Kia thinks big with its new small-scale SUV model
Kia have more or less completed their EV range with the introduction this week of the smallest SUV in the range, the EV2, Kia’s most compact electric vehicle to date.
It is significant that this car is designed, engineered and produced in Europe for European roads and with European customers in mind. It combines bold design, everyday versatility, upper-segment technology, comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and driving performance and is available exclusively as a five-seater in Ireland,
There is a choice of a 42.2-kWh standard-range battery or a 61.0-kWh long-range battery option and is Kia in its most compact and affordable car yet which features a class leading all-electric range of up to 453 kilometres. The EV2 enters one of Ireland’s fastest growing segments which accounts for over 22% of all new car sales, with fully electric B-SUVs growing in popularity by 37% year on year. The EV2 lineup starts from €28,660 or €182 per month thanks to a 0% finance launch offer.
In variants equipped with the standard-range battery pack, the electric motor applies 107.5kW (144bhp) through the front wheels while the larger long-range battery pack is paired with a slightly detuned front motor to maximise driving efficiency. This applies 99.5kW (133bhp) through the front wheels. All EV2 variants produce 250Nm torque and have a maximum speed of 161km/h.
This is the baby of the family and follows the exterior design philosophy of Kia’s other recent EVs, with a bold and boxy exterior similar to that of the EV5 and EV9 and achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.29Cd. Its upright proportions, inspired by larger Kia EV models, reinforce its confident SUV stance.
Vertical daytime running lights and the latest Star-map Signature Lighting establish a clear family resemblance to the wider EV range. Its pronounced shoulder line and robust wheel arches emphasise structural strength. Both battery options operate on a 400V architecture. Under optimal conditions, DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes approximately 29 minutes for the standard-range version and around 30 minutes for the long-range model.
This is the baby of the family and follows the exterior design philosophy of Kia’s other recent EVs
The EV2 offers Kia’s latest triple-screen connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, integrating a 12.3-inch driver cluster, 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and 5.3-inch climate control display. It also introduces ccNC Lite, which mirrors the layout and core functionality of ccNC at a lower price point. Both systems support over-the-air (OTA) updates and Kia Upgrades. When it comes to safety and driving assistance, the EV2 offers a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) typically found in higher segments with features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane keep assist and front collision avoidance assist 2.0 standard on all models.
In Ireland, the EV2 is available in four different trim levels: Air, Earth, GT-Line and GT-Line Plus. Air and Earth models feature a choice of 42.2kWh or 61.0kWh battery options while the GT-Line and GT-Line Plus are exclusively available in long range. Specification is generous with Air models featuring 16” alloys, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats & steering wheel, Kia’s dual 12.3” panoramic infotainment display, over the air updates, smart cruise control and wireless carplay/android auto.
The Earth model adds 18” alloys, dynamic welcome lights, interior ambient lighting, partial vegan leather seats, privacy glass and a wireless charging pad. GT-Line models gain specific GT-Line interior and exterior styling cues along with power adjustable driver seat, full vegan leather seats while the range topping GT-Line Plus adds features like a sunroof, Hardon Kardon premium sound system and highway driving assist 2. Vehicle-2 Load functionality comes as standard Earth, GT-Line and GT-Line Plus long-range battery versions.
Pricing starts from €28,660 for the EV2 Air model and €31,940 for the long-range battery version. The Earth is priced at €30,530 or €33,810 for the 61 kWh version. The GT-Line models which come standard with the long range 61 kWh battery starts at €34,810 and €37,090 for GT-Line Plus.