Kia gives first glimpse of production-ready EV3

Kia has released the first teaser images of its new EV3 model ahead of the car’s global unveiling later this month.

The EV3 is the first of six new all-electric models coming from the Korean brand in the next three years and will replace the Soul EV as the brand’s B-segment SUV offering.

The new pictures give a hint of the car’s design, which is heavily inspired by the much larger EV9, which was launched last year.

Kia says that the compact SUV draws its design inspiration from the same ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy used for its other models, embodying a bold, robust design blended with dynamic touches.

Like the EV9, the EV3 clearly has a boxy, deliberately squared-off design with an upright profile and sharp creases and lines along the body panels. The images show the heavy use of gloss black plastic around the wheel arches and rear of the car, much like higher-spec versions of the EV9.

They also reveal that the EV3 features the same ‘star map’ light design found on Kia’s flagship seven-seater.

Kia hasn’t released technical details of its rival to the Fiat 600e and Volvo EX30, but says the EV3 will extend its electric offering and bring technology and design from its flagship EV6 and EV9 models to the compact SUV segment.

The EV3 is due to go on sale in the UK this summer and we’ll have full details of the car, including details of its battery, range and performance when it’s fully revealed to the world on 23 May.