Kia teases new EV3 electric compact SUV to be launched this month

South Korean automaker Kia has this week teased the first images of its upcoming EV3 compact all-electric SUV, due to go on sale later this year following a late-May launch.

The Kia EV3 is based broadly around the much large EV9 electric people mover, and will add to Kia’s growing range of electric only cars that include the highly regarded EV6.

The EV3 as a smaller compact SUV is likely to compete against the likes of the newly released Volvo EX30, but there is no real indication of pricing, or any other technical details for that matter. The press release accompanying the images is more an exercise in creative writing than technically specific.

According to Kia, the teaser images “showcase the bold, geometric, and robust aspects of the EV3’s exterior design while highlighting its dynamic styling”, qualities highlighted in the boxy rear fenders and tailgate as well as the EV3’s signature Star Map lighting “which imbue the vehicle with a strong, futuristic identity.”

The images released by Kia give us a look at the rear end from below, with the geometric boxiness that has become prevalent among many SUVs, although with a hooded spoiler.

Another of the teaser images displays a side-on shot of the front left corner of the car, which reveals more of the geometric precision and LED lighting Kia hopes to make key to its electric lineup.

The images also give us our first glimpse of the final production-ready car which was first revealed as a concept in late-2023.

Then, alongside concept images of the EV4, the EV3 concept made its debut at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, unveiling its “Opposites United” design philosophy.

“With the Concept EV3, the ‘Joy for Reason’ influence is evident in the contrasting qualities of a robust body combined with a dynamic silhouette,” said Karim Habib, executive vice president and head of Kia Global Design Center, speaking in November.

“In addition, the unexpected treatment of volumes and graphics simultaneously interlock with each other, creating a logical yet emotional design.”