KIA EV4: Technical perspective from the Petrol Scent campaign

KIA in Finland launched the Petrol Scent campaign with the question: "Do you miss the smell of gasoline in the era of electric cars?". Comes with mini scented paper hanging in the shape of a gasoline can, the scent is a mixture of jasmine, birch sap, engine oil and metal. This is a limited edition gift only for customers who buy the KIA EV4, a C-class electric car expected to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.3.

The campaign was developed by Astara Auto Finland – the official importer and distributor of KIA in Finland – in collaboration with scent expert Max Perttula. Instead of just talking about technology, KIA chose to tap into the memories of gasoline car users, thereby softening the transition to electric cars.

Giấy nước hoa mùi xăng của KIA có hình bình xăng (Ảnh: Carscoops) — KIA's gasoline-scented perfume paper has a picture of a gas tank (Photo: Carscoops)

Context and technology highlights: UX through scent

In the age of electrification, the user experience is more than just range, charging time or software. Petrol Scent puts scent – a sense that is under-utilized in the automotive industry – at the center of the story. The slogan “Smokeless driving in minutes” evokes nostalgia while affirming KIA’s green orientation.

The core message: technology changes, but the feeling behind the wheel remains. With EV4, KIA connects the “familiar” experience (the smell of gasoline) to lead to the “new” experience (electric operation).

Emotional design and positioning against competitors

Petrol Scent is shaped like a gasoline can hanging on the rearview mirror - a recognizable symbol for gasoline car users. In terms of positioning, EV4 is introduced in the C-segment electric car segment, where Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.3 are prominent names. Giving limited edition gifts to EV4 car owners helps the new product have a different highlight in the context of dense competition.

While many brands emphasize technical specifications, KIA chooses to tell stories through emotional language. From a product perspective, this is an extended layer of experiential design – using scent to anchor emotions.

Cabin and user experience: nostalgia “hung” right before the eyes

The scented paper can be mounted on the rearview mirror, creating an olfactory effect in the cabin space. The combination of jasmine, birch sap, engine oil and metal smells simulates the feeling of a “repair shop” – a place that many car enthusiasts consider “the smell of passion”. The impact is sensory and emotional, without interfering with the structure or system of the car.

As a limited gift for EV4 customers, Petrol Scent adds personalization, turning the journey to receive the car into a rite of passage: goodbye to the smell of gasoline, hello to electric operation while still keeping the memories.

Performance and operations: scope of information in the source

The current information source does not provide technical specifications or driving experience of the KIA EV4. Therefore, the article does not give an assessment of power, torque, 0–100 km/h acceleration time, charging capacity or energy consumption. Conclusions about driving feeling, if any, will need to be based on official test data or announcement.

Safety and technology: messages and published data

The source did not mention the EV4’s driving assistance system or safety ratings, nor did it mention specific ADAS configurations. The point of verification is the media campaign that accompanies the TVC series, exploiting the story of “smokeless driving” to encourage the transition to electric vehicles. Content about the level of automation or NCAP assessment, if needed, will have to wait for official information.

Price and positioning: EV4 in the C-segment electric vehicle segment

The KIA EV4 is positioned to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.3 in the C segment. In Finland, Astara Auto Finland is responsible for campaign implementation and distribution. Petrol Scent is not sold on the market, but is only given away to EV4 customers – a move that demonstrates a different positioning based on emotional value, rather than a general promotion.

With this approach, KIA creates a memorable brand story: the EV4 is not just an electric product, but also a bridge connecting the internal combustion engine past with the sustainable mobility future.

Mẫu xe điện KIA EV4 mới ra mắt thị trường hồi đầu năm nay. — The new KIA EV4 electric car was launched on the market earlier this year.

Conclusion: Concise Pros and Cons

Pros: Creative idea, taps into nostalgia when switching to electric vehicles; limited gifts increase the sense of privilege for EV4 owners; cooperation with expert Max Perttula ensures meticulous scent; clear, memorable brand storytelling.
Cons: Only available in Finland and for EV4 customers; product not widely available; “gasoline-repair shop” smell may not be suitable for all users; source does not provide EV4 specifications for a comprehensive review.

Overall, Petrol Scent shows that KIA is using emotional experience design to support the EV4 in its technological transition. When the full technical data of the EV4 is released, the picture compared to the Model 3 and ID.3 will be clearer; in the meantime, KIA has created a distinct “moment” in the electrification race.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/kia-ev4-goc-nhin-ky-thuat-tu-chien-dich-petrol-scent-10309222.html