New Kia EV3 all set for 23 May unveil

Kia has teased us with the first images of the new EV3, setting the official unveiling date for May 23rd. The new Kia EV3 is to rival other electric compact SUVs such as the new MINI Aceman, Volvo EX30, and Renault Megane E-Tech.

The new pictures revealed by Kia highlight many similarities to the EV3 Concept from 2023 - with a boxy shape and squat front end that appear to be directly copied from the concept car. When you look at the headlights, you notice elements shared with the Kia EV9; the skinny design for the daytime running lights is referred to by Kia as ‘Star Map’ lighting.

The pictures also showcase other exterior design features; the front wheel arches and bumper are constructed from almost 30kg of recycled plastics in a geometric shape, while the rear arches receive a more distinct and sharp design. The EV3 has a small spoiler on the roof and a deeply angled rear screen, both accompanied by vertical tail-lights which extend onto the tailgate, as also featured on the EV9.

It is unsurprising that the Kia EV3 and EV9 share many design elements as they both incorporate the same ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, but Kia insists that the company still allows “the freedom for each vehicle to express its unique character”.

Unfortunately, the images don’t give us a preview of the interior of the EV3, but it is likely to feature dual displays, lots of fabric trim and a floating centre console, as seen on the EV3 Concept. Kia could also include the novel rear bench shown on the concept with a seat base that can be folded upwards to allow large items to be stored in the footwell area.

While we will have to wait until the 23rd of May for the exact price and full details, we predict that the Kia EV3 should start from around £30,000, making the EV3 the cheapest electric Kia currently in the brand's range, dethroning the Niro EV that currently starts at a price of £37,325. Kia went as far as claiming that “the EV3 will accelerate the global EV transition by providing a more accessible solution for customers considering the switch to electric mobility”.