Kia’s electric revolution continues to gain momentum in New Zealand, and the new EV3 Light Long Range is a clear signal of where the brand is heading. Once known for budget-friendly hatchbacks and SUVs, Kia has transformed into a global EV leader, with its “Opposites United” design philosophy and fourth-generation battery tech setting new benchmarks.
Following the success of the larger EV9 and mid-sized EV5, the EV3 brings that same bold styling and innovation to a more compact, urban-friendly package.
Replacing the outgoing Niro EV, the EV3 marks a shift toward more purpose-built electric platforms, offering improved efficiency, space, and tech. The Light LR variant pairs an 81.4kWh battery with a 150kW motor, delivering up to 605km of range—exceptional for its size and price point. Kia has also tuned the EV3 for New Zealand’s unique road conditions, ensuring a composed ride even on coarse chip seal and winding terrain.
With accolades like World Car of the Year 2025, we test the car for a week to see if it’s worthy of that title.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 Kia EV3 Light LR
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
|---|---|
| Superb chassis and ride quality | Auto regen mode resets every time the car is turned off |
| Attractive, boxy and modern design | No blind spot camera – expected in a Kia |
| Light, modern, and spacious interior | No heated seats in the Light trim |
| Real-world range of 500+ km | Thin steering wheel – lacks premium feel |
What’s The 2025 Kia EV3 Light LR Colour Range
| Colour | Available On |
|---|---|
| Clear White | Light SR, Light LR |
| Snow White Pearl | Earth, GT-Line |
| Starry Night Black | All variants |
| Magma Red | All variants |
| Iceberg Green | All variants |
- Clear White is exclusive to the Light trims.
- Snow White Pearl is only available on Earth and GT-Line trims.
- Other colours like Starry Night Black, Magma Red, and Iceberg Green appear to be available across the full range
What’s In The 2025 Kia EV3 Light LR range
The 2025 Kia EV3 is offered in New Zealand in four distinct variants: Light Standard Range (SR), Light Long Range (LR), Earth Long Range, and GT-Line Long Range. All models are powered by a front-mounted 150kW electric motor delivering 283Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h acceleration in approximately 7.5–7.7 seconds.
The Light SR variant features a 58.3kWh battery, offering a WLTP range of 436 km, and is priced at NZ$55,520 + ORC. The Light LR, Earth, and GT-Line variants come equipped with a larger 81.4kWh battery, delivering up to 605 km of range in the Light LR, and are priced at NZ$62,220, NZ$69,220, and NZ$75,220 respectively.
Major differences between the variants include wheel size (17-inch on Light trims vs. 19-inch on Earth and GT-Line), interior features like premium audio, wireless charging, and head-up display (available from Earth trim upwards), and styling enhancements in the GT-Line. All models support DC fast charging (10–80% in ~30 minutes), Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, and come with Kia’s 7-year/150,000 km warranty.
How Does The 2025 Kia EV3 Light LR Compare To Its Competition?
The 2025 Kia EV3 positions itself as a strong contender in New Zealand’s compact electric SUV market, going head-to-head with rivals like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Volvo EX30, and BYD Atto 3. While slightly more expensive than some Chinese competitors, the EV3 offers superior build quality, refined driving dynamics, and an impressive real-world range of up to 605 km in its Long Range variants.
| Make/Model | Battery Capacity kW-hr | Power/Torque kW/Nm | 0-100km/h seconds | Range (WLTP) km | Boot Space – litres | Price $NZD |
| Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance | 69 | 315/543 | 3.6 | 460 | 318 | 74,990 |
| Hyundai Kona Electric Elite LR | 65.4 | 150/255 | 7.8 | 490 | 466 | 72,990 |
| Peugeot E-2008 GT | 54 | 115/260 | 9.0 | 406 | 434 | 65,990 |
| Kia EV3 Light LR | 81.4 | 150/283 | 7.7 | 605 | 460 | 62,220 |
| BYD Atto 3 Extended Range | 60.5 | 150/310 | 7.3 | 420 | 440 | 57,990 |
| MG ZS EV Long Range | 72.6 | 115/280 | 8.5 | 440 | 448 | 56,990 |
| GWM Ora Extended Range | 63 | 126/250 | 8.2 | 420 | 228 | 47,990 |
2025 Kia EV3 Light LR – Specfications
| Starting Price | $62,220 NZD |
| Engine Type | Electric Motor (Single, FWD) |
| Engine Power/Torque kW/Nm | 150/283 |
| Transmission Type | Single-speed automatic |
| Spare Wheel configuration | Tyre mobility kit |
| Kerb Weight Kg | 1800 |
| Length x Width x Height mm | 4300 x 1850 x 1560 |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity – Litres (seats up/seats down) | 460 / ~1250 |
| Fuel tank capacity litres | N/A |
| Energy Economy kWh/100km | 17.3 |
| Towing Capacity Kg unbraked/braked | 750/1000 |
| Turning circle metres | 10.4 |
| Warranty | 7 years / 150,000 km |
