Kia EV3 Review

​Motors & Performance 

Right, let’s talk about what the new Kia EV3 is like to drive. Mind you, there’s not really all that much to say – and that’s a good thing, as the EV3 drives exactly how you want it to drive. It’s just easy! Stress free. For anyone who worries that driving an electric car is complicated, a drive in this will convince you that it’s not.

Whichever battery you go for, the EV3 comes with front-wheel drive and a 201bhp motor, which is good for 7.5-seconds in the smaller battery model, or 7.7 seconds in the bigger battery car that we tested. There will be an all-wheel drive, dual motor EV3 and a sporty Kia EV3 GT joining the lineup after a while, but it’s the more efficient models that will likely be the bigger sellers.

I suppose that 0-62mph time may sound a bit lazy by the standard of some electric cars. After all, the Volvo EX30 can do 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds in its fastest model! But why do you need a family car as fast as that? You don’t. That’s the truth, and I’m here to tell it… 

For me, the level of power in the EV3 is perfect; it feels nippy, it’s quick off the mark and it has enough power higher up the range for overtaking. 

Drive & Handling 

It’s really comfortable and stable, too - very composed going into corners and on bumpy roads, while the steering has a good weight to it and responds quickly. It’s also very easy to get a good driving position as there's lots of range in both the seat and the steering wheel, and all-round visibility is excellent. 

Right then, I want to have a chat about the regenerative braking, which has three different levels controlled from these paddles on the steering wheel. It’s one of the best regen’ systems on any electric car, I reckon. You can choose how heavy you want it, ranging from very light through to a one-pedal mode around town, and then you can choose to have the adaptive setting active or not within those levels. 

I know that sounds really confusing, but in practice it’s actually very simple to get used to, and gives you great flexibility and easy control over the car’s regenerative braking. You get this system on every new electric Kia, and it’s one of my favourite aspects of how they all drive.