Kia EV2 revealed, but Australian launch remains uncertain

Kia has unveiled its smallest electric vehicle yet at the Brussels Motor Show, the Kia EV2. The sixth model in the dedicated EV lineup from the Korean carmaker ramps up its fight against a growing wave of budget-priced Chinese electric SUVs in Europe. Designed as a compact, city-friendly B-SUV, the EV2 marks the new entry-point of Kia’s expanding EV line-up. But despite its urban appeal, it may never reach Australian showrooms.

European deliveries are due to begin later this year, with production commencing at Kia’s Slovakia plant. However, Kia Australia has already cast doubt over the EV2’s local prospects, warning that the cost of producing and shipping European-built vehicles could undermine its competitiveness in the Australian market.

Smaller than CX-3, but still an SUV

Measuring just 4060mm long, 1800mm wide and 1575mm tall, with a 2565mm wheelbase, the Kia EV2 is smaller than popular petrol-powered compact SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3 and Toyota Yaris Cross. Kia is careful to position it as an urban-focused electric SUV rather than a traditional hatchback replacement.

Despite its compact footprint, Kia claims the EV2 delivers “class-above” interior space. Buyers can choose between four- or five-seat layouts, while boot capacity stands at 362 litres, expanding to 403 litres when the sliding and reclining rear seats are pushed forward. A front boot (frunk) adds further storage flexibility.

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Read more: Kia Australia Electric Line Up Explained

Kia EV2 battery, range and performance 

Under the skin, the EV2 rides on a simplified version of Kia’s E-GMP electric platform, featuring 400-volt architecture and front-wheel drive only. Standard range models are scheduled to enter production first, with Long Range variants to follow later in the year.

Both battery options use nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry and support DC fast charging, with Kia claiming 10–80 per cent charge times of around 30 minutes. To keep costs in check, the EV2 uses a torsion-beam rear suspension rather than a more complex independent setup, ruling out all-wheel drive.

European powertrain specs

Here are the specification details of the Kia EV2:

The lack of an all-wheel-drive option is a conscious decision as it would make the EV2 too pricey for the segment. Another price-conscious cutback is the torsion-beam rear suspension rather than a more complex independent setup. However, this should still make the entry-level Kia EV a very capable city runabout.

Familiar Kia styling, GT-Line flair

Visually, the Kia EV2 borrows heavily from Kia’s latest design language, drawing cues from larger EV models and last year’s Concept EV2. Vertical ‘Star Map’ LED headlights echo the look of the latest Seltos, while low-set rear LED tail-lights give the compact SUV a distinctive night-time signature.

Wheel sizes range from 16 inches on entry models to 19-inch alloys on flagship GT-Line variants. The GT-Line adds sportier front and rear bumpers, body-coloured lower door trim, revised side skirts and unique wheel designs for a more aggressive stance.

Kia EV2 interior: Tech-rich and playful

Inside, the Kia EV2 mirrors larger Kia EVs with a triple-screen layout combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 5.3-inch climate-control display. These run a simplified version of Kia’s latest software and support over-the-air updates.

Practicality is a clear focus, with textured fabric trim, a flexible lower centre console, adjustable cupholders and simplified door armrests designed to maximise usable space. Ambient lighting spans the cabin and can even flash in sync with the indicators.

Kia has also added quirky details, including an illuminated “HELLO :)” greeting on entry and a “HAVE A NICE DAY” message printed inside the door handle on exit.

Available features include a Harman Kardon premium sound system, wireless phone charging, 100-watt USB-C ports, a steering column-mounted shifter, smartphone-as-a-key functionality, Pet Mode, and both vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability.

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Kia EV2 safety

Despite its entry-level positioning, the Kia EV2 is available with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane centring and semi-automatic lane changes, blind-spot cameras displayed in the mirrors, a 360-degree camera system, and remote parking controlled via the key fob. While this compact EV’s true safety score will only be known after NCAP testing, it is expected to score a 5-star rating.

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Pricing pressures cloud Australian prospects

Now-deleted leaked pricing from Europe suggests the Kia EV2 could start from around €28,500 (approximately $49,500 AUD), compared with €35,990 ($62,600 AUD) for the EV3 in Germany. While that price gap looks reasonable on paper, unfavourable exchange rates, shipping costs and local taxes could erode much of the difference by the time the EV2 reaches Australia. 

If imported, the Kia EV2 could land at a price uncomfortably close to the larger, South Korea-built Kia EV3, which already starts from $48,990 drive-away locally. If those pressures hold, Australian buyers may struggle to justify choosing a smaller, less powerful EV2 over the roomier EV3, which offers more space, longer range and stronger performance for similar money.

That reality contrasts sharply with Chinese-built rivals such as the BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2, which are priced almost identically in Europe and Australia, underlining the cost advantage Chinese brands enjoy in global EV markets.

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