Drawing heavy inspiration from the flagship EV9 SUV, the EV3 provides a glimpse of what Kia’s most affordable electric SUV yet will look like.

Previewing the impending expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) line-up, Kia showcased three key models at its ‘EV Day’ event, one of which is the Kia EV3 concept. It’s an early peek at what Kia’s most affordable electric SUV yet will look like, and while details are scant, the pictures provide a fair idea of how the production model will turn out. Expected to be based on the Hyundai Group’s dedicated EV architecture, named E-GMP, the EV3 is likely to be closer in size to the MG ZS EV, and Kia has outlined a sub-$30,000 (under Rs 30 lakh) starting price for its smallest e-SUV yet.

In design terms, the EV3 appears to be a condensed version of the EV9 and the EV5 (which also debuted at EV Day), with a slightly different interpretation of the ‘Digital Tiger’ face. The front-end is almost completely sealed-off, with the highlights being the slim LED lights and the chunky front bumper insert. The A- and B-pillars are blacked out, the wheels have a funky design, the roofline has a gentle downward slope and there’s a black insert in the C-pillar connecting the rear window to the rear windscreen, which establishes the ‘floating’ roof effect. The LED tail-lights extend into three different directions, and the rear bumper features vertical detailing to add some visual texture.

On the inside, the EV3 is almost spartan, with next to no physical controls on the dashboard. As is the case with other Kia EVs, a twin-screen setup is present, combining a large digital instruments display with the central touchscreen infotainment system, which houses most in-car functions. The oddly-shaped steering wheel features the Kia name offset to the right, which is something upcoming Kia vehicles will replicate.