5 minute read
Kia Niro
FORECOURT KIA NIRO
The 1.6-litre petrol engine is mated to an electric motor with battery and produces 180bhp and 265Nm of torque.
Kia is back with a three-pronged approach from its hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV Niro. Jack Evans finds out what it’s like.
THE KNOWLEDGE
Kia Niro PHEV ‘4’
Price (as tested): £39,175 Engine: 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric motor and battery
Power: 180bhp
Torque: 265Nm
Max speed:
100mph
O-60mph:
9.5 seconds
MPG (combined):
282.5
Emissions:
22g/km CO2
WHAT IS IT?
Kia’s Niro has been a hugely popular car for the South Korean firm. Originally offered with a three-pronged approach to engines with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric setups, it’s been a consistent sight in the monthly list of best-selling models. Replacing a car like that is never easy, but Kia appears up to the challenge with the new Niro.
Sitting on a new platform and with a range of new technologies, the new Niro has returned with a host of revisions to ensure it can be just as successful as the car it replaces.
WHAT’S NEW?
Much as before, the new Niro remains available with a trio of powertrains, ensuring there’s a setup for all buyers – although it’s the plug-in hybrid that we’re focusing on here. Overall, the Niro is longer, wider and taller than before, bringing improved spaciousness and practicality as a result.
The older Niro’s rather underplayed styling has been massively overhauled here, too, with a new, more exciting exterior look brought into play. Not only does it give the Niro added presence, but it brings it closer in terms of design to the rest of Kia’s range.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
Whether you opt for the regular ‘self-charging’ hybrid or this PHEV, you’re getting a setup focused around a 1.6-litre petrol engine. The difference lies in the electric motor – which becomes more powerful in the latter – and the battery, which swells in capacity.
Combined, you get 180bhp and 265Nm of torque, driven to the wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. You should get up to 40 miles of range, too, while CO2 emissions of just 22g/km put this in the business car-friendly category. Kia says that you could achieve up to 353.1mpg, but this relies on the batteries being topped up at all times.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Getting acquainted with the Niro is a pretty straightforward process. There are no gimmicks or strange dials, while the steering wheel is much the same as the ones we’ve seen in other recent Kia models. That ‘ease of use’ theme continues through the driving experience of the car, with the PHEV setup switching between electric and petrol power without any fuss.
It’s quiet, too, with good levels of refinement. The steering is quite lifeless, mind you, while the brake pedal has an odd sponginess to it. That said, you do rely more on the
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
There was little to shout about when it came to how the old Niro looked. You could argue that it catered to all tastes, but it certainly wasn’t exciting. Things have changed for the new car, which has a really bold front end. We particularly like the sharp daytime running lights. Around the back, the almost-boomerang-shaped rear lights continue the theme, although the large slab of panel underneath them on the sides does look a little ugly in our eyes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?
The Kia Niro has grown considerably for this second-generation car. It’s now 65mm longer and 20mm wider and this growth spurt can definitely be noticed in the cabin. In the rear, there’s loads of head- and legroom. We particularly like the USB-C charging sockets in the backs of the front chairs, which give the rear a clean look. However, the plug-in hybrid is the worst off in terms of boot space. At 346 litres, it falls some way behind the regular hybrid’s 451 litres and full EV’s 475 litres. Lower the seats and it increases to 1,342 litres, but you’re better served with one of the other variants if maximum boot space is what you’re after.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
The Niro is absolutely packed with standard equipment. Prices for the plug-in hybrid start from £33,245 in entry-level ‘2’ grade, but the level of kit at this level is impressive. All cars get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Our test car was ‘4’ specification which, although commanding quite a premium at £39,175, did bring a host of extra touches such as a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, heated rear seats and an electric sunroof.
WHAT DOES THE PRESS SAY?
Heycar said: ‘The Kia Niro does everything right for a family SUV – it’s easy to drive, feels reassuringly safe and generally very comfortable.’ Honest John said: ‘The new Kia Niro manages to be both rational and likeable. The looks may divide opinion but it’s certainly more characterful than the old one.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
By making one of its best-selling models even more practical than before while giving it a stronger identity through more eye-catching styling, Kia has really strengthened the Niro’s appeal. It’s also backed up by the same level of standard equipment that made the original Niro such a hit, while its trio of powertrain options means that, as before, the Niro should continue to appeal to all manner of buyers.
Inside
The new Niro gains lots more space in the cabin but the hybrid system robs the boot of litres.
Style
It’s got a really bold front end, while the new design also incorporates boomerang-shaped lights at the rear.
The Kia Niro has grown considerably and this growth spurt can definitely be noticed in the cabin.
TARGET BUYERS:
Those who want a plug-in hybrid that feels more like a ‘traditional’ car.
THE RIVALS:
Honda HR-V Audi A3 TFSI-e Hyundai Ioniq
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Great level of standard equipment 2.Efficient powertrain 3.Futuristic looks
