Europe-focused EV3 for under £30k

Kia's new electric model to rival Volvo EX30 and VWID 3 gets 370-mile-plus range

- JAMES ATTWOOD

The new EV3 will bring 'flagship' technology from Kia's larger bespoke electric models to the compact SUV segment, according to the firm - with European versions offering a range of more than 370 miles.

First shown in concept form last year, the third model in the Korean firm's range of bespoke EVs takes clear styling andcues from the large EV9 that was launched last year. With a target starting price of less than £30,000, the EV3 is targeted at mainstream buyers, with the likes of the Volvo EX30, Cupra Born and Renault Mégane E-Tech claimed as rivals.

The EV3 will be a key part of Kia's efforts to further grow its global EV sales, but with a particular focus on the European market: the firm is aiming to sell around 200,000 per year, with nearly half of those going to European customers.

At 4300mm long, the EV3 is slightly shorter than the multi-powertrain Kia Niro, but it is slightly wider at 1850mm. However, because the EV3 sits on a dedicated EV platform, it has a wheelbase of 2680mm, which matches that of the larger Sportage and allows it to offer a bigger interior than many B-segment SUVs.