A new and unusual contender in a crowded market: The family electric crossover segment in Israel welcomes the Kia EV3. The family sibling of the EV9 and EV6 will currently be the only non-Chinese crossover in Israel in the price range under NIS 200,000.
This fact is expected to allow security agencies that had paused electric vehicle acquisitions, such as the IDF, due to concerns over information security issues surrounding the use of Chinese cars, to issue purchase tenders for a non-Chinese option.
It is a compact leisure vehicle, measuring 4.3 meters in length, 4.85 meters in width, 1.56 meters in height, with a 4.68-meter wheelbase. The trunk volume is relatively large at 460 liters, and there is also a 25-liter front trunk.
The offering includes a single motor, producing 204 hp with 29 kg·m of torque and front-wheel drive. Buyers can choose between two types of batteries. The standard model, priced from NIS 165,000, comes with a 58.3 kWh battery, allowing a combined range of 432 km, with acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds up to a top speed of 170 km/h.
The long-range model is priced from NIS 187,000 and comes with an 81.4 kWh battery, offering a combined range of 589 km. Performance? 7.9 seconds 0–100 km/h, 170 km/h top speed, and above all, an official combined range of 589 km, which until now was only achievable in crossovers costing tens of thousands of shekels more.
Fast charging is possible at a rate of 150 kW, and slow charging at 11 kW, which according to the manufacturer adds 200 km of range in 15 minutes of charging.
There are three trim levels: SR (from NIS 165,000) with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch multimedia screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, climate control with rear seat vents, 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric upholstery, LED headlights, and a rearview camera. Steering wheel paddles allow control of the regenerative braking level.
The SE Premium trim (from NIS 170,000) adds electric driver seat adjustment, a sunroof, and vegan leather upholstery.
The LR Executive trim (from NIS 187,000) upgrades to the larger battery and adds wireless phone charging, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a pull-out tray in the central console.
Safety: 5 out of 5 stars in the European crash test, 7 airbags, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, driver alert monitoring, and distraction detection.
Maintenance: Once every two years or 30,000 km.