Kia has unveiled three new electric models at the brand’s first Kia EV Day in Korea, including a new ‘baby’ SUV designed to take on the Volvo XC30 and a striking-looking saloon to rival the Tesla Model 3.

The Kia Concept EV3 represents the brand’s vision for an electric compact CUV, which is said to offer the technology, practicality and design of Kia’s flagship SUV, the EV9, in a compact and more affordable form. 

The design treatment of the cabin, with the windscreen pushed forward and the long sloping roofline, creates a look which is closely related to the EV9.

Inside, the cabin has soft mood lighting, advanced ergonomic seat design and mini tables that rotate in length, position, and angle. In conjunction with the movement of the seats, the tables support four modes – Focus, Social, Refreshing and Storage. The folding bench-type rear seat is equally flexible and can be folded upward, allowing for storing bulky luggage such as electric scooters and bicycles. 

For the Concept EV3, the designers used natural – as opposed to carbon ­– fibre structures to deliver a lightweight, slimmer seat design. For the seat covers, the CMF team applied 3D Knit technology. This process not only results in a 3D effect with a soft surface but also delivers class-leading efficiency with reduced stitching and joins, plus zero waste material. 

The EV3 mimics the design of the EV9 flagship

The material Kia chose for the inside of the Concept EV3’s console table was not manufactured – it was grown, as Marília Biill, Head of CMF Design at Kia, explains. “Mycelium, which comes from mushroom roots, combines excellent strength with an extremely soft surface. 

“Using Mycelium enables us to mimic the processes we see in nature and leverage it to design more sustainable solutions – the material can be grown in any shape you want using a mould. The use of Mycelium is still at a very early stage, and, as part of Kia’s Sustainability Strategy, we are working with partners to accelerate development of the material.”

The Concept EV4 is a four-door saloon, based on the same mechanical parts as the Hyundai Ioniq 6.  Rather than concentrate on aerodynamics, the goes for style, with a sleek low nose, elongated, dynamic long-tail and roof spoiler.

The headlamps are located vertically at the extreme outer edges of the bonnet and front bumper.  

The interior features an air conditioning control panel that can be stored in the centre console when not in use, and applied pin-style air vents that offer the flexibility to change patterns.

Mushroom inside? The concepts use a compound derived from fungi roots

A slimmed-down instrument panel delivers subtle levels of driver orientation, helping clear the mind from distractions and prepare for upcoming tasks. 

The Concept EV4 comes with a new 'Mind Modes' feature that adjusts ambient lighting and animated ventilation patterns. In ‘Perform’ mode, the driver is presented with all the information they require to perform at their optimum and get the most out of their day. In contrast, ‘Serenity’ mode offers a range of digital graphics to create a more relaxed ambience for reflection and restoration

Like the EV3, there are environmental innovations too. By applying natural dyes to recycled cotton, using madder roots and walnut shells, the designers claim they can make a near-endless range of colours.

Kia wove fabric stripes by hand and applied them to the car’s storage area and dashboard. 

There is no official word on the EV3 or EV4’s on sale date or prices, but expect both to go on sale before the end of 2024 – although the EV4 is not confirmed for the UK. 

The EV4 is not yet confirmed for the UK