KIA EV2 First Drive UK 2026, GT-Line S & Air Tested! (UK) (4K) | Carcode

The KIA EV2 is the brand’s latest and smallest EV in their award-winning range, slotting below the popular EV3, EV4 and EV5 models. Although the ‘First Edtion’ standard range 42.2kWh battery models have been on UK roads for a couple of months, now KIA has introduced the full EV2 lineup for the UK market, featuring a longer-range 61kWh battery pack, capable of a WLTP range of up to 275 miles on the ‘Air’ specification and 261 miles on ‘GT-Line’ & GT-Line S’. The limited ‘First Edition’ models are expected to go off sale for 2027 meaning the EV2 will feature a simplistic 3-trim lineup like many other cars in the KIA range. The 3 trims offered with the 61kWh battery are; ‘Air’, GT-Line’ & ‘GT-Line S’, due to the battery being produced in Europe the EV2 long range features the full £3,750 government EV grant. (This is just £1,500 on the ’First Edition’ model with its smaller Chinese made battery.) This means the EV2 range starts from just over £24,000 for the ‘Air’ model and the only option to choose is the trim & which colour you’d like on the car, making the buying & selling process much simpler compared to other manufactures with a long option list such as Volkswagen or Ford. Standard equipment across the range includes: A rear view camera, 6-speaker sound system, full LEDs, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, front & rear parking sensors! ‘GT-Line’ adds a sportier exterior and more premium GT interior with wireless phone charging. Last but not least the ‘GT-Line S’ is PACKED with features like an 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, power-opening sunroof, 360* cameras, V2L adapter, rear 3-pin plug socket, heated & ventilated front seats. Many new small EV SUVs have entered the market recently with rivals such as the Renault 4, Ford Puma GEN-E, and upcoming Volkswagen ID.CROSS, as well as Chinese alternatives such as the Jaecoo 5 EV & BYD Atto 2, however the EV2 blows the competition out of the water when it comes to refinement, comfort & battery specs. I recently tested the Renault 4 on the channel, a small electric SUV which appeals with plenty of retro charm, however comfort for long journeys wasn’t there, it felt much happier in town. A few things let the EV2 down like a heat pump only offered on the top-spec as an option and the top spec is much more expensive, however in this crowded segment I think the EV2 does more than enough to stand out and should definitely be on your list! Thanks to KIA UK for making this video possible. music: Relativity by 1000 Handz (Free Music Archive) (CC BY)