Tuesday , January 13 2026

Kia’s new baby EV steals the show

Kia EV2

Kia has unveiled the EV2 at the Brussels Motor Show – the most compact electric vehicle from the brand yet.

The entry-level hatchback will be available with two battery options (42.2kWh and 61.0kWh) which are expected to deliver ranges of up to 197 and 278 miles.

Inside, a new sliding and reclining rear seat system maximises space. Rear legroom extends from 885mm to a segment-leading 958mm. When the seats are fully forward, the EV2 offers an impressive boot capacity of up to 403 litres, plus there’s a 15-litre frunk.

Brussels Motor Show

It will also be available in both four and five-seat configurations.

Designed and built in Europe, the cute EV2’s design is inspired by its larger electric siblings. Expected to cost upwards of £25,000, it will go on sale later this year.

“The Kia EV2 represents a significant step in making electric mobility accessible to a broader audience,” said Soohang Chang, President and CEO of Kia Europe.

“As our most compact EV, it blends bold design with cutting-edge advancements in charging, connectivity, and safety. Building the EV2 in Slovakia reinforces our commitment to Europe and ensures this model reflects the needs and expectations of drivers across the continent.”

Kia EV4 GT

Kia also launched three new GT models at the Brussels Motor Show – the EV3 GT, EV4 GT and EV5 GT.

The sporty variants feature GT-exclusive drive modes, electronically controlled chassis systems, digital lighting, personalised interfaces, and performance-themed soundscapes.

Kia EV5 GT

“Our new electric Kia GT models prove that electrification can be emotional and resolute,” added Soohang Chang.

“The EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT will deliver an engaging, confidence-inspiring drive, combining the instant responsiveness of electric power with sporty character and all-purpose capability. These GTs are crafted for those who seek the best of both worlds: excitement while embracing a future of responsible mobility.”

Kia EV3 GT

Now that the Geneva Motor Show is no more, the Brussels event is the first major international car show of the year – and it’s inherited the announcement of the European Car of the Year winner.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

For the record, the 2026 contenders were the Citroen C5 Aircross, Dacia Bigster, Fiat Grande Panda, Kia EV4, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Renault 4 and Skoda Elroq.

The CLA beat the six other finalists to the title, scooping a huge 320 points – a full 100 points clear of the second-placed Skoda Elroq. The Kia EV4 was third, just pipping the Citroen C5 Aircross.

It is the first time since 1974 that Mercedes-Benz has won the coveted ECOTY award.

Other brands including Citroen, Toyota, Alfa Romeo, Xpeng, Subaru, Nio, Tesla, Vauxhall, Renault and Renault were also out in force at the Brussels Motor Show.

Hyundai Concept Three
Hyundai Concept Three

Elsewhere, the public debut of the Renault Twingo was another highlight of the show. Reborn as a electric supermini, the dinky city car will follow in the retro-cool footsteps of the Renaults 5 and 4.

Dacia Hipster
Dacia Hipster

Eye-catching concepts on display included the ELO people mover from Citroen, Hyundai’s Concept Three compact EV, Dacia’s Hipster and the ‘Taylor made No4 Concept’ from DS.

DS 'Taylor made No4 Concept'
DS ‘Taylor made No4 Concept’

About Gareth Herincx

Gareth is a versatile journalist, copywriter and digital editor who's worked across the media in newspapers, magazines, TV, teletext, radio and online. After long stints at the BBC, GMTV and ITV, he now specialises in motoring.

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