Kia’s EV strategy is hitting top gear with a comprehensive range of electrified offerings that, on the surface, is making a certain American rival look a bit, err, underwhelming. Although a non-starter for US consumption, next on the Korean automaker’s product blitz is its smallest electric yet, the EV2 compact crossover.

Positioned as an entry-level EV focused on urban usability and efficiency, it was previewed in concept guise earlier this year. Despite its affordable billing, the EV2 is also tipped to feature in high-performance GT format, offering tantalizing performance within a pint-sized footprint.

If the idea of a pint-sized EV hot hatch sounds intriguing, here’s a closer look at what to expect from the EV2 in GT form.

Daring Design

The transition from concept to production sees the EV2 retaining most of the show car’s key design highlights, which blends city-friendly dimensions with SUV toughness. 

At the front, vertically split headlamps frame a technical fascia with hook-like DRL elements that sweep back across the front fenders. For the GT variant, visual oomph is dialed up with a large EV9-inspired lower intake featuring color-coded elements separated by black inlays for a contemporary, geometric aesthetic. 

Large diamond-cut wheels and neon green brake calipers hint at its sporting pretense. Other visual highlights include pumped haunches, squared-off wheel arches, chunky lower cladding, and a relatively upright silhouette. The rear has a wide, clamshell-style tailgate and angular LED taillights that intersect the rear fender trim. 

Interior Smarts

Kia gave us an idea of what the EV2 will look like with this concept earlier this year.

While the production interior remains under wraps, the concept shown earlier offers some clues. The standard car will feature over-the-air (OTA) software updates, as well as the usual smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and a suite of ADAS safety features.

In GT trim, expect some standout details like sport bucket seats, neon green stitching, and exclusive color schemes to set it apart from the standard models.

E-GMP Architecture

Underpinning the EV2 is Hyundai Group’s E-GMP 400-volt architecture, which offers competitive fast-charging capabilities and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, like its bigger EV siblings. The platform layout places the battery pack under the floor and uses a long wheelbase, maximizing interior space. It also equips the EV2 with a multi-link rear suspension and sports-tuned handling.

Ohm Oomph

Exact powertrain figures for the EV2 have yet to be released, but reports indicate the base EV2 will use a 150–200 horsepower single front-mounted electric motor, with a 0–62 mph time in the mid-7-second range. 

In comparison, the GT could leverage an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup in the 250–300 hp ballpark, possibly dropping acceleration times to the 5 second range. It might also utilize the EV3’s larger 55kWh lithium-ion NMC battery, offering a driving range of around 270 miles (435 km). Dedicated sports steering and brakes will round out the performance equation.

Amped Aspirations

Key rivals would include the Alpine A290 and the closely related Renault 5. Others include the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 GTI, Mini Cooper JCW, Fiat 500e Abarth and a rumored ‘N’ version of Hyundai’s Inster.

As for the reveal timeline, Kia has confirmed that the production EV2 will debut globally in early 2026, while the GT performance variant is expected to follow soon after. Production of the EV2 is set to take place in Slovakia for the European market, aligning with its Euro-centric focus. 

Would you love to see Kia bring a small performance EV to the US market? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Tata Motors might not be the first name that springs to mind when talking about global carmakers, but maybe it should. Despite flying under the radar for many, even car enthusiasts, the Mumbai-based company is keeping Jaguar and Land Rover alive in today’s turbulent automotive landscape shaped by tariffs, shifting regulations, and economic unpredictability.

Beyond its stewardship of British luxury brands, Tata builds a wide range of vehicles under its own badge. These include value-driven hatchbacks, compact SUVs, and increasingly, electric cars. Tata has been investing heavily in electrified mobility, offering affordable EVs starting at an impressively low $11,600.

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Now, it has its sights set on taking on the compact SUV segment with a new offering designed to rival the popular Kia Seltos that’s expected to be available in both internal combustion and electric versions. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming.

A Boxy Stance

Previewed in concept form at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo, and more recently at this year’s Bharat Mobility Show, the final design largely mirrors the Sierra show car. Its boxy aesthetic sports notable Land Rover influences such as cue a floating roof design, flush door handles and upright stance. Why, you could almost call it a baby Defender and you wouldn’t be wide off the mark.

A gloss black fascia incorporates neatly hidden front headlamps with DRLs that span the width of the front, while lower down, a trapezoidal intake handles cooling duties. Sheetmetal surfacing eschews unnecessary design flourishes and squarish wheel arches combined with chunky cladding cement its all-purpose intent.

Out back, the rear quarter windows wrap around the lower D-pillars before seamlessly intersecting the tailgate glass. Its clamshell hatch design sports a thin, full-width LED taillamp cluster with alloy-effect lower bumper inserts.

Tech-Forward Interior

Step inside, and the focus shifts to connectivity and comfort. The Sierra is expected to be a five-seater and come loaded with digital features including a full instrument cluster, large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof to brighten things up.

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Other highlights likely to make the list include ventilated seats and a suite of Level 2 driver assistance systems, giving it a leg up in a segment where such features are starting to become standard.

Powertrains and Platform

Reports from abroad suggest the Sierra will be offered with two separate platforms: the ‘Atlas‘ for petrol and diesel models, and the ‘Acti.EV’ for the electric variant. However, current indications suggest Tata may focus on the Atlas platform, which supports a range of powertrain configurations and simplifies production.

As for what’s under the hood, we’re still waiting on final specs. Some sources suggest the EV version will offer a range of up to 310 miles (500 km), which would be impressive for a vehicle in this price bracket.

Internal combustion models will sport a petrol 168-hp 1.5-litre turbo four and a 2.0-litre diesel, with power sent to the pavement via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A seven-speed DCT is said to be in the works as well.

Rivals and Reveal

The Sierra won’t be heading overseas, at least not anytime soon. It’s designed to compete in the Indian market against well-established rivals like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti (Suzuki) Grand Vitara, Hyundai Alcaza, MG Astor, and Honda Elevate.

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The production model is expected to make its official debut later this year, with sales to follow shortly after. Pricing and full specifications are likely to be announced closer to launch.

Would Tata find success if it brought the Sierra or something like it to markets outside of India? It’s a question worth asking since there are compact SUV buyers looking for a stylish, yet affordable, option, something the segment is not exactly rife with.

Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops