Kia EV3 vs Cupra Born: electric newcomer faces off against sporty hatch

In terms of price and size, the EV3 looks similar to Kia’s existing entry-level electric car, the Niro EV. The Niro will continue in all three of its powertrain forms (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric), but in the case of the latter, most buyers will find the EV3 the more attractive option in most areas except cabin space, where it falls short of the Niro EV.

Tester’s notes

As with most new cars, the EV3 has a range of drive modes. The throttle response offers a choice of three settings and the steering comes with two, but we struggled to find the point in changing between them.

While Sport mode makes the throttle feel sharper and more responsive, it doesn’t make the car any faster. The difference between Comfort and Eco, meanwhile, is almost impossible to feel.

Likewise, the Sport steering setting adds a little weight, but the difference is so small that it hardly feels worth the effort.

Cupra Born

It’s tricky to stand out in a class filled with so many competitive alternatives, but the Cupra Born has managed to find a smart little niche for itself.

While so many of the Born’s rivals try to boost their appeal with chunky SUV design cues (thanks to the floor-mounted battery packs of electric cars, the shift to a taller, boxier shape is an obvious design choice), the Cupra takes things in the other direction by offering a sharp and sporty look.