Kia EV Day took place a few hours ago and, to be honest, it lived up to our expectations. It's true that the South Korean firm could have provided more details about the models presented, but it's also true that we still felt like we hadn't seen enough. We now know the powertrain options for the upcoming EV5 , and we also learned about the EV3 and EV4 that will arrive later. In fact, we're going to tell you what little or much we know about these latter models…
Just by looking at their names, you can tell that both are positioned below the EV5 and EV6 in the lineup . This is necessary because Kia wants, and needs, to increase electric vehicle sales if it wants to achieve its goals. That's why the EV5 has had its technical specifications "reduced" to make it a bit more affordable. And perhaps the new EV3 and EV4 will follow this same strategy, but we'll have to wait and see. So, take a seat…
The new Kia EV3 is a “practical and fun to drive” C-SUV
Let's start with the Kia EV3 . The brand itself defines it as a "practical and fun-to-drive C-SUV." And if you look at its overall body design, it resembles a mini EV9 . However, in this case, there are more design elements that, as with the EV5, differentiate it from the range's electric flagship. For example, it has a cleaner front end, notable for its slim Full LED headlights , which, although connected in the center, are not functional.
On the other hand, the bumper is simpler, featuring a prominent chrome-finished "guard" that includes a sort of air intake at the bottom. The side profile also draws inspiration from the larger EV9. In this case, we can say it's similar in size to the new Niro , but with very pronounced wheel arches and generous alloy wheels. The roofline flows into the distinctive C-pillar, and there are no door handles.
Finally, we have a truly attractive rear end. It's not a full-on coupé, but it certainly has that look. Just look at the roofline with its integrated spoiler, the rear window, or the tailgate design . Speaking of originality, the full LED taillights differ from those of the EV5 and EV9, as they extend vertically down the C-pillar, forming a Y shape. Lastly, the bumper is simple, with a faux diffuser at the bottom.
The EV3 has, among other curiosities, V2L charging technology…
The interior of the new Kia EV3 is both futuristic and sustainable . Large surfaces of leather and animal-derived materials give way to textiles and plant-based materials. For example, the center console table is natural, having been shaped using mycelium. This material comes from the roots of fungi and combines exceptional durability with an extremely smooth surface. Furthermore, it can be cultivated using molds…
Overall, its interior follows the "Joy for Reason" design philosophy . According to the brand, it provides an environment that promotes emotional well-being by combining carefully designed ambient lighting, clean dashboard lines, and generous space. The tables and seats are movable with four positions : Focus, Social, Refreshing, and Storage, and the rear seat can be folded up to allow for loading large items.
For its part, the EV4 "redefines the electric sedan through the 'Opposites United' design philosophy"
Secondly, we must discuss the new Kia EV4 . Despite its design, it's what Kia calls a "redefinition of the electric sedan, marked by the 'Opposites United' design philosophy ." Essentially, it's a sedan with SUV-like styling and a crossover aesthetic, much like the Peugeot 408. In fact, while not quite the same, it could be considered an "indirect" successor to the aging Stinger.
At the front, the full LED headlights are very slim and, although they resemble those of the EV5 and EV9, they display their own distinct style. The Tiger Nose grille almost disappears, blending seamlessly into the black bumper and lower air intake. From it extends a protective plastic trim piece along the lower body, even onto the wheel arches. In this case, they appear muscular and house large, aerodynamic alloy wheels .
The sharply sloping roofline is most noticeable from the side view . From the C-pillar to the trunk, it appears more like a fastback than a three-box sedan. This line ends at the trunk lid spoiler and gives way to C-shaped full LED taillights that extend into the side wheel arch . The trunk lid features an intricate design with a faux diffuser at the bottom.
In the cabin of the EV4 you can "hide" the climate control controls...
Inside, the new EV4 follows the same design and materials scheme as the EV3 . There's no longer any leather or textiles derived from animals or other polluting products. Among the components used are vegetable oils, corn extract, sawdust, sugarcane, and bioplastics . These are found in areas such as dashboards, consoles, pillars, and trim. Furthermore, the use of mycelium-based structures is maintained.
Another distinctive feature, though not new due to its widespread use, is the large display that houses the digital cockpit and the central touchscreen . These are integrated into a module that completely eliminates all physical controls, such as those for the climate control. In fact, in the EV4, these controls are located on a control panel that can be stored away and hidden from view. Similarly, the air vents are concealed and can be configured in various ways to direct the airflow.
And what is known about the technology of the new EV3 and EV4?
Well, for now, there's very little to say. We know they're electric and based on Kia and Hyundai's E-GMP platform. This platform is the same as the EV5, EV6, and EV9, as well as their cousins, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. The question is what their offering will be, since both models need to offer a more competitive price to reach a wider range of customers. However, this information won't be available until later…
Source – Kia
