Kia’s burgeoning EV lineup is welcoming its smallest member yet, the EV2. This B-segment SUV, previewed by last year’s concept, is smaller than even the BYD Atto 2 but promises greater sophistication and more range as part of its more Euro-centric positioning. To give you a sense of context, the EV2 is built on the 400-volt version of the Hyundai group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) – bigger than the Hyundai Inster, smaller than the EV3 (obviously). Measuring 4,060 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,575 mm tall, it’s 250 mm shorter, 30 mm narrower and 100 mm lower than the Atto 2, while its 2,565 mm wheelbase is also 55 mm shorter. Full details have not been revealed just yet, but it’s been confirmed that the EV2 will be offered with two battery sizes. The 42.2 kWh unit delivers a range of 317 km on the WLTP cycle, while the 61 kWh pack can travel an impressive 448 km on a single charge. The EV2 can be DC fast charged from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 30 minutes for the bigger one, while AC charging at up to 22 kW takes 2 hours and 35 minutes and 3 hours respectively. This being a B-segment model, the EV2 is powered by a single front motor of still-unknown outputs and fitted with rear torsion beam suspension, the latter featuring hydraulic bushings to reduce noise and vibration over bumps. A high-output, column-mounted electric power steering system and an optimised steering ratio improve manoeuvrability on tight city streets. Styling-wise, the EV2 stays relatively faithful to its chiselled show car forebear, retaining the pleasingly pert proportions, distinctive double vertical LED headlights with Star Map daytime running lights, prominent front and rear haunches, vertical C-pillars and chunky black fender flares that integrate the L-shaped taillights. There are some changes, of course – the wheels are much smaller and less ornate in design, there are larger door mirrors and flush pop-out handles, and the fanciful suicide doors have been ditched for conventional portals – but you’re still looking at an attractive little crossover. Buyers can opt for the GT-Line trim that adds more aggressive body-coloured (rather than silver) bumpers and a “cubic” design for the alloy wheels. Inside, the EV2 has lifted an impressive amount of tech from its bigger siblings, sporting the same widescreen display panel with twin 12.3-inch instrument and infotainment displays and a five-inch climate control touchscreen, plus physical air-con toggles. Although the concept’s lurid red and pastel blue colour scheme has been ditched, the cabin still looks plenty inviting, with a soft fabric dashboard wrap that extends to the front doors. The full-width ambient lighting, meanwhile, pulses in sync with the indicators. Other welcoming touches include a literal “welcome” outward-facing message on the front doors and a “have a nice day” on the door handles. Kia says the EV2’s interior has been inspired by a picnic box. To that end, the car features a flexible centre console with a 100-watt wireless charging tray and adjustable cup holders, along with separated door armrest architecture to free up door bin storage. Slimmer A-pillars and a lower rear windscreen, on the other hand, improve outward visibility. Kia EV2 GT-Line As standard, the EV2 is a five-seater, but it can optionally be configured as a four-seater with individually sliding and reclining rear seats that deliver either up to 958 mm of legroom in its most rearward position, or up to 403 litres of boot space when slid fully forwards (362 litres for the five-seater). There’s also a 15 litre front boot – rare (if rather small) for the segment. The EV2 debuts a new, pared-back Connected Car Navigation Cockpit Lite (ccNC Lite) to fit its more budget friendly status, although the full ccNC system is also available. Available features include a Pet Mode, a Kia AI Assistant, remote park assist, a digital rear-view mirror and a Harman Kardon sound system. Safety-wise, the EV2 is available with Kia’s full suite of driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance, blind spot cameras, rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, parking AEB, speed limit assist, a door opening warning and a driver attention monitor. Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.
