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Kia EV2 Shines in Extreme Cold, Proving Its Winter Worthiness

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Kia is quietly making a statement in the EV world with its upcoming EV2, a compact electric car that recently endured the harsh Norwegian winter as part of the annual El Prix Winter Test Drive, organized by the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF). These tests, infamous for pushing electric vehicles to their limits, measure how real-world cold-weather conditions affect range—often revealing uncomfortable truths behind WLTP numbers.

Although the EV2’s results were unofficial due to its prototype status, Kia claims the car outperformed every other entrant. The test model, equipped with a 61-kWh battery, braved temperatures ranging from a brisk −8 °C to a bone-chilling −31 °C. When the winter dust settled, the EV2 covered 310.6 km, losing 102.4 km—or roughly 25 percent—of its stated WLTP range of 413–448 km (depending on rim size). Not perfect, but still impressive given the Arctic-like conditions.

Charging in freezing conditions also went smoothly. The EV2 replenished its battery from 8 to 80 percent in just under 37 minutes, pulling 45.4 kWh of energy, with a peak charging power of 97 kW and an average of 74 kW. Kia projects that production models will charge from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 30 minutes, keeping pace with today’s fast-charging expectations.

For context, competitors struggled more. Hyundai’s Inster, rated at 360 km, shed nearly 29 percent of its range, while the larger Kia EV4 lost 204 km from its claimed 594 km. Luxury EVs fared worst: the Lucid Air, with its lofty range claims, dropped an astonishing 440 km under the same conditions.

Set to begin series production in Slovakia this July, the EV2 is shaping up as a practical, winter-ready EV for European buyers. Its performance in Norway suggests Kia is serious about delivering range reliability when the mercury drops—a critical factor as cold-weather efficiency remains a key concern for EV shoppers.

In a segment where claimed numbers often crumble under real-world scrutiny, the EV2’s winter showing is a quiet yet significant victory for Kia—and a reminder that some EVs can indeed handle the cold without leaving drivers stranded.

Source: Kia

News

Kia K4 Hatchback Lands in the U.S., Manual Transmission Still a Maybe

Kia has officially brought the K4 Hatchback to U.S. shores, and it’s already hitting dealer lots nationwide. The car’s arrival fills a gap for buyers who want something more practical and versatile than the K4 sedan—but there are a few caveats. For starters, the new hatchback is strictly front-wheel drive, offered only in automatic, and not all of the sedan’s trims will make the jump across the Atlantic.

At a press event in Los Angeles, a Kia representative addressed the big question on enthusiasts’ minds: will the K4 Hatchback ever get a manual transmission in the U.S.?

“We don’t have any plans for a manual transmission right now, but the platform is perfectly capable of accepting one,” the spokesperson said. “We do offer a manual in other markets. If we find that there’s demand in our market for a manual transmission and it makes business sense, it’s technically possible.”

In other words, the stick-shift faithful shouldn’t lose hope just yet. Kia is clearly keeping the door open, suggesting that if U.S. buyers voice enough interest, a manual K4 could arrive down the road. Overseas, manual-equipped K4 models are already part of the lineup, offering a more engaging driving experience that American buyers currently miss out on.

While at the event, the discussion turned to the K4 Sportswagon. Recently unveiled overseas, the wagon offers multiple engines and even a manual option in select markets. Unfortunately for U.S. buyers, the Sportswagon is expected to remain a European exclusive for now, where demand for wagons still thrives. That leaves the hatchback as the only alternative for stateside shoppers seeking added cargo versatility.

For now, the U.S. K4 Hatchback is available in three trims, all paired with an automatic transmission. While the architecture can support a manual in the future, there’s no plan to introduce one—or the Sportswagon—at the moment. Kia’s strategy seems to hinge entirely on market reception: the better the hatchback sells, the more likely we could see a manual—or even a wagon—join the lineup.

For those in the market for a compact hatch with sleek styling and practical dimensions, the K4 Hatchback arrives as a solid choice—but if you’re a gearhead longing for a stick, you may have to wait and make some noise.

Source: Kia

NEW CARS

Kia Expands Its EV Lineup with Three New GT Performance Models

Kia is pushing its electric vehicle strategy into more performance-oriented territory, unveiling GT versions of the EV3 crossover, EV4 hatch and fastback, and EV5 SUV at the Brussels Motor Show. These newcomers join the existing EV6 and EV9 GT models, expanding Kia’s roster of high-performance electrics.

The trio shares a philosophy articulated by Alex Papapetropolous, Kia Europe’s planning boss, who told Autocar, “We don’t treat GT like a one-off, like some competitors. GT models are about more than just extra power. We have hardware to deliver everyday emotion – and we want to deliver that in a sophisticated way.”

The EV3 and EV4 GTs are built on the Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform and share a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that pairs a 194-hp front motor with a 94-hp rear unit, producing a combined 288 horsepower. Both draw energy from an 81.2-kWh battery, the same as the Long Range versions of their standard siblings. Official range figures haven’t been released, but performance is respectable: the EV3 GT hits 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, while the more aerodynamic EV4 GT clips that by a tenth of a second.

Kia has gone beyond raw numbers with these models. Bespoke chassis tuning, electronically controlled suspension with unique GT settings, cornering stability enhancements, and 20-inch performance tires are all part of the package. A dedicated GT drive mode further sharpens throttle response, steering, and suspension behavior for what Kia describes as a “more focused and immersive driving character.”

Inside, the EV3 GT features bucket-style seats inspired by the EV9 GT and neon-accented trim. The EV4 GT, offered in both hatch and fastback forms, adds a three-spoke steering wheel and other sporty interior touches. Both models also feature Kia’s virtual gearshift system, which uses active sound design to enhance the driving experience—a feature familiar from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the forthcoming Genesis GV60 Magma.

Kia GT Performance EV Lineup

The EV5 GT, meanwhile, steps up with a slightly more powerful powertrain: a 208-hp front motor combines with a rear motor for a total output of 302 horsepower, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in 6.2 seconds. While Kia hasn’t disclosed battery size or full performance specs, the standard EV5’s 88.1-kWh pack is a likely candidate. The SUV also benefits from electronically controlled suspension with a “road preview system” that adjusts automatically to upcoming bumps and curves, along with performance tires and bespoke sport interior elements.

Production of all three GT models is slated for the second quarter of 2026, though pricing and UK availability have not yet been announced.

With these additions, Kia is signaling that GT is no longer just a halo badge—it’s an ethos across its EV lineup, combining everyday usability with genuine driving excitement.

Source: Autocar