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The Pitch and Design
The Kia EV2 arrives with a bold promise: a small electric car that can go further than any of its peers. The brand’s marketing emphasizes the absence of a "small battery" and highlights the vehicle’s ability to tackle long distances. The EV2’s exterior is a departure from the company’s previous models, featuring vertical headlights, a low‑set profile, and a distinctive tail‑light design that some find polarising. Despite the unconventional look, the car is praised for being the most stylish Kia in the lineup, especially when compared to the larger EV9.
Space and Interior
Inside, the EV2 surprises with a surprisingly generous cabin. The front seat sits high enough to give the driver a commanding view, yet the vehicle remains compact enough to navigate tight city streets. The rear seats can be slid back to create ample space for three adults and a substantial amount of luggage, a feature that would normally be reserved for larger SUVs. The interior shares many elements with the EV9, including a dual‑screen setup and a bank of tactile controls, but it feels more premium than comparable models from Stellantis or Renault.
The cabin’s materials and layout give it a “super‑premium” feel that belies its price point. The steering wheel features a subtle fabric touch, and the overall design feels more like a high‑end compact crossover than a budget economy car. This approach aligns with the idea that smaller cars can still offer a luxurious driving experience.
Performance and Range
The EV2’s performance was tested in two distinct ways. First, a two‑day drive across the frozen Norwegian terrain covered roughly 600 kilometres, demonstrating the car’s ability to handle sub‑zero temperatures. Second, the vehicle participated in the world’s largest EV range test in Norway, where it travelled 310 kilometres in -20°C conditions before the battery depleted. This distance represents about 75% of the car’s quoted WLTP range, outperforming all other participants in the test.
With a 61‑kWh battery, the EV2 offers a WLTP range of 413 kilometres. In the harsh cold test, it achieved 310 kilometres, a performance that places it ahead of rivals such as the MG4, Hyundai Ioniq, and Volvo EX30. The results suggest that Korean and Chinese battery technology continues to lead the industry, especially in extreme climates.
Takeaways and Future Outlook
After two days of driving and a rigorous cold‑weather test, the EV2 emerges as a compelling option for drivers who want a small, efficient vehicle without sacrificing range or comfort. Its high‑quality interior, spacious cabin, and impressive cold‑weather performance make it a strong contender in the compact electric segment.
While the prototype still emits a number of beeps and has some ADAS features that feel unpolished, these issues are expected to be ironed out before the final production model hits the market. The EV2’s design and performance suggest that Kia is positioning it as a potential successor to the iconic Renault 4 and 5, offering a modern, long‑range alternative for city dwellers who still crave the feeling of a larger vehicle.
For consumers, the EV2 presents a tempting proposition: a small footprint, a long range, and a premium feel, all at a price point that starts around £25,000 for the entry‑level battery and £30,000 for the larger pack. If the final production version retains the strengths observed during testing, the EV2 could redefine expectations for compact electric crossovers worldwide.