Discussion
My local dealer is finally getting one as a demonstrator, so hopefully I'll get a test drive next week.
I'm in the market for a small SUV EV, and I've ruled out pretty much everything else.
Looking at the specs, and watching loads of videos, it seems to tick more boxes than anything else. Just worried it might be a bit slow.
I'm in the market for a small SUV EV, and I've ruled out pretty much everything else.
Looking at the specs, and watching loads of videos, it seems to tick more boxes than anything else. Just worried it might be a bit slow.
clockworks said:
My local dealer is finally getting one as a demonstrator, so hopefully I'll get a test drive next week.
I'm in the market for a small SUV EV, and I've ruled out pretty much everything else.
Looking at the specs, and watching loads of videos, it seems to tick more boxes than anything else. Just worried it might be a bit slow.
Why not wait until the top of the range dual motor GT model when that comes out, if you want the best performance?I'm in the market for a small SUV EV, and I've ruled out pretty much everything else.
Looking at the specs, and watching loads of videos, it seems to tick more boxes than anything else. Just worried it might be a bit slow.
Europa Jon said:
Why do you think it may be slow? Have you driven an EV before? They accelerate from standstill very swiftly, so you may well be pleasantly surprised.
If you want mental acceleration, try the hot MG4 and Smart Brabus.
I've driven an EX30 Performance, which really was quick - same as the Smart Brabus.If you want mental acceleration, try the hot MG4 and Smart Brabus.
Edited by Europa Jon on Wednesday 6th November 20:40
The EV3 is obviously a lot slower, but it might be quick enough for real world driving.
I've heard that Kia are working on a faster (possibly twin motor) EV3. Not seen a date for it
clockworks said:
I've driven an EX30 Performance, which really was quick - same as the Smart Brabus.
The EV3 is obviously a lot slower, but it might be quick enough for real world driving.
I've heard that Kia are working on a faster (possibly twin motor) EV3. Not seen a date for it
Dual motor versions come in 2026. The EV3 is obviously a lot slower, but it might be quick enough for real world driving.
I've heard that Kia are working on a faster (possibly twin motor) EV3. Not seen a date for it
RedWhiteMonkey said:
According to the information I can find the standard version does 0-62 in 7.5 seconds and the long range version does it in 7.7 seconds. It really isn't that long ago that sub 8 seconds times were considered fast.
The e-niro at 7.5 secs is plenty quick enough as a daily family wagon.EV3 definitely looks to address several of the issues of the e niro (primarily the charging rate). Very interested m
That's the thing - 7.7 seconds might be perfectly fine for me. A decent test drive will let me know. It's more about mid-range "punch" for safely overtaking tractors etc.
Reading reviews, so many small EVs have issues that put me off, mostly the driver interface and poorly implemented tech (Volvo, MG, VW), or poor range/power (Stellantis).
The EV3 looks to be a pretty rounded and well thought out design, and knowing Kia/Hyundai, it'll probably work properly.
Reading reviews, so many small EVs have issues that put me off, mostly the driver interface and poorly implemented tech (Volvo, MG, VW), or poor range/power (Stellantis).
The EV3 looks to be a pretty rounded and well thought out design, and knowing Kia/Hyundai, it'll probably work properly.
clockworks said:
That's the thing - 7.7 seconds might be perfectly fine for me. A decent test drive will let me know. It's more about mid-range "punch" for safely overtaking tractors etc.
Even AWD EVs can spin all 4 wheels on urgent acceleration - I’d have thought the main issue for passing tractors on rural roads would be getting whatever power EVs have down onto the road.clockworks said:
That's the thing - 7.7 seconds might be perfectly fine for me. A decent test drive will let me know. It's more about mid-range "punch" for safely overtaking tractors etc.
There's no lack of mid range on the e-niro. At the end of the day it's a 200 hp car with a top speed of only 104mph, so you get that the gear' is pretty short.clockworks said:
That's the thing - 7.7 seconds might be perfectly fine for me. A decent test drive will let me know. It's more about mid-range "punch" for safely overtaking tractors etc.
Reading reviews, so many small EVs have issues that put me off, mostly the driver interface and poorly implemented tech (Volvo, MG, VW), or poor range/power (Stellantis).
The EV3 looks to be a pretty rounded and well thought out design, and knowing Kia/Hyundai, it'll probably work properly.
I had a Kona with the same 201bhp motor, and it was plenty fast enough (coming from a car history of Imprezas, type-r's etc). The instant torque from an EV is very different to an ICE.Reading reviews, so many small EVs have issues that put me off, mostly the driver interface and poorly implemented tech (Volvo, MG, VW), or poor range/power (Stellantis).
The EV3 looks to be a pretty rounded and well thought out design, and knowing Kia/Hyundai, it'll probably work properly.
The main issue I found with overtaking tractors, bikes etc was that the safety systems tried to steer me back into my own lane, so you need to remember to use the indicator to pull out even when there is no one to indicate to.
It's 7.5 seconds 0-60, that may not be anything special in the world of EV's, but it's the equivalent of a Golf GTD... And will be far sharper than the Golf or just about all ICE cars in terms of nipping out into a gap in traffic etc, should be a solid over taking car 40-70 too.
From the reviews I've read, the speed is just fine, the handling is a little soft/vague tends to be the only criticism. Although if it's anything like my business partners EV9, it's setup for comfort and that's not a bad thing in a car which is obviously not intended to be performance focused.
The range is impressive, as is the relatively small footprint of the car for the range on offer. Kia are doing incredibly well these days - certainly no more a joke brand!
From the reviews I've read, the speed is just fine, the handling is a little soft/vague tends to be the only criticism. Although if it's anything like my business partners EV9, it's setup for comfort and that's not a bad thing in a car which is obviously not intended to be performance focused.
The range is impressive, as is the relatively small footprint of the car for the range on offer. Kia are doing incredibly well these days - certainly no more a joke brand!
Sheepshanks said:
clockworks said:
That's the thing - 7.7 seconds might be perfectly fine for me. A decent test drive will let me know. It's more about mid-range "punch" for safely overtaking tractors etc.
Even AWD EVs can spin all 4 wheels on urgent acceleration - I’d have thought the main issue for passing tractors on rural roads would be getting whatever power EVs have down onto the road.The torque control (by extension traction control) on EV's is virtually instantaneous and incredibly accurate, they can easily hold the torque level right on the limit of available traction. Unless you're in a mode that allows more flamboyance of course.
TheDeuce said:
I've got a very powerful AWD EV and wheelspin is almost none existent even in the wet - the exception being a standing launch where it will deliberately spin the fronts a little.
The torque control (by extension traction control) on EV's is virtually instantaneous and incredibly accurate, they can easily hold the torque level right on the limit of available traction. Unless you're in a mode that allows more flamboyance of course.
Tbf I think some brands are much better than others and some EV are fitted with eco tyres that offer barely any grip on a car with clear performance available. The torque control (by extension traction control) on EV's is virtually instantaneous and incredibly accurate, they can easily hold the torque level right on the limit of available traction. Unless you're in a mode that allows more flamboyance of course.
Evanivitch said:
TheDeuce said:
I've got a very powerful AWD EV and wheelspin is almost none existent even in the wet - the exception being a standing launch where it will deliberately spin the fronts a little.
The torque control (by extension traction control) on EV's is virtually instantaneous and incredibly accurate, they can easily hold the torque level right on the limit of available traction. Unless you're in a mode that allows more flamboyance of course.
Tbf I think some brands are much better than others and some EV are fitted with eco tyres that offer barely any grip on a car with clear performance available. The torque control (by extension traction control) on EV's is virtually instantaneous and incredibly accurate, they can easily hold the torque level right on the limit of available traction. Unless you're in a mode that allows more flamboyance of course.
But also no reason to think the EV3, which I'm sure must have very low resistance tyres to achieve it's range, would be particularly likely to spin them up - it hasn't got that much power really, and if the torque control is well programmed then whatever the grip level available regardless of road conditions and/or tyres, will not be noticeably exceeded.
Will it be able to briskly pass a tractor on a damp road without going sideways into a ditch? Yes, of course it will.
I've owned 3 Kias in the past, and they have all been 100% faultless, so no worries there.
Most of the time, I drive my XC40 PHEV solely on the battery, and for normal driving it's fine, despite being less than 90bhp (but using 2 of the gears).
I was also happy with a 110bhp C3 Aircross most of the time, just lacking for rapid overtakes.
Chances are, an EV3 will do everything I need, but I did find the 420bhp of the EX30 quite addictive. Shame about the poor software and usability, disappointing how Volvo got it so badly wrong, and still haven't sorted it out a year on.
Most of the time, I drive my XC40 PHEV solely on the battery, and for normal driving it's fine, despite being less than 90bhp (but using 2 of the gears).
I was also happy with a 110bhp C3 Aircross most of the time, just lacking for rapid overtakes.
Chances are, an EV3 will do everything I need, but I did find the 420bhp of the EX30 quite addictive. Shame about the poor software and usability, disappointing how Volvo got it so badly wrong, and still haven't sorted it out a year on.
clockworks said:
I've owned 3 Kias in the past, and they have all been 100% faultless, so no worries there.
Most of the time, I drive my XC40 PHEV solely on the battery, and for normal driving it's fine, despite being less than 90bhp (but using 2 of the gears).
I was also happy with a 110bhp C3 Aircross most of the time, just lacking for rapid overtakes.
Chances are, an EV3 will do everything I need, but I did find the 420bhp of the EX30 quite addictive. Shame about the poor software and usability, disappointing how Volvo got it so badly wrong, and still haven't sorted it out a year on.
Well... let's make no bones about it, the EX30 reaches 60 in half the time the EV3 does, so will 'feel' several times as fast. It's the difference between setting off briskly vs being pinned to your seat and questioning how on earth road cars suddenly became so bonkers Most of the time, I drive my XC40 PHEV solely on the battery, and for normal driving it's fine, despite being less than 90bhp (but using 2 of the gears).
I was also happy with a 110bhp C3 Aircross most of the time, just lacking for rapid overtakes.
Chances are, an EV3 will do everything I need, but I did find the 420bhp of the EX30 quite addictive. Shame about the poor software and usability, disappointing how Volvo got it so badly wrong, and still haven't sorted it out a year on.
This is the reality with having owned any powerful EV, anything else does feel slow by comparison. But in day to day driving, the EV3 will still offer all the same EV benefits including being very responsive and nippy. It's looking like it could be best in class car, easily - so providing you like it in the flesh and it drives OK, it's tough to suggest a sensible alternative.
It's a reasonably nippy EV for sub £30k (once bargaining completes or if leased), has enough range to easily exceed how long it's safe for a human to actually drive in one hit and has all the tech you could need pretty much as standard. I can't think of any other car, regardless of powertrain, that offers more of a compelling package in this segment tbh. Kia look to have nailed it.
Compare it to VW efforts with their ID range, and the value difference is laughable.
The EX30 could so easily have been best in class, and a proper performance bargain in twin engine guise.
I think it looks great, it drives well, and goes like stink.
So many shortcomings in functionality though, and too many corners cut to keep the price down. A better dashboard, and a complete software rewrite, and I'd have one.
I'm guessing a lot of (potential) owners have either cancelled their orders or handed them back? This must be the reason why there are so many available pre-reg or very low miles, with getting on for £10k off list. I guess the early reviews, which were mostly very good, tempted buyers. Then the reality of living with one hit the early adopters, and word got out that it's an underdeveloped product with many quirks and missing features.
Hopefully Kia have done a better job, and it's a finished product.
I think it looks great, it drives well, and goes like stink.
So many shortcomings in functionality though, and too many corners cut to keep the price down. A better dashboard, and a complete software rewrite, and I'd have one.
I'm guessing a lot of (potential) owners have either cancelled their orders or handed them back? This must be the reason why there are so many available pre-reg or very low miles, with getting on for £10k off list. I guess the early reviews, which were mostly very good, tempted buyers. Then the reality of living with one hit the early adopters, and word got out that it's an underdeveloped product with many quirks and missing features.
Hopefully Kia have done a better job, and it's a finished product.
clockworks said:
The EX30 could so easily have been best in class, and a proper performance bargain in twin engine guise.
I think it looks great, it drives well, and goes like stink.
So many shortcomings in functionality though, and too many corners cut to keep the price down. A better dashboard, and a complete software rewrite, and I'd have one.
I'm guessing a lot of (potential) owners have either cancelled their orders or handed them back? This must be the reason why there are so many available pre-reg or very low miles, with getting on for £10k off list. I guess the early reviews, which were mostly very good, tempted buyers. Then the reality of living with one hit the early adopters, and word got out that it's an underdeveloped product with many quirks and missing features.
Hopefully Kia have done a better job, and it's a finished product.
We have a C40 and twice now have had a EX30 as a loaner. The difference is night and day. The C40 feels like quality whereas the EX30 feels cheap. As you say, it is such a shame as even the single motor version is pretty punchy. I think it looks great, it drives well, and goes like stink.
So many shortcomings in functionality though, and too many corners cut to keep the price down. A better dashboard, and a complete software rewrite, and I'd have one.
I'm guessing a lot of (potential) owners have either cancelled their orders or handed them back? This must be the reason why there are so many available pre-reg or very low miles, with getting on for £10k off list. I guess the early reviews, which were mostly very good, tempted buyers. Then the reality of living with one hit the early adopters, and word got out that it's an underdeveloped product with many quirks and missing features.
Hopefully Kia have done a better job, and it's a finished product.
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