30 year old Danish man here, now the city i live in has great public transportation, so even though i have turned 30 i have never owned a car, simply because i have never had the need for one. But this car is so perfect i will finally get a car, and this will be the one
I just drove one yesterday, and its fantastic, i loved it. On the inside the felling is that you are driving a little tank, so well bilt and secure. I will buy one.
I'm in Ireland and my KIA dealer had 2 EV3's in stock last week, the GT line and the Earth 3 version, which is the one I drove. Its the middle version (Earth 2 is the entry level) . Great car to drive. It has the 81kw battery
Many thanks for the very useful review. Have been waiting for a car of this quality to jump into an EV for the first time. Now have a GT Line S on order for early December delivery. Switching from a long line of Kia Sportages.
Superb review! I've just applied to a test drive of the EV 3 and I think this could be my first EV and our main family car (baby probably incoming soon :D). As I currently drive 2017 Kia Ceed and I'm a designer by profession, it is impressive to se how Kia upped their game in terms of design language and attention to detail. Makes me want to visit South Korea. Thanks for a great presentation and keep them coming!
I have watched lots of your reviews and am always impressed with your delivery and honest review. I have never felt you give such a glowing review to any other. Will definitely have to give this one a go.
Thank you for showing the rear wiper on the Kia EV3. I've been looking at dozens of review videos on UA-cam and you're the first I see that shows the excellent design of the rear wiper on the Kia EV3. All rear wipers should be done this way.
A more efficient heating option for the lower trim level would be useful. However, at least you don't get the reliability issues with a simple electric heater.
I’ve just taken delivery of the GT Line S: I wanted electric, big enough for six-footer grandsons (unlike the Volvo rival), a decent range to visit French holiday home, and also the bells & whistles (memory seats, self-closing hatch etc). Enjoying it in north England despite the dark and the wet - but I could do with an instruction course. The manual is 580 pages long, and not the easiest read. However, now I can start it, steer it and stop it, I’ve decided the way forward is to try to understand one feature per day. Wish me luck !
Great review which I fully agree with the only negatives I have is 1. Heat pump should come as standard or at least an option on all models, and 2. The internal island is in my opinion an absolute disaster, the sliding table a useless gimmick the drink holders should be at easy reach not on the floor likewise the wireless phone charger should be in the dash under the heating buttons then they could have cleared the floor for passenger pass through like the Ionic 5 for an even more spacious and modern interior why still include a transmission tunnel like central island on a fully bespoke E.V. 9.5/10
I have a GT Line in Orange arriving in 2 weeks. First EV and swapping from an M440i. So a big change. No electric car had ever come close to tempting me until now. The range, the funky looks and the interior makes it a great package. The biggest thing is the value for money. All of that I don't have to pay Rachel Reeves a penny of road tax for the next 12 months and no jealousy tax moving forward.
Superb review! Just had a test drive myself and was well impressed, however, I'm a wee bit disappointed of the limited colour choice, Silver only available on the "Air" trim?
Just traded my 2022 EV6 for an EV3, January delivery. Totally agree with your comments having driven the EV 3. The EV6 is a hard act to follow but KIA have excelled themselves.
Hi. Have you been able to test drive one in the UK? We went to the launch at our local dealer 6 weeks ago. I was told they’d have a demonstrator several days later. I have heard no more.
P.U.my new EV 3 today .Will,report my reaction in a few days My daughter and I had visited ,local garage with a view to order a new Mini Aceman they did not have her spec and colour until January , On the way home we popped into Kia garage to organise my pick up but my daughter sat in their demonstrates and has since ordered a Grey EV3 GT S ., .
@@sheilaghchester6833Hi, so how are you getting on please? We are current heat pump fitted Niro 4 EV with heat pump and yesterday bought a ex demonstration GT Line S in black without heat pump. Can’t have it until the second week of February but would really like your impressions having already done the same switch.
I was lucky enough to go to a preview event for the EV3 and as a NiroEV owner, this is clearly the car Kia want me to move on to next. I love it, everything about it except - there shouldn’t be a version above the 40k luxury car bracket for the UK. That or, more features on the GT line rather than the GT Line S. I can let go of V2L and I’ve found that a heat pump would be useful but not essential, likewise the fancy ventilated seats. But losing the 360 camera, HUD, Sunroof to a 40k plus version is such a shame. Anyway, it’s fantastic - this is a game changer and along with the Elroq- the two muster have EV’s for many people.
Had a look at one of these today. Very impressive and yours was the first review I turned to. Excellent review and included everything I need to know. Some more B-roll/cutaways would be appreciated - eg you were talking about and fiddling with the cupholders but didn’t actually show them. Also your sound and picture are out of sync on the camera behind you when driving it.
Love yer work, but could you *please* pop the metric numbers on the screen? UK channel, I get, but I don't know what miles and horsepower mean. I'm sure others are in the same boat. I'd love metric subtitles 🤩 Pretty please!
If I could have waited, it would be down to this or the Skoda Enyaq for me - would have leased a new car. However, 6 months ago I had to make a choice and plumped for a used eNiro 4+. No regrets. 🙂
I don’t particularly like the way it looks on the outside (I do like the colour though) but the interior I really like. One drawback for me would be that it doesn’t have a through hatch/load from the boot for long items. The range is a huge plus 👍🏻
Thanks for another sensible, no bs review. I like the style of this car, I agree it does hint at BMWi3 (used to drive one). I would want to get the smaller battery but would need to check the spec as you said that's only available in base trim. Disappointed though that the heat pump is not standard across the range, as it will be on the new, much cheaper, Renault 5.
Just wonder once this gets established if we'll see the end of the Niro EV. If this had been available a few months earlier would definitely have gone for it , however loving our 2024 plate Kona Ultimate which obviously is very similar with the tech used. Great review 👍
Excellent review. Trying to decide between EV3 Air and a top spec Kona electric. I think if the steering weight of the EV3 is more natural it might sway me, just waiting on the test drive.
Currently drive a Soul and this is something I'd consider to replace it in about 12 months time. The Soul has been great and I'll hit 20,000 miles today with no real issues. My main concerns with the EV3 are the position of the air vents which seem very low, especially compared with the Soul, and the limited choice of colours on the Air model. I'd be looking at the long range Air.
Fanatastic car - just wish Kia UK were not quite as stingy on the heatpump should be standard across the range as I believe it is in many markets also believe Kia add a few thousand more on price than they should do...
@johnw65uk You would be surprised they can help alot in any temperature below 20c and can improve efficiency by anything from 15 to 20% so worth having. 😉
@@mikegipson1224 ah ok thanks, I guess also it probably looks after the battery a bit better with keeping temperatures up rather than low temperatures charging.
I don't need the sunroof. relaxation seats, HK audio or the "table". However would love the HUD, cooled seats and extra drivers aids, fitted to a lower level trim body fitted with larger battery and smaller wheels so could gryt the full 370+ mile range. I also would prefer another base colour than orange!. Changing that on the GT-Line will take it over the "luxury car tax bracket" by the time I get to change my Niro EV. Other than that - brilliant car.
Personally, the smaller battery unit, the smaller wheels but the GT S trim and heat pump option would have been my preferred configuration and should still have avoided the £40k hit on the new VED rates. The limiting of the smaller battery to only the base spec seems a bit of a miss.
The model you're reviewing sounds more like a GT-Line-S in terms of UK specs (confirmed later in the review). HuD, sunroof, electric & ventilated seats all drop-out in standard GT-Line, with no heat pump option. Sat in one a couple of weeks ago and the only impractical thing for me was that armrest/console rather than a nice deep bin. Test driving one next week at my local dealer. Only niggle is unless I settle for the standard orange GT-line, the paint option takes it over £40k and the tax implications of that from next April in UK.
These were European cars we had on the launch, so the spec's weren't the same as we will get in the UK. There was also a different trim level we could have tested called Earth that we won't get in the UK.
It is crackers that Kia are pricing a version, which with better paint pushes the price point up into the higher VED category. Just can’t see why they’re doing this. It could very easily be put buyers off.😮
@@ians3328 I've looked at every review of the EV3, on all the localized versions of UA-cam I can find, and not one has an orange car on it - is there a reason? Yes of course it's not as nice as the other colours - KIA want everyone to pay extra for a better colour. However when the current Niro was introduced the base colour was also orange - and they dropped that within 3 months of deliveries starting. In most other countries, including Korea, there doesn't even seem to be the option of orange
Yep, totally agree. What a looker. I'd been hoping that Tesla would come up with something that was along these lines, but they're heading down the Cyberdrain when it comes to design, and I can't stand that. The lack of a display ahead is just crasse in my opnion. Love the Tesla tech and the Supercharger Network, but I just can't get excited about anthing they're doing at the moment or the near future. I couldn't care less about FSD, I love driving. I think I'm smitten with this one. I'll be looking at one with the same trim level this week, and if it's to my liking, I'll test drive it and probably place an order. This is probably the car I've been waiting for.
Great overview, Bryan. I don't find it particularly attractive, as I prefer a sleeker, cleaner style and the awkward lines remind me of the i3, but it's great to see a smaller and less expensive EV hatchback. I'm hoping this comes to Canada at some point, as we have few hatchbacks available and the EX30 is very overpriced for Canada, even before potential tariffs are added.
I’m a neighbor in the spithole, former democracy between Mexico and Canada. I’d also like to buy an affordable EV! Our new dictator will probably outlaw everything but diesel monster trucks!
Hi a great review as usual. I visited my local Kia dealer when the car did the rounds and was hoping it was going to look good in the metal and be well specified. And I agree with you it looks great especially in that new green. Because I currently drive the EV6 GT Line s rear drive and as much as I love the car it is a big car which my wife finds it a little intimidating to drive and park. So would consider this car if it came with all the bells and whistles as my car which looking at the same spec as mine it does. So I’m taking up the offer of a test drive when the demo cars come in. Wether it drives as good as mine would be interesting to hear your opinion on that. Thanks again for a great review and yes I do watch Pete’s channel. great guy.
Excellent review. And yep, I'm with you: Kia killing design and styling of late... Only snag is the 400W architecture: not sure 120 KW max fast-charging speed is quite good enough for road trips (at least here in Australia)
If you pay a lot today, you'll get a lot of features and upgrades. Just complaining when you don't want to pay is a shortcut to your personality. If you don't like ev3, make sure you pay more for the ev4 ev5 ev6 ev9.
Of course, excellent value for its class. But indeed, have to step up to EV6 or EV9 for a road tripper (at least, again, here in Aus), in my view at least.
With the variability in battery sizes, efficiency etc. an interesting measure would be how many km of range do you get in 30 minutes. As batteries get bigger, each % of charge is higher value.
Well, EV6 has a 77kWh battery, but up to ~220 kW DC fast charging speed; almost double the speed of EV3... Again, EV3 is very compelling for its class/price. Great for city-only driving, but not sure it's suited to longer road trips ~500 miles+. Writing from Australia, so context may be different to Euro buyers etc
I love your reviews... free of 'marketing guff'!! Just driven one today and I am trading my SoulEV for a GTline. Mine will be in black though...not really a fan of the black oversized wheel arches contrasting with the other colours (too much of that 'opposites united' guff!!). Looking forward to it!
@@chasf3433 A body coloured wrap for the black wheel arches. Alternatively Kia could just get rid of all that black in the first place, which along with the awful GT line wheels really look heavy and ugly.
Great review again, now a curve ball, looking for a car, first car that has all the bits, have narrowed down to 2 very different cars, BYD Seal UDMI £33k EV3 GTS £43k, hoping to get at least 10 years if I decide on outright purchase, just wondering if you would day one is head and shoulders above the other
@@AutoEV yes have seen it, really good review, the comfort is being offered at £33500, to get the same amount of kit on the GTS is 43k excluding heat pump, BYD cannot confirm price of servicing but it will be every year, surprisingly the KIA site also says each year, but I can get 3 years free servicing, 30 long miles to BYD dealership and 15 easy miles to KIA, could be answering my own questions here
EV3 or Kona?? Seen it in flesh and was surprised to see it is closer to vw ID3 than to Kona size wise, especially height. Was expecting it to be higher. Looks better than Kona but something didn’t clicked to me when saw in person.
Excellent review, I'm not a fan of the look of the EV3, the best design electric vehicles, the EV6 and Ioniq 5, I think they really have a lovely design on both of those. Unfortunately, I can't have an electric vehicle until the infrastructure improves as I live in the centre of town and have no off road parking, it's the case of wherever I find a parking space, that's where I park, since these particular manufacturers brought cars into the UK, they have improved massively. I don't need such a big vehicle as I only have myself to transport to and from work, small electric vehicles won't "yet" cope with my 60 mile daily commute but as technology improves, hopefully prices become more affordable, I may be able to find an appropriate vehicle for my needs, it's just down to the infrastructure. The only thing I would prefer is a more basic interior when it comes to controls, proper switch gear and clocks, I'm not really qualified to drive vehicles like these
According to a renown Italian car magazine, the car with the bigger battery (77 kWh real) has a range of 315 km if driven at 130 km/h on motorway. But the range jumps up to 370 km if one opts for the 17'' wheels. The former figure is a bit disappointing (at least to me), but the latter is good. Of course, not all of us drive an EV car at 130 km/h on motorway on a daily basis. Thank you for the detailed review.
Bryan, aren't charge times often quoted as 20% to 80%? The times for 10% to 80% for this vehicle seem quite impressive for a more reasonably priced EV with a relatively large battery. I've heard the eNiro is being discontinued in some markets, as it's effectively being replaced by this vehicle.
I live in Costa Rica, I definitely don't need a heat pump, but it's handy to have the "snow" mode for use on slippery slopes and loose gravel roads, of which there are quite a few here.
It's a contender but I would like a smaller car so would wait for the EV2 and see if that stacks up. I would like a smaller car with decent range (280 miles) and a fair price (£28k). Hopefully with battery technology improvements this may be possible soon.
So, this indeed is class leading for B/C SUVs. My question is - will the EV5, due next year, class lead the D segment and eclipse the Ioniq 5 and Enyaq.
I like the charge flap on the side - in the Soul and Nero it's on the front, which makes the car several inches longer when you're charging. Awkward when it's in the garage.
Trying to persuade my wife to get one swapping in her Golf but does not like the way it looks bigger. It is not bigger but the "heavy" styling at the back makes it look so. Yes I can see the spoiler helps with airflow but makes it look chunky. That stupid shelf for a laptop much prefer the storage bin as you get in the cheaper Air trim. Are they targeting the business rep? When we stop to charge quick coffee and a loo break and we are off again. So just can't see it being useful for anything. Price is tricky too as anything over £40k is going to get clobbered with "luxury tax" in April .... maybe. Budget said she is looking at it. Dream on. Even the 2nd level GT with a paint colour added is over the £40k. Why only a heat pump as an option on the most expensive. Do they know something the whole rest of the industry does not - re "always get a heat pump" ? Waiting for them to get the demo models in.
So, if I buy the mid spec for 39,495 and I choose a premium paint option, does this mean I have to pay the expensive car tax as it is now over 40k? If so, I'm out.
MG4 was reviewed about a year ago. Rated very well. MG now offering 9k off RRP. People must be crying at the residuals 😢PCP or lease must be the only way to go with EVs
In the U.K. the GT Line with a change of paint colour will have list price of £40,110. From registrations 1st. April 2025, road tax will be £605 pa. for 5 years, even when bought second hand. Will this put people off?
Thanks for calling it what it is , A Crossover. Also it is not B-segment it's larger than a Golf. biggest gripe is it's too slow, it weighs 2 tons and barely 200BHP.
Hi, Could you please comment on the Kia EV3’s headlight performance. I have an Ioniq 5 which looks fab, but the headlights are poor ( compared with BMW Zenon and Audi LED which we have previously owned). . Thanks, Mark
My car was recently stolen - Iconic PHEV. Had more or less decided on Niro EV 4. But, will this kill it - seems to have been taken off the German market so ifvthey do the same here, will Niro EVs become virtually unsaleable? Maybe its time to think of leasing?
Kia have struck on a formula here that will do for EVs what their Sportage has done for SUVs. I have a Hyundai HEV that I like, but eventually I will replace it with a full EV -- but all the longer-range ones I've looked at have been too big - until this. The EV3 strikes a good balance.
Me driving a 2012 Twingo for the past 12 years… Stop calling it a small car! It’s not a small car. ‘It feels like a big car/there’s so much space etc etc’ that’s because it’s not a small car. (Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck… ) 😂 I did enjoy the review though, very thorough
Hi Bryan. Firstly love this review. I would be very interested in how you would compare this vehicle the to Renault Scenic e Tech as I have an order placed for one having watched your previous review of it. Again thanks for the great channel Regards Andy F Ps also love the look of this vehicle!
B -segment? Cars like Corsa, fabia jazz, Renault 5, Zoe etc are B, just over 4m long 1.7 ISH wide. This is definitely C segment like golf, civic, focus, id3 etc 4.3m long 1.8 wide. Sorry to B pedantic 😉 thanks for the review
In size and space it is more Sportage, ID4, Ford Explorer size they just squared off the ends which makes it a bit shorter but will kill the high speed aerodynamics.
Kia have positioned it as a B-sector crossover in terms of what they see the competition as. Yes, its little bit bigger, but that is the advantage in the market sector they are selling the car in.
@@AutoEV just because Kia have decided to call it B segment it doesn't mean it Is. It's bigger than an iD3 which is a C segment. Or is that B segment now too? I understand that it's very blurry lines around that area though especially with the 4m long jeep avenger as you mentioned. Take care x
The EV3 has far better looks and range Vs VW iD3. I can imagine people saving on the monthly payments of an iD4 to step down into the EV3 (assuming the space inside is OK). Style wise Kia are smashing it. VW have played it too safe with their bland looks.
30 year old Danish man here, now the city i live in has great public transportation, so even though i have turned 30 i have never owned a car, simply because i have never had the need for one. But this car is so perfect i will finally get a car, and this will be the one
THIS is what a proper car review looks like.
Well presented, informative and enjoyable.
Thank you for such a charming comment. I really appreciate that. Thank you for watching too.
I just drove one yesterday, and its fantastic, i loved it. On the inside the felling is that you are driving a little tank, so well bilt and secure.
I will buy one.
I'm in Ireland and my KIA dealer had 2 EV3's in stock last week, the GT line and the Earth 3 version, which is the one I drove. Its the middle version (Earth 2 is the entry level) . Great car to drive. It has the 81kw battery
Many thanks for the very useful review. Have been waiting for a car of this quality to jump into an EV for the first time. Now have a GT Line S on order for early December delivery. Switching from a long line of Kia Sportages.
Superb review! I've just applied to a test drive of the EV 3 and I think this could be my first EV and our main family car (baby probably incoming soon :D). As I currently drive 2017 Kia Ceed and I'm a designer by profession, it is impressive to se how Kia upped their game in terms of design language and attention to detail. Makes me want to visit South Korea. Thanks for a great presentation and keep them coming!
I just bought one and now excited to get it, hopefully within a week. Thanks for the review.
I have watched lots of your reviews and am always impressed with your delivery and honest review. I have never felt you give such a glowing review to any other. Will definitely have to give this one a go.
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to write.
The EV3 checks all the blocks for me. Definitely buying one as soon as they hit North America.
Will they be sold here?
@@arqcm I believe it will in a year or maybe two.
2026
Thank you for showing the rear wiper on the Kia EV3. I've been looking at dozens of review videos on UA-cam and you're the first I see that shows the excellent design of the rear wiper on the Kia EV3. All rear wipers should be done this way.
Someone please set this up. A black EV9 escorted by a number of white EV3s... I'd already made the Star Wars comparison in my head. 😂
Magnificent!
Ha ha ha!!!! There's a marketing campaign right there for you Kia!!!
And the Imperator in a BMW i3 or Bolt - both antiquated retro future like the concept Honda-e or Kia Soul...
What a good detailed review, I have seen a lot of reviews on this car, but nobody took the time to explain as well as this review.
Thank you, what a lovely comment. Glad you enjoyed it.
My GT Line S is arriving this week. Hoping to have it by the weekend.
What has been your experience with your EV3 ?
@@RuthSmart Loving it so far. No complaints whatsoever.
As the owner of a 2024 kona N line s ev i have to say had the ev3 been around in February this year it would have been on our radar.
Can't wait till this car comes out. I'm buying it.
Already ordered one, but I actually believe that one of the biggest weaknesses is the colours 😅 I ordered my full spec GT line in Shale Grey 😊
Nice choice of colour.
Totally agree about the colours…
A more efficient heating option for the lower trim level would be useful. However, at least you don't get the reliability issues with a simple electric heater.
@ where I am from Heat pump is standard in all versions
Excellent review of an excellent car, a real beauty, the looks are stunning.
Glad you liked it!
I’ve just taken delivery of the GT Line S: I wanted electric, big enough for six-footer grandsons (unlike the Volvo rival), a decent range to visit French holiday home, and also the bells & whistles (memory seats, self-closing hatch etc). Enjoying it in north England despite the dark and the wet - but I could do with an instruction course. The manual is 580 pages long, and not the easiest read. However, now I can start it, steer it and stop it, I’ve decided the way forward is to try to understand one feature per day. Wish me luck !
Great review which I fully agree with the only negatives I have is 1. Heat pump should come as standard or at least an option on all models, and 2. The internal island is in my opinion an absolute disaster, the sliding table a useless gimmick the drink holders should be at easy reach not on the floor likewise the wireless phone charger should be in the dash under the heating buttons then they could have cleared the floor for passenger pass through like the Ionic 5 for an even more spacious and modern interior why still include a transmission tunnel like central island on a fully bespoke E.V. 9.5/10
I have a GT Line in Orange arriving in 2 weeks. First EV and swapping from an M440i. So a big change. No electric car had ever come close to tempting me until now. The range, the funky looks and the interior makes it a great package. The biggest thing is the value for money. All of that I don't have to pay Rachel Reeves a penny of road tax for the next 12 months and no jealousy tax moving forward.
Good choice!
Can you share a photo or video or your GT Line in orange ?
Great review as always. This should worry the competition as its a great package.
Thanks again for another great video. I really like this car could be on my shopping list.
Superb review! Just had a test drive myself and was well impressed, however, I'm a wee bit disappointed of the limited colour choice, Silver only available on the "Air" trim?
Very detailed review. Thank you.
Just traded my 2022 EV6 for an EV3, January delivery. Totally agree with your comments having driven the EV 3. The EV6 is a hard act to follow but KIA have excelled themselves.
Hi. Have you been able to test drive one in the UK? We went to the launch at our local dealer 6 weeks ago. I was told they’d have a demonstrator several days later. I have heard no more.
I'm driving it again in the UK in December, but that is when the press cars are here. Dealer demonstrators will be differentt I am sure.
Yep it’s pretty hard when you run short of money and have to trade down.
Have a Niro 4 but get an EV3 on Fruday . Will em my feelings on it in a week or so . Thanks for exceptionly good report...
Hope you enjoy it!
P.U.my new EV 3 today .Will,report my reaction in a few days My daughter and I had visited ,local garage with a view to order a new Mini Aceman they did not have her spec and colour until January , On the way home we popped into Kia garage to organise my pick up but my daughter sat in their demonstrates and has since ordered a Grey EV3 GT S .,
.
@@sheilaghchester6833Hi, so how are you getting on please? We are current heat pump fitted Niro 4 EV with heat pump and yesterday bought a ex demonstration GT Line S in black without heat pump. Can’t have it until the second week of February but would really like your impressions having already done the same switch.
I was lucky enough to go to a preview event for the EV3 and as a NiroEV owner, this is clearly the car Kia want me to move on to next. I love it, everything about it except - there shouldn’t be a version above the 40k luxury car bracket for the UK. That or, more features on the GT line rather than the GT Line S. I can let go of V2L and I’ve found that a heat pump would be useful but not essential, likewise the fancy ventilated seats. But losing the 360 camera, HUD, Sunroof to a 40k plus version is such a shame. Anyway, it’s fantastic - this is a game changer and along with the Elroq- the two muster have EV’s for many people.
very impressive car. the review was great too. ❤
Had a look at one of these today. Very impressive and yours was the first review I turned to. Excellent review and included everything I need to know. Some more B-roll/cutaways would be appreciated - eg you were talking about and fiddling with the cupholders but didn’t actually show them. Also your sound and picture are out of sync on the camera behind you when driving it.
ordered an Ev3 Gt line s on xmas eve, due to arrive in uk early january, cant wait.
Love yer work, but could you *please* pop the metric numbers on the screen? UK channel, I get, but I don't know what miles and horsepower mean. I'm sure others are in the same boat. I'd love metric subtitles 🤩
Pretty please!
한국은 매우 보수적으로 주행거리 인증을 받습니다. 약 562km 의 공인 주행거리이나 실제로 사용 가능한 거리는 600km 이상입니다.
If I could have waited, it would be down to this or the Skoda Enyaq for me - would have leased a new car. However, 6 months ago I had to make a choice and plumped for a used eNiro 4+. No regrets. 🙂
I'm getting it. Not yet but it will be mine in the future
Great review. Thank you. I’ve ordered a GT line in sunset orange to keep the price under £40k but I’m worried about how the orange will look ???
I think it will look great. If I see one on the UK launch next week, I’ll let you know!
Sunset Orange looks good! Driving one today.
I don’t particularly like the way it looks on the outside (I do like the colour though) but the interior I really like. One drawback for me would be that it doesn’t have a through hatch/load from the boot for long items. The range is a huge plus 👍🏻
Thanks for another sensible, no bs review. I like the style of this car, I agree it does hint at BMWi3 (used to drive one). I would want to get the smaller battery but would need to check the spec as you said that's only available in base trim. Disappointed though that the heat pump is not standard across the range, as it will be on the new, much cheaper, Renault 5.
Going to be driving the base spec car this week hopefully. So there might be an extra review coming……
Been waiting for this review. Let's go!
I think it looks stunning in black.
Agreed. There is also a dark grey that really suits it too.
Just wonder once this gets established if we'll see the end of the Niro EV. If this had been available a few months earlier would definitely have gone for it , however loving our 2024 plate Kona Ultimate which obviously is very similar with the tech used. Great review 👍
Excellent review. Trying to decide between EV3 Air and a top spec Kona electric. I think if the steering weight of the EV3 is more natural it might sway me, just waiting on the test drive.
Currently drive a Soul and this is something I'd consider to replace it in about 12 months time. The Soul has been great and I'll hit 20,000 miles today with no real issues. My main concerns with the EV3 are the position of the air vents which seem very low, especially compared with the Soul, and the limited choice of colours on the Air model. I'd be looking at the long range Air.
Hyundai Kona N Line or Kia EV3 GTLine? Which one to buy? What do you recommend? Is there a big difference in the range?
EV3. I like the Kona, but it can't compete with the modernity, space and refinement of the EV3.
thanks for your reaction. I really love the Kona N Line aesthetics and interior. But it cant compete with the ev3.
Love the review as always.
Will be keeping a close eye on this one. Ticks most boxes but i don't really need one right now!
Fanatastic car - just wish Kia UK were not quite as stingy on the heatpump should be standard across the range as I believe it is in many markets also believe Kia add a few thousand more on price than they should do...
Is a heat pump necessary in the UK? Maybe north Scotland but really don’t think it’s needed personally.
@johnw65uk You would be surprised they can help alot in any temperature below 20c and can improve efficiency by anything from 15 to 20% so worth having. 😉
@@mikegipson1224 ah ok thanks, I guess also it probably looks after the battery a bit better with keeping temperatures up rather than low temperatures charging.
After my e-niro for 4yrs will order the ev3 business+ soon - a bit dissapointed that the HUD and ambient lighting is only on GT line
I don't need the sunroof. relaxation seats, HK audio or the "table". However would love the HUD, cooled seats and extra drivers aids, fitted to a lower level trim body fitted with larger battery and smaller wheels so could gryt the full 370+ mile range.
I also would prefer another base colour than orange!. Changing that on the GT-Line will take it over the "luxury car tax bracket" by the time I get to change my Niro EV.
Other than that - brilliant car.
Good job Bryan. Strange to see that the ev3 is longer and wider than both jeeps avenger and id3 , cupra born are we certain is B segment?
Looks nice, I’m a fan of the exterior. Agree with the IX comments. Imagine this thing with the Ioniq 5Ns 600+ HP 🤯
Personally, the smaller battery unit, the smaller wheels but the GT S trim and heat pump option would have been my preferred configuration and should still have avoided the £40k hit on the new VED rates. The limiting of the smaller battery to only the base spec seems a bit of a miss.
Seven words for the algorithm to support....
Great review. How is it over bumps and potholes (I have a bad back)? Thanks :)
The model you're reviewing sounds more like a GT-Line-S in terms of UK specs (confirmed later in the review). HuD, sunroof, electric & ventilated seats all drop-out in standard GT-Line, with no heat pump option. Sat in one a couple of weeks ago and the only impractical thing for me was that armrest/console rather than a nice deep bin. Test driving one next week at my local dealer. Only niggle is unless I settle for the standard orange GT-line, the paint option takes it over £40k and the tax implications of that from next April in UK.
These were European cars we had on the launch, so the spec's weren't the same as we will get in the UK. There was also a different trim level we could have tested called Earth that we won't get in the UK.
It is crackers that Kia are pricing a version, which with better paint pushes the price point up into the higher VED category. Just can’t see why they’re doing this. It could very easily be put buyers off.😮
Exactly my worries about it too. That Orange looks horrible.
@@ians3328 I've looked at every review of the EV3, on all the localized versions of UA-cam I can find, and not one has an orange car on it - is there a reason? Yes of course it's not as nice as the other colours - KIA want everyone to pay extra for a better colour.
However when the current Niro was introduced the base colour was also orange - and they dropped that within 3 months of deliveries starting.
In most other countries, including Korea, there doesn't even seem to be the option of orange
Yep, totally agree. What a looker. I'd been hoping that Tesla would come up with something that was along these lines, but they're heading down the Cyberdrain when it comes to design, and I can't stand that. The lack of a display ahead is just crasse in my opnion. Love the Tesla tech and the Supercharger Network, but I just can't get excited about anthing they're doing at the moment or the near future. I couldn't care less about FSD, I love driving.
I think I'm smitten with this one. I'll be looking at one with the same trim level this week, and if it's to my liking, I'll test drive it and probably place an order. This is probably the car I've been waiting for.
Let us know if you do plump for it.
Great overview, Bryan. I don't find it particularly attractive, as I prefer a sleeker, cleaner style and the awkward lines remind me of the i3, but it's great to see a smaller and less expensive EV hatchback. I'm hoping this comes to Canada at some point, as we have few hatchbacks available and the EX30 is very overpriced for Canada, even before potential tariffs are added.
I know it’s a BIG ask. In the future would love a comparison test with the Volvo ex-30 / Smart #1 / Niro EV / Peugeot e-2008 / Jeep Avenger
EX30 and Niro EV aren't in the same place as this car on so many levels, except that that they are all overpriced.
Would this be the replacement for the Kia Soul or will the Kia EV2 be the one???😮😮
I live in a shithole country between Mexico and Canada and we won't see EV3s for many, many years. Or any other good small cheap EVs.
I’m a neighbor in the spithole, former democracy between Mexico and Canada. I’d also like to buy an affordable EV! Our new dictator will probably outlaw everything but diesel monster trucks!
Is there a cover on the sun/moon roof?
Hi a great review as usual. I visited my local Kia dealer when the car did the rounds and was hoping it was going to look good in the metal and be well specified. And I agree with you it looks great especially in that new green. Because I currently drive the EV6 GT Line s rear drive and as much as I love the car it is a big car which my wife finds it a little intimidating to drive and park. So would consider this car if it came with all the bells and whistles as my car which looking at the same spec as mine it does. So I’m taking up the offer of a test drive when the demo cars come in. Wether it drives as good as mine would be interesting to hear your opinion on that. Thanks again for a great review and yes I do watch Pete’s channel. great guy.
Top test I want one
Excellent review. And yep, I'm with you: Kia killing design and styling of late... Only snag is the 400W architecture: not sure 120 KW max fast-charging speed is quite good enough for road trips (at least here in Australia)
If you pay a lot today, you'll get a lot of features and upgrades. Just complaining when you don't want to pay is a shortcut to your personality. If you don't like ev3, make sure you pay more for the ev4 ev5 ev6 ev9.
Of course, excellent value for its class. But indeed, have to step up to EV6 or EV9 for a road tripper (at least, again, here in Aus), in my view at least.
*or those other models you mentioned
With the variability in battery sizes, efficiency etc. an interesting measure would be how many km of range do you get in 30 minutes. As batteries get bigger, each % of charge is higher value.
Well, EV6 has a 77kWh battery, but up to ~220 kW DC fast charging speed; almost double the speed of EV3... Again, EV3 is very compelling for its class/price. Great for city-only driving, but not sure it's suited to longer road trips ~500 miles+. Writing from Australia, so context may be different to Euro buyers etc
Sounds a brilliant car wonder what will be sacrificed in the Kia EV2???
I love your reviews... free of 'marketing guff'!! Just driven one today and I am trading my SoulEV for a GTline. Mine will be in black though...not really a fan of the black oversized wheel arches contrasting with the other colours (too much of that 'opposites united' guff!!). Looking forward to it!
Thank you for sending in such a lovely comment - and of course for taking the time to watch the review! Glad you enjoyed it. Good choice of car too!
Saw the EV3 at launch event. The shiny black trim worried me driving around country roads
Totally agree a few harsh winters with gritted roads will ruin it. My dealer recommend using a clear protective wrap!!
@@chasf3433 A body coloured wrap for the black wheel arches. Alternatively Kia could just get rid of all that black in the first place, which along with the awful GT line wheels really look heavy and ugly.
great analysis but what about the charging curve of the 58kWh battery model? it's a quite important parameter to consider.
Great review again, now a curve ball, looking for a car, first car that has all the bits, have narrowed down to 2 very different cars, BYD Seal UDMI £33k EV3 GTS £43k, hoping to get at least 10 years if I decide on outright purchase, just wondering if you would day one is head and shoulders above the other
Check out my review of the Seal U DM-I over on House of Cars.
@@AutoEV yes have seen it, really good review, the comfort is being offered at £33500, to get the same amount of kit on the GTS is 43k excluding heat pump, BYD cannot confirm price of servicing but it will be every year, surprisingly the KIA site also says each year, but I can get 3 years free servicing, 30 long miles to BYD dealership and 15 easy miles to KIA, could be answering my own questions here
Those alloys at 11.12mins tickle my pickle… are they coming to the UK?
Whats the vess sound like? Can you hear it in the car when stopped and in D?
EV3 or Kona?? Seen it in flesh and was surprised to see it is closer to vw ID3 than to Kona size wise, especially height. Was expecting it to be higher. Looks better than Kona but something didn’t clicked to me when saw in person.
Excellent review, I'm not a fan of the look of the EV3, the best design electric vehicles, the EV6 and Ioniq 5, I think they really have a lovely design on both of those. Unfortunately, I can't have an electric vehicle until the infrastructure improves as I live in the centre of town and have no off road parking, it's the case of wherever I find a parking space, that's where I park, since these particular manufacturers brought cars into the UK, they have improved massively. I don't need such a big vehicle as I only have myself to transport to and from work, small electric vehicles won't "yet" cope with my 60 mile daily commute but as technology improves, hopefully prices become more affordable, I may be able to find an appropriate vehicle for my needs, it's just down to the infrastructure. The only thing I would prefer is a more basic interior when it comes to controls, proper switch gear and clocks, I'm not really qualified to drive vehicles like these
It reminds me of the Bolt EUV but better
According to a renown Italian car magazine, the car with the bigger battery (77 kWh real) has a range of 315 km if driven at 130 km/h on motorway. But the range jumps up to 370 km if one opts for the 17'' wheels. The former figure is a bit disappointing (at least to me), but the latter is good.
Of course, not all of us drive an EV car at 130 km/h on motorway on a daily basis.
Thank you for the detailed review.
Bryan, aren't charge times often quoted as 20% to 80%? The times for 10% to 80% for this vehicle seem quite impressive for a more reasonably priced EV with a relatively large battery. I've heard the eNiro is being discontinued in some markets, as it's effectively being replaced by this vehicle.
Snow mode without a standard heat pump ? Interesting .
I live in Costa Rica, I definitely don't need a heat pump, but it's handy to have the "snow" mode for use on slippery slopes and loose gravel roads, of which there are quite a few here.
A pity they have not got a quick interchange of Consols with the Air Base as some people would want the old type consul. 🤔
I replaced my EV6 foe a Nero EV, long story but waiting for the EV4 in two years
It's a contender but I would like a smaller car so would wait for the EV2 and see if that stacks up.
I would like a smaller car with decent range (280 miles) and a fair price (£28k). Hopefully with battery technology improvements this may be possible soon.
So, this indeed is class leading for B/C SUVs. My question is - will the EV5, due next year, class lead the D segment and eclipse the Ioniq 5 and Enyaq.
I do find that people don’t talk about safety enough which to me is one of the most important things in the vehicle you buy?
A very nice quality package. Should do very well.
I think so too!
Excellent review Bryan, great product by Kia. In Australia, it will unfortunately will be killed on price by Chinese competitors.
MG4 looks hell of alot better and bigger battery too on the 77 and less price - I'd go MG4 77
@@glenncoreyjp6854 yeah I agree. How anyone survives the Chinese disruption is a serious question. War ?.
I like the charge flap on the side - in the Soul and Nero it's on the front, which makes the car several inches longer when you're charging. Awkward when it's in the garage.
EV3:
Length: 4,300 mm = 169.3 inches
Width: 1,850 mm = 72.8 inches
Height: 1,560 mm = 61.4 inches
Wheelbase: 2,680 mm = 105.5 inches
Chevrolet Bolt EUV:
* Length: 169.5 inches (4,305 mm).
* Width: 69.7 inches (1,770 mm).
* Height: 63.6 inches (1,615 mm).
* Wheelbase: 105.3 inches (2,675 mm).
Trying to persuade my wife to get one swapping in her Golf but does not like the way it looks bigger. It is not bigger but the "heavy" styling at the back makes it look so. Yes I can see the spoiler helps with airflow but makes it look chunky.
That stupid shelf for a laptop much prefer the storage bin as you get in the cheaper Air trim. Are they targeting the business rep? When we stop to charge quick coffee and a loo break and we are off again. So just can't see it being useful for anything.
Price is tricky too as anything over £40k is going to get clobbered with "luxury tax" in April .... maybe. Budget said she is looking at it. Dream on. Even the 2nd level GT with a paint colour added is over the £40k.
Why only a heat pump as an option on the most expensive. Do they know something the whole rest of the industry does not - re "always get a heat pump" ?
Waiting for them to get the demo models in.
So, if I buy the mid spec for 39,495 and I choose a premium paint option, does this mean I have to pay the expensive car tax as it is now over 40k?
If so, I'm out.
Yes stupid isn't it. But not if they deliver it before April.
MG4 was reviewed about a year ago. Rated very well. MG now offering 9k off RRP. People must be crying at the residuals 😢PCP or lease must be the only way to go with EVs
I love the EV3, really want to get one, but 50 000 USD for a car with front wheel drive is just unacceptable for me.
In the U.K. the GT Line with a change of paint colour will have list price of £40,110. From registrations 1st. April 2025, road tax will be £605 pa. for 5 years, even when bought second hand. Will this put people off?
Thanks for calling it what it is , A Crossover. Also it is not B-segment it's larger than a Golf. biggest gripe is it's too slow, it weighs 2 tons and barely 200BHP.
How much difference does a heat pump really make in UK driving?
Hi, Could you please comment on the Kia EV3’s headlight performance. I have an Ioniq 5 which looks fab, but the headlights are poor ( compared with BMW Zenon and Audi LED which we have previously owned). . Thanks, Mark
Unfortunately not as I haven't driven the car in the dark. Sorry.
Does the roof open?
My car was recently stolen - Iconic PHEV. Had more or less decided on Niro EV 4. But, will this kill it - seems to have been taken off the German market so ifvthey do the same here, will Niro EVs become virtually unsaleable? Maybe its time to think of leasing?
Kia have struck on a formula here that will do for EVs what their Sportage has done for SUVs. I have a Hyundai HEV that I like, but eventually I will replace it with a full EV -- but all the longer-range ones I've looked at have been too big - until this. The EV3 strikes a good balance.
briljant review.
Me driving a 2012 Twingo for the past 12 years… Stop calling it a small car! It’s not a small car. ‘It feels like a big car/there’s so much space etc etc’ that’s because it’s not a small car. (Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck… ) 😂 I did enjoy the review though, very thorough
Hi Bryan. Firstly love this review. I would be very interested in how you would compare this vehicle the to Renault Scenic e Tech as I have an order placed for one having watched your previous review of it. Again thanks for the great channel
Regards
Andy F
Ps also love the look of this vehicle!
...very good question! Comparison to the Scenic e-tech?
Yes, top of the line of both cars are not far in price, but the Scenic is bigger and has a bigger battery too.
B -segment? Cars like Corsa, fabia jazz, Renault 5, Zoe etc are B, just over 4m long 1.7 ISH wide. This is definitely C segment like golf, civic, focus, id3 etc 4.3m long 1.8 wide.
Sorry to B pedantic 😉 thanks for the review
In size and space it is more Sportage, ID4, Ford Explorer size they just squared off the ends which makes it a bit shorter but will kill the high speed aerodynamics.
Kia have positioned it as a B-sector crossover in terms of what they see the competition as. Yes, its little bit bigger, but that is the advantage in the market sector they are selling the car in.
@@AutoEV just because Kia have decided to call it B segment it doesn't mean it Is. It's bigger than an iD3 which is a C segment. Or is that B segment now too?
I understand that it's very blurry lines around that area though especially with the 4m long jeep avenger as you mentioned. Take care x
The EV3 has far better looks and range Vs VW iD3. I can imagine people saving on the monthly payments of an iD4 to step down into the EV3 (assuming the space inside is OK). Style wise Kia are smashing it. VW have played it too safe with their bland looks.
Space wise it is more of an ID4 competitor. Wait until you actually see one. 😮
Korea's percentage of renewables in energy production is terrible, but they sure make nice EVs.
EV3 or scenic?