First Drive: Kia EV3, the Company Car Game Changer

Why it matters

Fresh from scooping both ‘Car of the Year’ and ‘Best Mainstream Electric Car’ at the 2025 AutoTrader Drivers’ Choice Awards, Kia’s baby EV became an easy choice for my next test drive, made possible by the excellent team at Snow’s Kia Basingstoke. The EV3 arrives with headline stats fleet managers love: up to 375 miles WLTP range, a list price starting at £32,995, and a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) charge that stays at 3% this tax year before nudging to 4% on 6 April 2026. In simple terms: premium kit without a premium P11D hit.

First impressions

Pistachio GT-Line keys in hand, I clocked the chunky crossover stance, pixel style lamps, and a neat “floating” roof. We took the car for a weekend away in the New Forest, and the Pistachio colour actually grew on me; an interested passer-by even asked what it was. Clearly, mainstream price doesn’t mean anonymous styling anymore.

That said, while the Pistachio is an unusual and distinctive shade that suits the car well, the Shale Grey version (shown in the main press images) looks absolutely stunning in my view, giving it a truly premium feel. Colour choice is subjective – others love the Burnt Orange – but if you’re looking to maximise kerb appeal, the Shale Grey is a standout.

For reference, UK colours include Shale Grey, Pistachio Green, Burnt Orange, Mineral Blue, Snow White, and Midnight Black.

The GT-Line has a sportier look than the Air, with artificial leather upholstery and noticeably comfortable headrests for a long drive, commented upon by my eldest son, who was happy to play passenger for the weekend.

The model matrix

• Air – choice of 58kWh or 81kWh battery, good for 270mi or 375mi WLTP respectively; 0-62mph in 7.8s; prices from £32,995.

• GT-Line – 81kWh battery only, 375mi WLTP; 0-62mph in 7.5s; from £39,495.

• GT-Line S – 81kWh battery, 375mi WLTP; 0-62mph in 7.5s; from £42,995.

(All versions are single motor, front-wheel drive, 204PS – data: Kia Press Office and Kia UK specification pages.)

On the road

With 204PS and instant torque, the EV3 punches past slower traffic extremely well; Kia quotes 0-62mph in under eight seconds, and it feels every bit that. More impressive is the hush – at 70mph it’s super quiet, and three-stage regen means genuine one pedal-driving when you want it.

When you do need to stop, the EV3 has a maximum charging power of 135kW, meaning you can recharge to 80% in around half an hour – ideal for a quick coffee break on longer trips.

Cabin & tech

Kia’s triple-screen layout (12.3in driver + 5.3-in climate + 12.3-in infotainment) sits on a recycled plastic dash that feels anything but cheap. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise, blind spot camera and heated seats are standard even on Air. GT Line S adds a panoramic roof, Harman Kardon audio, and head-up display for the showroom wow factor. Easy to understand why no end of praise has been heaped on this little EV for ticking all of the boxes at a very affordable price. Wireless charging was particularly helpful.

Practicality check

• Boot – 460L, which is on the better end of what some larger SUVs offer, plus a 25L frunk for charge cables
• Range – The EV3 may be the brand’s smallest electric car, sitting below the Kia Niro EV, EV6 and EV9 in Kia’s electric line-up, but it can officially travel the furthest of them all. 270mi (58kWh) or 375mi (81kWh) WLTP; my real-world mixed loop suggested ~310mi from the big pack.
• Cup holders – double-shot flat white approved, my son’s (controversial) frappe likewise

Value & tax

Starting below the £40k “expensive car” VED threshold keeps annual road tax sting low, and Kia’s seven-year warranty seals the deal. With BIK at 3% today and only 4% next year, a salary sacrifice lease can undercut some rail season tickets.

My verdict

This is a genuine breakthrough car – not just for its electric credentials, but because it’s simply a great-looking, well-equipped, attractively priced crossover. It’s the kind of car people will want for what it is, with its electric drivetrain almost secondary – and that opens up a whole new audience who’ve only ever driven ICE vehicles before.

Bold looks, Tesla-beating range, super-low tax: the Kia EV3 lands exactly where fleets need it. If you’re hunting a 2025 company car that won’t torch budgets or driver enthusiasm, this is the one to beat. Fancy the numbers? Ping me for a tailored lease quote.