The best EV of 2025? It's not a Tesla
Like its exterior, the EV3's interior follows the lead of big brother EV9. At a glance, it is effectively the same design, just shrunken down. Like so many modern cars, the dashboard is dominated by a large, curved screen that incorporates the digital gauge cluster and the multimedia system. Between the two main parts is a smaller section that's dedicated to the climate controls, making them permanently and easily accessible.
Below the main screen sits a small but sensibly chosen selection of physical buttons that give you quick access to primary infotainment functions as well as the cabin temperature, fan speed and air distribution. Some are rendered as part of a touch-sensitive section of trim, others come as rocker switches set in an 'aluminium' trim strip. Pieces of fabric and the two-tone colour scheme complete the lounge-like ambience.
It's pretty convincing, with just a few caveats: Kia proudly claims it's expunging leather from its cars, but in the EV3 it has simply replaced it with a synthetic version, which shows a lack of creativity in the materials department.
You can have cloth seats, but only on Air trim, which also replaces some of the soft mouldings with hard plastic. The Air still has a high-quality cabin with a very generous level of equipment, but it would be a good idea to have a poke around one at a dealership to decide whether you find that trade-off acceptable.
Although the upholstery is disappointing, the seats themselves are very comfortable. In our GT-Line test car, the driver's side is electrically adjustable and features tilt adjustment and lumbar support. You don't sit particularly low, and the steering column comes out at a bit of an angle, but there's no shortage of head room and the driving position is comfortable.
Interior space is undoubtedly impressive. The open, airy cabin provides plenty of storage space, even if the centre console could have been even more practical with a few more bins and shelves. Adults have no shortage of leg room in the back, and thanks to the somewhat high-set front seats, can even put their feet beneath.
A Cupra Born or VW ID 3 has slightly more rear space still, but the Kia compensates with a bigger boot that has a remarkable amount of underfloor storage. One strange lapse: the luggage cover leaves a gap of about 10cm to the rear seatbacks. This would make sense if the rear seat were adjustable, which it isn't. Multimedia
Kia's multimedia system is shared with Hyundai, save for some unique fonts and graphics, and when it's this good, that's something to be pleased about. The graphics are crisp and clean, and the screen responds quickly to your inputs. There's no physical cursor device, but thanks to a sensible menu layout and a good selection of shortcut buttons (including a few customisable ones), you don't really miss one.
There's wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and they're well integrated into the system. The built-in navigation is clear and has good, up-to-date traffic information, meaning you don't just default to Google Maps.
Kia's smartphone app is easy to pair with the car and its core functions work well, letting you remotely monitor and control the charging, send destinations to the navigation and check that the car is still where you left it. Kia Connect (all the car's networked functions) is free for seven years, whereas many manufacturers offer just a free trial of a few months.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Auto Blog
33 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
2026 Nissan Armada Nismo Gallery: The Angriest Armada In Pictures
See all the visual details that set apart the first Armada Nismo If you ask the average Nissan fan which model they'd like to get the Nismo treatment, the Armada would probably be low on the list. The Altima and even the Murano would make a stronger case for a high-performance model, but anyway, here we have the new Armada Nismo – a massive, full-size, off-road-capable SUV optimized for on-road performance. It sounds like a juxtaposition, but obviously Nissan believes in this product. Here's a closer look at the craziest Armada yet. 1 Source: Nissan Much more aggressive than the normal Armada, this is the first-ever high-performance Nismo version of the Armada SUV. 2 Source: Nissan The Armada Nismo sits slightly lower to the ground than the standard model; the Nismo's minimum ground clearance is 8.9 inches. 3 Source: Nissan A Nismo-specific rear fascia forms part of the styling alterations, and there is also a standard rear spoiler. 4 Source: Nissan As with the Nissan Z Nismo sports car, the Armada Nismo can be specified in Nismo Stealth Gray paint, with or without a Super Black contrast roof. 5 Source: Nissan Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 22-inch forged alloy wheels are unique to this Armada, and they're wrapped in a special all-season tire that optimizes handling, acceleration, steering, and braking. 6 Red accents are found all around the muscular body of the Armada Nismo, including on the grille, side skirts, and D-pillar. 7 Source: Nissan This is the party piece of the new Armada. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 has been tuned to produced 460 horsepower, up from 425 hp in other Armadas. Torque remains the same at 516 lb-ft. Interestingly, the Nissan Patrol Nismo sold overseas is even more powerful than this Armada. 8 Source: Nissan As with the exterior, the interior is accentuated by plenty of red accents on the seats, dashboard, and center console. 9 Source: Nissan Nismo suede covers the seats in this Armada, which have 12-way power adjustments for both front occupants. Heated and massaging front seats are also standard. 10 Source: Nissan Seating for seven occupants is available for the Armada Nismo. The third-row seats have a convenient power-folding function. 11 Source: Nissan To go with the red accents, there is also red ambient lighting along the dashboard and doors. 12 Source: Nissan The latest Armada SUV is much nicer inside than the previous model. Not only does it feature advanced features, but the quality has taken a big step up. 13 Source: Nissan Besides the digital driver's display, there is also a 14.3-inch touchscreen and a Klipsch sound system with 12 speakers. Wireless operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, too. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
34 minutes ago
- Auto Blog
This Is The Cheapest Audi In America
The cheapest Audi mostly lives up to the brand's high standards With rising car prices not helped by tariffs, many people need to make sacrifices when shopping for new wheels. That could look like buying used instead of new or considering a car from a lower segment than you initially intended. For anyone looking for affordable luxury, the options are particularly scarce, but the cheapest new Audi in America demonstrates that you can still get a premium ride for under $40,000. Let's see what this model is and how it compares to a key BMW rival. Audi reveals sporty new A5/S5 with an emphasis on design Watch More The Cheapest New Audi Is The A3 Sedan Source: Audi Beginning at $38,200, the base A3 Sedan is the most affordable new Audi and one of only a few new Audis that still start at below $40k. This price applies to the Premium 40 TFSI derivative, and the MSRP excludes a destination charge of $1,295. Interestingly, the least expensive Audi just about undercuts the cheapest BMW, which is the 228 Gran Coupe. The BMW starts at $39,600 for the 2026 model year and can be considered a direct rival to the Audi. Both are subcompact four-door models that aim to bring a prestigious badge and upscale feel to a wider audience. But can this cheap Audi still be called a luxury car? Let's find out. Design: More Cohesive Than BMW Rival Unlike its BMW rival, the A3 goes the more traditional sedan route and is not a four-door coupe. It looks very much like a shrunken A4, which is no bad thing. For the 2025 model year, the A3 received mildly revised styling, such as a restyled grille and headlights. The cheapest Audi sedan model looks less awkward than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Only two colors are standard on the base Audi, those being black and white. Metallic shades will add $595 to the bill and include Navarra Blue, Progressive Red, and District Green. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The following exterior features are standard: 17-inch alloy wheels Full LED headlights Panoramic sunroof Heated and power-adjustable mirrors LED taillights with dynamic turn signals For a sportier look, the $1,750 Black Optic Package adds 18-inch bi-color wheels, a sport suspension with a slightly lower ride height, and black exterior trim. Although the standard alloy wheels look a bit small, nothing about the cheapest Audi screams entry-level; it's a classy and neatly styled small sedan. Interior: High-Tech Design But Limited Space Audi interiors have been class-leading for many years, although we're hesitant to say the same of the A3. Yes, you get dual display screens with crisp graphics and a distinctively designed dashboard, but there are just enough harder plastics to remind you that this isn't an A4. The back seat isn't great for tall adults, either, but few sedans of this size can be described as spacious. Not being one of Audi's newest models, there are appreciably still a decent number of hard buttons for key controls, but the odd gear shift controller isn't as easy to use as a normal one. The following features are standard in the base A3: 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen Six-speaker sound system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Three-zone automatic climate control Leather upholstery and heated front seats Leatherette door armrests Lane departure warning High beam assist The cheapest BMW is a little better specified, getting a driver's-seat memory function, parking assist, and a Harmon Kardon sound system as standard. However, the Audi does have an extra zone for the climate control system. The Audi's $1,700 Convenience Package is worth a look for features like adaptive cruise control, driver's seat memory, parking assistance, and wireless phone charging. Performance: Quick Enough, And AWD Comes Standard Source: Audi The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the A3 Sedan produces 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. For the 0-60 mph sprint, the Audi needs a claimed six seconds, only a tenth quicker than the base BMW 228 Gran Coupe which has standard front-wheel drive. The more expensive AWD version of the BMW takes 5.8 seconds, so there's not a big enough difference here to decisively pick one car over the other. To drive, the A3 does a good job of matching its larger siblings. Handling is competent and grip is plentiful, while the ride is easily comfortable enough for the daily commute. The spirited turbo-four also has more than enough punch for the A3's light body. Efficiency is fair but not class-leading. The A3 returns 24/34/28 mpg city/highway/combined, whereas its BMW rival with AWD gets 26/38/30 mpg. That difference may only be significant if you do a lot of driving. There's Another Affordable Audi To Consider Source: Audi If you don't want a sedan, the base Audi Q3 crossover isn't much more expensive than the A3. It begins at $39,800 before the destination charge and options, and also has AWD as standard. With 228 hp and 251 lb-ft, the Q3 is more powerful than the A3, but its larger body and greater weight mean it needs 7.1 seconds to reach 60 mph. If you want to have more fun behind the wheel, get the A3, but the Q3 does have a much larger trunk. Bear in mind that Audi has recently revealed an all-new Q3, so it might be worth waiting for that if you're looking for a relatively affordable small Audi. Summary: Audi's Cheapest Car Has Few Flaws Source: Audi Considering its price, there's not much that Audi's cheapest car does wrong. Yes, it's more cramped and isn't built to the same standards as an A4, but other than that, it delivers a driving experience that one would expect from the brand. It's comfortable, refined, and makes the most of not much power. It's also cheaper than its BMW and Mercedes rivals, especially considering the standard quattro AWD system. But perhaps the cheapest Audi's main rivals lie beyond other German subcompacts. Cadillac's CT4 is more powerful and more fun to drive, for instance, while the Acura Integra comes with a satisfying manual gearbox and more features. But if nothing but a German badge will do, the Audi A3 is a solid bet. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Iconic carmaker unveils new ‘cutting edge' EV with speakers in its HEADLIGHTS & blistering 1,360hp engine
AN ICONIC carmaker has just revealed the design for their new four-door electric vehicle as a replacement for one of their other motors. It features some exciting " cutting edge" technology, as an EV alternative with speakers in its headlights, and a 1,360hp engine. 3 3 The new Mercedes-AMG XX is a concept car that has been unveiled by the popular car manufacturer, with a production version expected soon. The design features a range of cutting edge motor and battery technology for the all-electric car to replace the current Mercedes-AMG GT Four Door. It is expected to be the most aerodynamic, as a main focus, and one of the fastest cars Mercedes has ever made - even more than their Forumla-1 inspired AMG One. There will be due to the 1,360hp from three new electric motors fitted into the vehicle, giving it a combined power output of one megawatt. This means the new AMG XX will be able to reach a top speed of 224mph, which is 5mph faster than the AMG One. Whilst a zero to 60mph has not been revealed for the car, it is likely to have the fastest accelerating power of any car from the brand. It will therefore be more powerful, and lighter than a Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, and may even break the 2.0-second barrier. Other exciting features include speakers in the headlights, carbon fibre bucket seat customised to passengers body shapes using 3D printed foam panels, and chequered flag ambient lighting on the interior. The speakers will be able to make different noises at low or fast speeds, and warn pedestrians of the cars presence. There is no rear window on the car, but there is a panel between the taillights which enables owners to customise their own message on the back. As an electric car, the AMG XX is expected to be four times more powerful than the latest Tesla at 850kw DC. That means in just five minutes, the car can be charged 20-80 per cent, if a station that supports it can be found. Although no official figure for the car's range has been determined, it is expected to get around 300 miles on a single charge. It is uncertain when the new Mercedes-AMG XX Concept will go on sale, but it has surely inspired production for a car to go on the market in the near future.
