KIA EV3
A small EV with the range and polish to make electric feel refreshingly normal.
Provisional assessment based on published specifications, Australian reviews and available data. It is not a WATTCAR COTY test score and will be replaced by our own testing.
Long Range variants pair an 81.4kWh battery with strong published efficiency.
10–80% around 29 minutes is useful, but peak DC speed is modest by newer standards.
Australian reviews describe a refined, locally tuned and easy-going drive.
Compact outside, cleverly packaged inside, with strong everyday practicality.
Modern interface and useful EV features inherited from Kia's larger electric cars.
Competitive, though some rivals undercut it and cabin plastics can feel less premium.
THE NUMBERS
| Battery | 58.3kWh / 81.4kWh |
|---|---|
| Claimed range | up to 604km WLTP (Air Long Range) |
| Power / torque | 150kW / 283Nm |
| 0–100km/h | 7.5–7.9 sec claimed |
| Max DC charging | 100–127kW |
| Max AC charging | 11kW |
| Published tested consumption | 17.1kWh/100km GT-Line (CarExpert) |
WATT WE THINK — SO FAR
The EV3's strongest trick may be that it doesn't need a trick. It packages useful range, familiar Kia ergonomics and a manageable footprint into something that looks distinctive without making EV ownership feel experimental.
WATT REALLY MATTERS
Does the relatively modest fast-charging peak matter in real Australian use, or does its efficiency and long range make the issue mostly academic?
THE KILLERWATT
Would we actually buy it?VERY POSSIBLY.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Research says this could be one of the easiest EVs to recommend to someone buying their first electric car. We want the keys.