The small SUV segment remains one of the fastest-growing and most fiercely contested vehicle sectors in Europe. Given Kia has produced exceptional EVs in each sector it has entered, there is a great deal of anticipation around the new EV2.

Effectively serving as a modern, spiritual replacement for the recently discontinued, boxy Soul EV, the newcomer marks a highly advanced entry point into the brand’s expansive electric line-up.

Engineered and manufactured in Europe specifically for European drivers, this 4.06m-long five-seater brings the manufacturer’s latest design language and dedicated electric underpinnings into its most affordable package yet.

The very first variants to arrive on UK roads come in the form of the uniquely equipped ‘First Edition’. This limited-run model, accounting for 1,200 of Kia’s targeted 8,000 EV2 sales by the end of 2026, carries an on-the-road price of £28,495. The model is also eligible for the £1,500 UK Government Electric Car Grant.

The strategic positioning of the First Edition is clear: it bundles nearly all the premium technology and creature comforts of the halo ‘GT-Line S’ trim into a lower price point, as it comes with the entry-level 42.2kWh battery. Later versions will be offered with a 61kWh battery.

This feeds a front-mounted electric motor delivering 144hp and 250Nm of torque. Performance is perfectly suited for nipping in and out of urban traffic, yielding a 0-62mph sprint in 8.7 seconds.

For the First Edition, official WLTP combined testing delivers an almost usable 190-mile range on a single charge, operating at an efficient combined energy return of 4.08mpkWh. But there will be sufficiently more demand for the larger battery variant.

When it comes to replenishment, the EV2 supports a maximum DC charging rate of 118kW, enabling a 10% to 80% top-up in 29 minutes when connected to a 150kW fast charger.

Kia’s engineering teams paid substantial attention to refinement, applying sound-absorbing materials in the wheel arches and acoustic glass to ensure a quiet cabin environment at motorway speeds. Visually, the vehicle embraces upright proportions and a confident, boxy SUV stance, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd with the help of automatic flush door handles and extensive underbody panels.

Thanks to the flat floor provided by the dedicated electric car platform, the interior maximises head, leg and shoulder room, beating many immediate segment rivals for rear-passenger space. It offers 1,020mm of front headroom, outclassing even its larger EV3 sibling for overhead space. Practicality is exceptionally well covered, with a 362-litre boot that expands to a decent 1,201 litres when the 60:40 split second-row rear seats are folded down.

For items left in place, the boot floor length measures 664mm with the rear seats up. Up front, the First Edition also features a segment-first 15-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.

On the road, the Kia EV2 delivers a composed and entirely predictable driving experience that is perfectly tuned for daily commuting. While it is obviously not engineered to compete in Formula 1, the chassis feels secure and reassuringly planted, complemented by a reasonable level of ride comfort over typical UK road surfaces. Crucially for its target audience, the car is exceptionally easy to drive, utilising light, responsive controls and an upright stance that offers excellent all-round visibility from the driver's seat.