EV2 'GT-Line S' 61.0kWh FWD - Moonlight MintKiaHoney, I shrunk the EV9! The Kia EV2 is the latest addition to the brand's expanding electric family, a compact hatch built for the everyday grind. It's got the right ingredients for city life — tidy proportions, clever use of space and enough tech to make traffic bearable. And with its neat styling and sensible approach, it's a genuinely appealing alternative to the revived Renault 5, offering a similar dose of charm but with Kia's more down‑to‑earth attitude.The question is whether the EV2 delivers beyond the spec sheet — and whether you should hold off on that Ford Gen-E purchase.Kia EV2 interior and designThe EV2 follows Kia's "Opposites United" design language, which is their way of saying it looks futuristic without scaring your neighbours. It's modern, it's sharp, but it won't make anyone ask whether you've joined a tech cult or started drinking algae smoothies for breakfast.AdvertisementAdvertisementUp front, theres pillar-like daytime running lights, with Kia's latest Star Map signature lighting integrated into the headlights. Below, you'll find active air flaps, which help cool components and improve energy efficiency.There's also a hidden rear wiper, low rear lights and a large rear window.EV2 'GT-Line S' 61.0kWh FWD - Moonlight MintThe dashboard sticks to familiar Kia territory: a snug, wraparound layout that feels well thought‑out, with a mix of sturdy plastics and soft-touch fabrics that tie in neatly with the door trims. You get proper physical switches for the main vehicle functions and climate controls, plus a central volume dial and Kia's now‑signature hidden air‑vent setup used across the EV3, EV4 and EV5.Ahead of the driver sits a three‑screen arrangement: twin 12.3‑inch displays for the instruments and infotainment, and a 5.3‑inch climate display panel. The EV2 'Air' uses dark grey cloth upholstery with green detailing, and the front seats are impressively comfortable whether you're nipping across town or doing a longer stint. Similarly, Kia's soft headrests are easily among the comfiest.EV2 'GT-Line S' 61.0kWh FWD - Moonlight MintLike most city cars, there's not a lot of rear passenger space. Those over 6ft will really struggle. Pop the boot, and you'll find 362 litres of space with a removable floor. This trumps the Renault 5, but falls short of the Renault 4's 420-litre capacity.AdvertisementAdvertisementKia has also leaned into sustainable materials, with bio‑based plastics, bio‑PU upholstery, and carpets and felts made from recycled PET — including fibres sourced from reclaimed fishing nets.Kia EV2 equipmentBuyers can choose from four trim levels: Air, First Edition, GT-Line, and GT-Line S. The Kia EV2 starts at £27,995, but with the £3,750 government electric car grant, this drops to £24,245.Entry-level cars get 16-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a host of safety suites, heated seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.GT-Line, priced from £28,995 (with grant), introduces 19-inch alloys, sporty interior and exterior styling, a wireless phone charger, blind-spot monitoring, privacy glass, and two-tone artificial leather.EV2 'GT-Line S' 61.0kWh FWD - Moonlight MintThe range-topping GT-Line S, costing £32,595, adds a household socket, an eight-speaker sound system, 360-degree monitoring, ambient lighting and V2L capability.AdvertisementAdvertisementFinally, there's the First Edition, costing £26,995. While this gets a 10 hp power bike over the standard 133 bhp, it gets a smaller battery, meaning range drops from around 281 miles (EV2 Air) to 190 miles. This gets nearly everything offered on the higher-spec GT-Line and GT-Line S models, plus 18-inch alloys, electric driver's seat lumbar support, and remote parking assist.As always, if a heat pump is important, you'll need to fork out for the range-topping GT-Line S, costing £33,295 (with the government grant).Kia EV2 drive and performanceWhatever trim you choose, you won't be disappointed. The Kia EV2 does a fine job at keeping your spine intact for such a small car, riding beautifully over firmer roads. Still, larger ruts can cause it to crash, but this is a small car after all.Likewise, there's heaps of sound deadening, including vibration suppression under the floor mats and bonnet, and an acoustic windscreen. You never truly hear the electric motor whir; wind and tyre noise are still present, but are nothing drastic.AdvertisementAdvertisementAll models, except Air, offer drive mode selection, letting the driver choose from Normal, Sport, Eco and Snow modes.EV2 'GT-Line S' 61.0kWh FWD - Moonlight MintIn Sport, the EV2 feels sprightly enough and will manage 0-62 mph in around 10 seconds. It doesn't feel miles away from the Renault 4 E-Tech, which manages the same sprint in 8.2 seconds. If you want more, opt for the First Edition (standard range), which reduces this to 8.7 seconds.I did notice that it doesn't feel quite as planted as a Renault 5 or 4 through the corners, rolling ever so slightly, but you can still have fun through tighter corners if the notion takes you.Over a 14-mile run, consisting of dual carriageways, towns and back roads, the EV2 Air returned a mighty 5.1mi/kWh. The GT-Line returned 3.7mi/kWh, and I expect it to push above 4mi/kWh.Kia EV2 VerdictThis is a brilliant, well-priced and well-equipped little car that'll navigate towns with ease and pick up the pace when needed.AdvertisementAdvertisementOut of the box, the EV2 smashes rivals like the Ford Puma Gen-E, Jeep Avenger Electric, Peugeot e-2008 and Hyundai Inster. That said, the Renault 4 and 5 offer a bit more quirk and handle ever so slightly better.Still, Kia's threw a large spanner in the works. So, if you're looking for a city car, I'd recommend a Kia EV2.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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