With the UK launch of the EV2 upon us, Corporate Car thought it was the perfect opportunity to revisit another favourite from the Kia range - the EV3.

Launched at the end of 2024 in the UK, the EV3 is now a common sight on UK roads thanks to its impressive efficiency, sharp styling and composed ride.

Built on the same dedicated Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as its bigger siblings, the EV3 is offered with a choice of 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery packs, and is capable of up to 267 miles with the 58.3kWh battery, or up to 372 miles with the larger long-range 81.4kWh pack.

Our test car had the largest 81.4kWh battery and heat pump, and was in one of the most popular trims for fleet - the range-topping GT-Line S, capable of up to 362 miles on a single charge.

When it comes to charging, this EV3's 400V charging system means over 120 miles of range can be added in just 15 minutes, with a 10-80% charge possible in 31 minutes for the 81.4kWh battery. And just like its big brothers, the EV6 and EV9, the EV3 is capable of bi-directional charging.

Design and technology

Coming up to two years on sale, the newness of the EV3's design has faded a little. Still, with its vertical headlights and taillights - examples of Kia's unusual 'Opposites United' family design language - we think it would be difficult to mistake the EV3 for another EV, which is a good thing.

Most distinctive from the front, other EV3 design highlights are the latest version of the family's 'Tiger Face' and a front airdam with active air flaps, plus automatic flush door handles and our car's arch-filling 19in alloy wheels with their distinctive square design.

Inside, thanks to its generous dimensions (4,300mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,560mm tall), the EV3 is spacious front and rear - and because of the boxy shape, there's plenty of headroom too.

Design-wise it feels like a shrunken EV6 and EV9 inside, with a minimalist feel, a mixture of light and dark coloured trim, some clever design touches and plenty of stowage space.

The driving position is tall, giving excellent all-round visibility, which is combined with supportive seats and the unusual pillow-like headrests, which are a real highlight.

The minimalist look to the dashboard is best shown by the fact it's mostly made up of two 12.3in screens, with a 5.3in screen sandwiched between them for the ventilation controls. The infotainment itself works well enough, but the central shortcut buttons could be more responsive - and bigger.

The 460-litre boot is deep enough, but practicality is hindered by its high loading lip.

Drive and performance

The ride is the first thing we noted during our time with this Kia. Our EV3 had the largest 19in alloy wheels and, despite being generally comfortable and compliant, there's a harder edge to the ride at low speed.

There are 'Eco', 'Normal' and 'Snow' modes, but only 'Sport' seems to change the drive, where the throttle becomes more responsive.

Our 81kWh battery GT-Line S test car has 201hp and 283Nm of torque and, as expected, it accelerates quickly. Other pluses with the driving experience are the precise steering and positive brake feel. It is a shame then that, along with tidy and grippy handling, it is not an EV that inspires keen driving. Maybe the incoming GT will add the missing magic? Still, the EV3 seems particularly good around town, or at low speed, where the adjustable levels of regen help keep the drive smooth.

Now the rather staid sister car, the Niro EV, is no longer available, it's even easier to recommend the EV3. The EV3 not only looks more modern and sharper, but it goes further with greater efficiency. We just wish it was a keener drive.

Positive: Generally comfortable ride, sharp styling, spacious and modern interior.

Negative: Not that much fun to drive, some fiddly interior switchgear, high loading lip compromises the boot.

Standard equipment: 17in alloy wheels, LED headlights, body-coloured flush-fit door handles, grey cloth upholstery.