros, which is significantly less than a smaller Opel Mokka Electric, for example. An initial test drive with the top-of-the-range EV3 model should clarify what customers can expect from the compact SUV – and what not.

The EV3 is entering a segment that is already densely populated and offers a certain range. The VW ID.3, Smart #1, Peugeot e-2008 and Hyundai Kona are similarly sized. The Opel Frontera will be even cheaper than the Kia as an electric car, although it also has a considerably smaller energy storage system. The base model of the EV3 already has 58.3 kWh to offer, in the top model we drove it is even 81.4. Depending on the wheel/tyre combination, Kia promises a range of 414 to 436 km in the WLTP with the small battery; 563 to 605 km with the large storage unit. We achieved a projected range of 544 km with this battery at an outside temperature of 31 °C.

Reductions in charging performance

Compared to a Kia EV6 (test), for example, the EV3 driver has to accept a reduction in charging performance. At its peak, the small battery can be charged with 101 kW; in the top model it is 128 kW at best. A test will have to show what the charging curve looks like, this first drive was too short for that. Kia quotes a time of 29 and 31 minutes respectively for charging from 10 to 80 percent.

A heat pump costs around 1000 euros extra in two of the three equipment lines. The option of tapping into the traction battery for external applications is only offered for the two higher-value lines – in one of them for an extra charge, and as standard in the top model. Kia makes a big difference between the batteries in terms of towing capacity. Just 300 kg with the 58 kWh battery, but 1000 with the 81 kWh battery.

There is currently only one drive. It delivers 150 kW and propels the SUV quickly forward. If you want to turn quickly from a standstill, you can feel the forces acting on the driven front wheels in the steering. The all-wheel drive model, which Kia plans to launch in the middle of next year, could solve this more convincingly. The Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes differ only marginally in the response of the accelerator pedal. In addition, the steering return forces are increased. There are also two driving programs: one individually configurable and one for snow.

Balanced chassis tuning

Kia has done a good job with the suspension set-up. The response of the dampers is sensitive enough to filter out minor bumps. Ambitions for particularly fast cornering are not satisfied, which suits the orientation of the car. The "iPedal 3.0" is installed for the first time in the Hyundai Group. This allows the EV3 to adapt its recuperation to the traffic and road layout on request. This works quite well. The driver can also choose between three recuperation levels, ranging from heavy deceleration to coasting.

Kia's workmanship, choice of materials and infotainment are almost entirely convincing. In the test car, everything seemed solidly put together, the plastic is partially under-foamed. The interior doesn't appear classy, but nothing looks particularly cheap either. The seats lack a little lateral support and seat cushioning, and for people with a long upper body the downward adjustment range is also a little tight. Overall, however, the amount of space is very good. This also applies to the trunk. Including the compartment under the loading floor, Kia states 460 liters – - some much larger cars offer less. The compartment under the front hood only holds 25  liters.

Operation of the comprehensive infotainment system is largely intuitive. It only takes a short period of familiarization to get to grips with the range of functions – - not every manufacturer can manage that. The system works smoothly and no major bugs were noticed on the drive. In the small print of the price list, Kia reveals how often an update is provided free of charge via the mobile phone connection.

Always up-to-date over-the-air

A total of six free updates of the navigation system maps and the control unit software are available over-the-air. Once the six free OTA updates have been exhausted, EV3 drivers can receive free navigation system map updates and control unit software updates from the dealer under the current seven-year Kia navigation map update terms.

As in the EV9, Kia installs three displays next to each other in the cockpit. Between the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen is a small one for the climate control, which is slightly concealed by the steering wheel – depending on the seating position. Things like volume and temperature can also be adjusted away from the displays.

In combination with the large battery, Kia charges at least 41,390 euros for the EV3. Most customers will probably choose at least the mid-range equipment level, in which both front seats are height-adjustable and heated, and smartphones can be charged inductively and used as keys. With the most expensive equipment line, the compact SUV, which is then very comprehensively equipped, is already in the region of the Hyundai Group's 800-volt models in financial terms. Including the few remaining options, the EV3 costs more than 50,000  euros.

The majority of the target group is likely to remain well below this mark. If long distances are the exception, which is the case in many driving profiles, the small storage unit is certainly sufficient in most cases. The fact that the charging capacity cannot keep up with that of Kia's more expensive e-cars also plays a subordinate role. A carefully assembled EV3 should be available for around 40,000  euros and offers a convincing package overall. The option of more than 80 kWh in the battery makes it stand out from the crowd.

(mfz)