A CAR brand that's become a hit with Brits is looking to line up two new EVs at each end of its range of models. The best-selling carmaker is eyeing an entry-level electric motor that could boast a tantalisingly low asking price, as well as a souped-up grand tourer. 6 A best-selling carmaker is eyeing an entry-level electric motor to replace a popular hatchback Credit: Alamy 6 The little motor would need to be designed for city driving and boast an affordable, entry-level price Credit: Getty 6 An EV version of their discontinued sporty grand tourer could also be on the cards Credit: Getty Kia has proven to be a firm favourite brand in the UK - with their Sportage model one of the best-selling motors in 2024 so far.
What's more, the Korean marque is one of leading carmakers when it comes to affordable EVs with many of their models ranking highly in terms of sales - including the Niro EV, EV6 and EV9. Indeed, the Niro EV is hugely popular with Brits and remains one of the nation's top 10 best-selling electric cars, while the EV9 was recently voted ‘Best Electric’ car by What Car? in 2024. Keen to keep up their momentum, Kia are now eyeing a small, city-car EV that could become the successor to the Picanto.
Read more Motors News SHAPE UP 3 motors that look really good for under £5k - including Richard Hammond favourite PLUGGED IN Rising car brand to launch Tesla rivalling EV that can go further for less The Picanto, the smallest and cheapest motor that Kia currently have on offer, comes with just two petrol engine options - a 1.0 and 1.2-litre.
At the moment, an electric version of the Picanto does not exist, presumably as it would reduce the little car's boot space and increase its cost - going against the Picanto's budget-friendly design. But an entry-level EV is seemingly next on manufacturer's list of ideas for the future . Kia's president, Ho-sung Song, confirmed to Autocar that an electric city car to replace the Picanto was their “next target”, although he admitted it would be “very difficult, very challenging” to build one that was affordable in 2024.
Most read in Motors BURNING UP Watch moment luxury sports car worth £116k goes up in flames on London street ROAD WARNING 'Disgrace', cry NC500 locals as cops issue tourist warning over common mistake SHAPE UP 3 motors that look really good for under £5k - including Richard Hammond favourite PLUGGED IN Rising car brand to launch Tesla rivalling EV that can go further for less He added: “Our next target is an EV model starting from €30,000. The Sun's Motors Editor, Rob Gill test drives the Kia EV3 "This is what we’re preparing to offer customers. "Still, we think we need sub-€25,000 (£21,070) in our EV cars and maybe we can leverage around €20,000.
"But that cannot happen in the next two years.” Similarly, Kia are planning a fast, luxurious EV in the same mould as the cult favourite Stinger GT that was discontinued in 2023. The classy grand tourer, considered by many petrolheads to be vastly underrated, was comparable to the super saloons built by the likes of BMW and Audi.
The range-topping Stinger GT came with a 3.3-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 engine capable of 365bhp - which is comparable to the BMW M2 - topping 167mph. When asked about the potential all-electric Stinger GT replacement, Song said to Autocar: “That kind of model is under study.
“What kind of model can help build the brand? This is what we are now studying.” A car expert recently got behind the wheel of a second-hand Stinger GT and described it as “one of the best value for money grand tourers you can get on the market.” Read more on the Scottish Sun BUSINESS BLOW 'Sad, sad news' shoppers cry as Scots Argos store closes abruptly NEW CHEER Scotland's Hogmanay headliner revealed as 90s band to perform at Edinburgh event At the lowest level, the Stinger GT was priced at £40,000 from new but can now be picked up for around £25,000.
Elsewhere, we recently took the Kia EV3 for a spin and described the family-friendly set of wheels as a "game-changer" thanks to its 372 miles of range and £36,000 asking price. 6 Kia are one of the UK's best-selling carmakers and are especially known for their EVs Credit: Alamy 6 The Stinger GT could hit an impressive top speed but was taken off the market after a sales slump Credit: Alamy 6 The impressive motor was comparable to the super saloons built by the likes of BMW and Audi Credit: Getty.
