Covers come off all-new EV4 at inaugural Kia NZ EV Day, only weeks after international reveal
Kia New Zealand hosted their inaugural Electric Vehicle Day last week, with the marque showcasing its ‘EV’ range of new energy battery vehicles, including the reveal of the latest addition to their electric portfolio, the EV4, only weeks after its global debut.
Additional vehicles on display included the all-new EV3, EV6 (2022 European Car of the Year), international multi award-winning EV9 (2024 World Car of the Year), and the EV5 midsize SUV.
“The KNZ EV Day demonstrates our vision for a sustainable future where electric mobility is accessible to all Kiwis,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.
“It is also an opportunity to reinforce our electrification leadership through showcasing our products and technology, as well as creating an environment to stimulate engagement, start conversations and influence change.”
The event offered attendees the chance to get behind the wheel of new Kia product and experience the full usability and versatility of the brand’s range of zero carbon emitting vehicles.
“Key highlights of Kia EV’s are that they have no tailpipe emissions, offer low servicing and running costs, an ever-increasing WLTP range reduces anxiety of getting from A to B while instantaneous torque contributes to unheralded levels of acceleration.
“Above all else, they are family-friendly, functional and practical as well as being dynamic and responsive, all of which are attributes which deliver an outstanding driving experience.
“When it comes to Kia’s range of EVs, there really is a personal mobility solution for everyone and a vehicle to suit a wide variety of needs and, with a broader range of new model options, it’s easier now than ever before to make the switch to zero-carbon emissions motoring.”
The number of new models in the Kia New Zealand EV range is set to increase to five during the coming months, with the addition of the new EV3 in Q2 and EV4 in Q3.
“The EV3 has debuted in Europe to critical acclaim, especially for its design, convenience, space and technology,” said Mr McDonald.
“We think the new EV4, with its unique fastback design, will appeal to an entirely new EV buyer - quite possibly, someone who hasn’t considered an EV before. It offers leading edge technology, an impressive range and, when combined with its alluring design, is a real statement maker in the world of EVs.
“It speaks to those who want something more than a ‘traditional’ or mainstream EV, it’s an exciting new model with the looks and attributes of a performance car.”
Mr McDonald also confirmed the recently revealed PV5, Kia’s first dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), will be an innovative new addition to the Kia portfolio in New Zealand in 2026.
The Kia PV5, shown as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, is the first dedicated model from Kia’s new PBV business strategy. It serves as a new ground for innovation, laying the foundation for a new form of EV usability with exceptional flexibility through radical modularity and will be available locally as an Electric Van.
“Kia remains committed to becoming the world’s leading EV brand and sustainable mobility solutions provider by enhancing the options and experiences we offer our customers,” said Mr McDonald.
“Today’s event is a powerful demonstration of Kia’s commitment to the future, delivering innovative, stylish, and practical EVs that will shape the next generation of mobility and make sustainable solutions open to everyone.
“The future is electric, and Kia is leading the charge!”
Official New Zealand reveal: Kia EV3
- The Kia EV3 all-electric small SUV is available in three trim levels: Light, Earth, and GT-Line.
- Light is offered with a choice between Standard Range and Long Range battery systems, while Earth and GT-Line are both Long Range.
- The Standard Range battery is rated at 58.3 kWh, while the Long Range steps up to 81.4 kWh, and both batteries are lithium-ion type.
- This contributes to a class-leading 605km WLTP driving range for the Long Range version of the EV3 Light, with the price-leading EV3 Light Standard Range rated for 436km, and the more feature-laden Long Range Earth and GT-Line boasting a 563km figure.
- Also optimising driving range is the EV3’s introduction of the new iPedal 3.0 adjustable regenerative braking system. iPedal 3.0 enables one-pedal driving that adjusts the level of regenerative braking according to your preference to maximise efficiency. Conveniently, iPedal 3.0 settings will remain after restarting the vehicle and the system can also be operated in reverse.
- The front-end design incorporates Kia Star Map lighting and Tiger Face family elements, with the GT-Line distinguished by stronger opposing diagonal elements and a larger, black lower grille for a sportier appearance.
- This theme is carried along the sides into the rear of the GT-Line, which combines with unique front and rear lighting elements for a comprehensively unique look.
- The EV3’s aerodynamic side view shows flowing geometric shapes, dynamic loop lines and surfacing paired with flush front and hidden rear door handles and corresponding trim-specific alloy wheel designs (17-inch Light,19-inch Earth/GT-Line) for a high-tech and compact look.
- The EV3’s rear design correlates with the front via further Star Map lighting, with the black window frames of the sides flowing through the C-pillar to the rear window.
- A ‘home-like’ theme has been applied to the interior, with minimalistic details and soft touch points complemented by large touchscreen displays and physical buttons for frequently used functions.
- Across all Kia EV3 grades, these touchscreens are comprised of 12.3-inch Digital Driver Cluster, 5-inch Climate Monitor and 12.3-inch Touch Screen Infotainment interfaces of the ccNC type with Kia’s latest GUI (Graphical User Interface).
- Comfort and convenience features across the range include Kia Connect, OTA updates, V2L (Standard) including connector kit and a column-type Shift-by-Wire (SBW) gear selector.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and phone charging is found in Earth and GT-Line models.
- Features exclusive to the top of the range EV3 GT-Line include a GT-Line Exterior and Interior treatment, Black Alloy Wheels, Smart Power Tailgate and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.
- The EV3 has all of the active and passive safety technology expected in a new Kia. Safety features of all trims include Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) and a centre side airbag.
- The EV3 continues to leverage the packaging benefits of the E-GMP platform to optimise interior space within a compact exterior, benefitting legroom, shoulder room and headroom.
- Cargo space is also generous for its class, spread between a 460L VDA area in the rear and an additional 25L VDA cavity in the nose of the EV3.
- The Kia EV3 is available in six exterior colours across the line-up, with two distinct two-tone interior colourways spread across the trimlines. EV3 Light models feature cloth trim, while Earth and GT-Line step up to artificial leather.
- The Kia EV3 also comes with a seven-year/ 150,000km warranty as standard
Sneak peek: Pre-production Kia EV4 GT-Line
Key Statistics Summary
Battery
- 81.4 kWh long-range battery
- Impressive All-Electric Range (AER) of 630 km (Estimated figure based on the Light long-range model), according to WLTP standards
- Ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd; more than 80% underbody cover for optimised aerodynamic performance
- 150 kW motor for best 0-100 km/h performance of 7.7 seconds
- 10-80 percent charging in just 31 minutes (long-range model)
- V2L capability
- Advanced chassis technology for top-tier ride comfort, refinement and dynamic ability
Convenience and connectivity
- i-Pedal 3.0 variable regenerative braking for maximum comfort, efficiency and safety
- Remote OTA update allows software updates via user’s mobile
- Near 30-inch wide-screen display connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) enhances in-car entertainment experience
- Innovative interior storage and flexibility solutions
Safety features
- Latest ADAS functionality focuses on seamless integration with the driving experience
- Transformative application of Kia’s advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) tech
- Optimised and strengthened body structure for top-tier safety protection
- Targeting Five-star ANCAP safety rating
Design philosophy
- Design philosophy blends contrasts from nature and humanity for a modern, expressive appearance
- Exterior features a low nose, long-tail silhouette, wide stance, vertical headlamps, and EV Tiger Face for a sporty, innovative look
- Interior offers a minimalist, high-tech design with a free-floating interface and asymmetric steering wheel for improved functionality
Further details relating to the new models such as pricing and local specification will be released in coming months.