Kia EV2 First Edition review: Small really is beautiful with Kia’s baby EV

Kia’s dedicated all-electric range is one of the most comprehensive in the UK. It’s ten years since the Korean manufacturer launched its first electric vehicle, the Soul EV, into the UK. Since then there’s been a plethora of ever-improving models. The brand’s latest, and smallest, electric car is the new EV2. Question is, does size really matter? Or can the five-seat ‘baby’ of the Kia EV family still deliver like its larger siblings?

Ahead of the launch of the mainstream, long-range EV2 models which will be capable of covering 281 miles on a single charge and aren’t due in showrooms for some weeks yet, I got the first taste of the car and its technology in the shape of the EV2 ‘First Edition’ Standard Range. Fitted with the smaller battery, it can cover 190 miles on a single charge … even possibly up to 265 miles. Kia is being aggressive in its sales targets for the EV2, forecasting a total of 8000 units in the UK this year. At least 1200 of those sales will be the First Edition, which hits the market at £26,995.

What’s behind the First Edition? It’s an interesting approach by Kia. The long-range Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S trim levels of the EV2 are expected to be the dominant models with UK customers. But Kia is keen to see what the demand is from prospective buyers eager to have a primarily city EV fitted with ‘segment-above’ technology, but don’t require a 200-plus mile range on a single charge. Hence the First Edition. Personally, I think it’s a positive and sensible approach. Let’s be honest, the EV2 has been created for the city. That will be its main environment. So a range of around 190 miles on a single charge for the First Edition is likely to comfortably cope with a week’s driving. And Kia quotes a 265 mile range if you restrict the car to city driving. The EV2 also continues Kia’s cute Tonka Toy-esque design philosophy, ensuring the car will be instantly recognisable. The EV2 enters what has become a rapidly growing compact hatchback-cum-SUV sector and will go head-to-head with the likes of the Renault 4, MG4 Urban EV and Jeep Avenger.

Kia’s EV2 is one of  the best small electric cars on the market

Ok, what about driving? The EV2 gets a single-motor configuration and front-wheel drive. Kia has made it clear the EV2 has been designed with comfort in mind, which makes a change from the ever-growing number of EVs which see to concentrate on pinning your head back against the headrest and squishing you into your seat every time you take off from the traffic lights. My three-hour drive through the Wiltshire towns and countryside was completely representative of how the EV2 will live its driving life. It also highlighted the benefits of the newly-designed sound-deadening under the bonnet which reduces noise from the electric motor. Perhaps not surprisingly, the miniature SUV-styled EV2 shines in its natural habitat of tight urban streets. I love the fact its block-type proportions ensure you can instantly see where the car’s extremities are, aided further by the flat bonnet which stretches out ahead of you. Steering is light and neutral, perfect for city driving. Head out onto a sweeping A-road and the EV2 will comfortably keep up with traffic. Kia boffins have applied a relatively soft suspension setup for the EV2, which I personally think is the correct option, given the fact it’s a town-focused EV. It’ll also deal with the continual deterioration of the standards of UK’s roads. As a result it’s very good at absorbing speed humps and all but the deepest potholes, ensuring occupants remain comfortable.

Performance? It’s no slouch, certainly by small EV standards. With its 147bhp, the EV2 First Edition will hit 62mph from standstill in 8.7secs, which is more than adequate.

Interior and tech The dashboard of the EV2 gets two 12.3-inch displays, one for the driver and the other a touchscreen. These are split by a further 5.4-inch touchscreen that controls the climate functions. Essentially it’s exactly the same set-up as you’ll find in more expensive and larger Kia EV models. Thankfully there are physical controls for both the temperature and fan speed, plus the heated seats and volume, making it quick, easy and safe to adjust on the move. There are also shortcut buttons below the screen itself, plus it’s easy to turn off things like the speed warning and lane keeping aids via steering wheel buttons. Joy of joys. The Kia-family infotainment system is a delight to use, thanks to its clear and logical layout. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard kit, and the main screen allows for a good amount of configurability. There are also three USB-C ports at the bottom of the dash in the front of the EV2, with a 12-volt socket below. Rear passengers get two rear USB-C ports: perfect for helping keep children entertained on their devices on longer journeys.

Tell me about the regenerative braking It’s not exactly a dinner table topic, but I suspect it’s something more and more potential EV buyers are discussing. And in the EV2, the braking system does really impress. In addition to the fact the brake pedal responds smoothly and naturally, there are also a number of options for regenerative braking that you may never actually need to use it. The system offers the driver three modes, ranging from full coasting to a strong braking effect. On each of the three regen modes you can also select ‘i-Pedal’ one-pedal driving. It’s a clever system because even on gentle regen the car will bring itself to a dead stop without the driver actually touching the brake pedal.

What about charging and range? Ultimately the EV2 will be available with the choice of two battery sizes. This First Edition gets the smaller ‘Standard Range’ lithium-ion ‘LFP’ pack with a usable capacity of 41kWh. According to official WLTP testing, that’s good for up to 190 miles on a single charge. Perfect for a city runabout or an affordable second car. When the Long Range EV2 arrives, it’ll house the 58kWh usable battery pack and will have a range of up to 281 miles. The Standard Range gets a peak charging speed of 118kW, meaning it should take just under half an hour to complete a 10-80 per cent charge using a suitable DC rapid charger. Despite having the bigger battery, the Long Range EV2 will deliver the same charging time.

How practical is the EV2? The tale of the tape sees the EV2 measure 4060mm in length, 1800mm in width and 1575mm in height. That makes it bigger than the Renault 5. Up front the driver and passenger benefit from the high roofline, big windows and open centre console area. As for rear, at 5ft 9in I could comfortably sit behind myself. More impressive, a 6ft 1in colleague could also sit behind himself too. So there’s bags of space. And with a flat floor in the back, there’s plenty of foot space, meaning taking a third adult in the middle seat for a short journey shouldn’t be too awkward.

Storage and bootspace Thanks to the split-level centre console, storage in the front is very good. There’s an under-armrest cubby and a tray on the top level, while below there’s a phone tray that wirelessly charges devices, another large open space, plus a couple of cupholders. The glovebox is a decent size, and intriguingly there are coin holders below the door handles.

For a small SUV, the bootspace is pretty good. It’ll swallow 363-litres of gubbins, which is more than the Renault 5. And don’t be put off the first time you open the tailgate, as the boot doesn’t look big when you see it first. That’s because a good chunk of the available space sits under the adjustable boot floor. It makes the space versatile as you can either fold it in half or remove it entirely. Keep it in place and you get a completely flat load bay, even with the rear seats folded in their 60/40 split. Fold those seats flat and stowage increases to 1201-litres. There’s also a 15-litre frunk under the bonnet: perfect for charging cables.

First Edition standard kit It’s pretty comprehensive and includes tech goodies normally reserved for Kia’s larger vehicles. In addition to over-the-air updates, Kia’s connected car Navigation Cockpit, the regenerative braking system and i-Pedal, there’s also the company’s AI Personal Assistant. According to Kia, occupants can “use the AI chat assistant to interact with and control the vehicle’s features directly and intuitively. Generative AI comprehends complex contexts through natural language understanding, enabling it to converse naturally with users.” That’ll be that then. To activate, all you need to do is say: “Hey Kia”. In other news, the First Edition also includes the wireless charging pad, a Harman Kardon eight-speaker premium sound system, heated front seats and steering wheel, LED lights all round and inside, Remote Smart Park Assist 1.0, 360-degree surround view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, plus customisable ambient lighting.

Prices As the EV2 First Edition qualifies for the Government’s Tier 1 £1500 grant, it costs £26,995 on-the-road. When the three Long Range models join the range later this year, the Air will start at £24,245, with the GT-Line at £28,995 and GT-Line S costing £32,595. These on-the-road prices include a £3750 ‘Reservation Saving’ from Kia.

Safety Standard kit is comprehensive, including lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and park collision-avoidance, blind spot assist, remote park assist, forward collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic Alert.

Warranty All Kia models get a seven-year, 100,000 mile warranty. But this is upped to eight years for the battery with a guarantee of at least 70 per cent health in the battery.

Verdict There’s no getting away from the fact the Kia EV2 is, without question, one of the best small electric cars currently on the market. It drives faultlessly and its seamless delivery of power makes it the perfect compact-SUV for everyday city or town driving. But it’s also perfectly capable of zipping along your favourite A-road. I also have to admit, I’ve fallen for its cute looks. Ok, as in life, looks don’t mean the same to everyone. But this one works for me. Throw in the versatile interior space, and it’s clear Kia is on to another winner. For me, the Standard Range would work perfectly with its smaller battery and shorter range, and in First Edition mode it’s a no-brainer. At £26,995 it features almost all the trimmings of the halo GT-Line S, but that starts at £32,595. It’ll be interesting to see what the market actually decides: Standard or Long Range?

The facts: Kia EV2 First Edition Price: £26,995 Powertrain: 42.2kWh battery, with single motor Power: 144bhp Torque: 250Nm Driveline layout: Font-wheel drive Top speed / 0-62mph: 100mph / 8.7sec Range: 190-miles Charging: Up to 350kW (10-80% in 29mins) Dimensions (length/width/height in mm): 4060 / 1800 / 1575mm On sale: Now