Kia has given its award-winning electric EV range a dash of fire-breathing muscle with the unveiling of three sporty-inspired GT models.
Set to sit atop the range for three of Kia’s EV models – the Kia EV3 GT, the Kia EV4 GT and Kia EV5 GT – the trio feature a second electric motor at the rear axle to generate more power from either an 81.4kWh (EV3, EV4) or an 88.1kWh battery (EV5).
Transforming all three models into all-wheel drive vehicles, the EV3 GT and EV4 GT will generate 288bhp and be pitched as sporty alternatives to both rival electric and conventionally fuelled models, while the larger EV5 GT gets a slightly different twin-motor arrangement for a total output of 302bhp.
They are the latest GT branded models to join Kia’s all-electric range alongside the established Kia EV6 and Kia EV9, though there are currently no plans to introduce a GT version of the Korean firm’s latest zero emissions model, the Kia EV2.
The Kia EV3 GT [above] is pitched as a rival to Smart #1 Brabus and, in addition to the power upgrade, gets 20-inch wheels, reprofiled bumpers and Virtual Gear Shift, which uses steering-wheel mounted paddles to click through gears, while mimicking the sound of a combustion-engine throttle.
Similar features can also be found on the Kia EV4 GT [main article picture], which is quoted with a 0-62mph time of just 5.4-seconds. A rival to the Volkswagen Golf R, the EV4 GT – like the EV3 GT – gets splashes of distinctive acid green paint, which can be found on the brake callipers and interior trim.
Finally, the Kia EV5 GT [above] has the look and performance of a smaller EV9 GT and will go up against the Skoda Enyaq vRS for the title of raciest mid-sized SUV.
The Kia EV3 GT, Kia EV4 GT and Kia EV5 GT will go on sale in the UK at Vertu Kia dealerships in the coming months.
- Electric
- New Cars
- Kia