Kia’s all-electric EV3 GT is targeting a punchy 250kW of power and a zippy sub-6.0 second 0-100 km/h time. Yes, you read that right: the family-friendly brand is coming for the hot hatch market, and it’s going electric.
Rumours are swirling around the release of both dual-motor AWD and GT AWD models, with insiders hinting at a launch towards the end of 2025. These versions will follow the arrival of the more conventional single-motor EV3s, set to hit Australian shores early next year.
What’s under the hood (or rather, the floor)? The EV3 GT will sport an 81.4kWh Long Range battery pack, a serious bit of kit for an electric hatchback. Kia, playing its cards close to the chest, says the GT is still under development, so expect a few tweaks before it lands.
For those of us keeping score at home, the GT will push 250kW and a 0-100 sprint time of under 6 seconds. Meanwhile, the standard AWD version aims for a slightly more leisurely but still respectable sub-7.0 second dash.
Globally, the EV3 AWD will be offered in both Standard and GT-Line trims, with larger alloy wheels (up to 21 inches) likely to make an appearance in the GT version. But for now, no firm launch dates or price tags have been pinned down for the Australian market.
Kia fans can expect the regular EV3 to launch with a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, featuring a range of trim options. At least one of the Air or Earth trims, alongside a GT-Line flagship, are rumoured to be on offer. Pricing, however, remains shrouded in mystery – though speculation places it around the $50,000 mark, which should make it a competitive alternative to rivals like the BYD Atto 3 and Volvo’s EX30.
Pricing in the UK offers some clues. Over there, the EV3 lineup starts at £32,995 (roughly A$64,837) and stretches up to £42,835 (about A$84,173) for the top-spec GT-Line S. Still, direct currency conversions can be misleading. It’s likely Kia Australia will position the EV3 slightly lower in the market. For context, the UK base model is priced below the mid-spec Sportage, which starts from $42,050 here in Australia.
If the stars align, we could see Kia’s latest electric contender cruising through Australian streets come March or April next year. Keep your eyes peeled – this one could be a game-changer.
