DRIVEN NEW KIA EV3 VERDICT

FIRST DRIVE We get behind the wheel of new Kia small EV, to see if it will rock the marketplace as much as the larger EV6 and EV9 have done. The early signs are good

- Jordan Katsianis

AEX WITH a price tag little different from most petrol crossovers, and an electric range of up to 372 miles, the new Kia EV3 looks set to shake up the market for small electric SUVs, with its simple yet bold styling combined with a hi-tech cabin.

The newcomer - a rival to the likes of the Cupra Born, Volkswagen ID.3 and Volvo EX30 - will build on the success of the brand's EV6 and EV9 models, bringing electrification to a more affordable part of the market.

The company will offer the EV3 in three trim levels, and with two battery sizes. Prices will start at £32,995 for the entry-level Air model with a 58.3kWh battery, which is the only version available with this battery. The Air can also be configured with an 81.4kWh battery from £35,995, with the GT-Line and GT-Line S models kicking off at £39,495 and £42,995 respectively.

A dual-motor option will be along later, but for now we're driving the single-motor with the larger of the two batteries, which is expected to be the best seller in the UK. Against key rivals such as the VW or Volvo, the Kia is priced around the same level but comes with more equipment and - in the case of the 81.4kWh battery a longer range.

Much like the larger EV6, the EV3 feels well engineered and easy to drive. There's also a refreshingly natural feel to the throttle and brake pedal making it easy to adjust to.

The brakes also offer a consistent feel as they switch between friction and regenerative modes.

Indeed, Kia's iPedal regenerative braking system is one of the best in the business, and is controlled via steering wheel paddles. As well as a 'fully off' setting, there are three levels of strength, plus an automatic mode that will vary the level of regeneration as you approach traffic lights or junctions.