The head of Kia in South Africa says he hopes to launch not one but two EVs locally in 2027. Here’s which battery-powered models are on the cards for Mzansi…
- Kia SA boss plans pair of EVs for 2027
- EV3 pencilled in for a Q1 2027 launch
- Indian-made Syros EV also on the cards
Kia South Africa has yet to officially enter Mzansi’s growing new-energy vehicle (NEV) space, but that finally looks set to change in 2027 – with not one but two fully electric vehicles (EVs) from the South Korean brand tipped for local launches.
Paul Turnbull, Chief Executive Officer of Kia South Africa, revealed the news during an interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 event in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal earlier in October.
“We’ve earmarked a launch of EV3 for probably February 2027 – maybe March, latest. That’s where we’ll start. It’s a premium product, so it [won’t be positioned] against the entry-level EVs, which have gained some traction [in South Africa],” he told us.
In the CEO role since July 2024, Turnbull – who declared a year prior that he was “not scared” to launch EVs in SA – added that the brand was not expecting to “sell hundreds” of units of the Korean-built EV3, billing the planned launch of this model as a “brand opportunity”.
Turnbull described the EV3 as something of a “Volvo competitor”, seemingly making reference to the Swedish brand’s EX30, which currently starts at R835 500. The EV3 measures around 4 300 mm long and is available overseas with a choice of battery capacities (58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, with the latter offering a claimed 605 km of range) and power outputs (ranging from 150 kW to 230 kW).
The Motus-distributed Kia brand also plans to launch a second battery-powered vehicle in the form of the Syros EV, a model produced in India and one Turnbull also mentioned in 2025. Revealed late in 2024, the boxy Syros measures 3 995 mm long, rides on an updated version of the K1 platform and is available in India with a trio of powertrain options – including electric.
“We have the Syros coming and that will be an EV. We’re still just waiting to get the pricing right – that’s a negotiation – but we should launch in 2027,” Turnbull confirmed, adding that this model is “available to us in diesel, petrol and EV”.
“So, we’re going to focus on EV and try to get that at the right price. We’ll probably bring [the Syros] in petrol and EV – though it’s not confirmed yet – and we’re hoping to launch in the first half of 2027,” he added.
In India, Kia offers the Syros with a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine that delivers 88 kW and 172 Nm via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Buyers in that market also have the option of a 1.5-litre turbodiesel motor offering 85 kW and 250 Nm through either a 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatic cog-swapper.
Meanwhile, the fully electric version of the Syros is available in 2 flavours in India. The 99 kW variant employs a 42 kWh battery pack and offers a claimed range of 443 km, while the 51.4 kWh “Extended Range” derivative generates 126 kW and has a listed range of 526 km.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Kia planning to launch electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa?
A: Yes, Kia South Africa CEO Paul Turnbull confirmed to Cars.co.za the brand has plans to introduce two fully electric models to Mzansi in 2027: the South Korean-built EV3 and the Indian-built Syros EV.
Q: When will the Kia EV3 launch in South Africa and how will it be positioned?
A: The Kia EV3 is pencilled in for launch in Q1 2027 (around February or March). Positioned as a premium crossover targeting competitors like the Volvo EX30, it measures around 4 300 mm long and offers battery ranges of up to 605 km overseas.
Q: What are the specifications for the upcoming Kia Syros EV?
A: Produced in India, the sub-4-metre Syros EV is expected in H1 2027. Overseas, it is offered with a 42 kWh battery (99 kW, 443 km range) or a 51.4 kWh battery (126 kW, 526 km range). Petrol variants may also accompany the local EV rollout.
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Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
