COVER Kia’s all-new Niro EV driven

● All-new platform, more tech and space, multiple powertrains ● We get behind wheel of 201bhp pre-production prototype EV “Niro EV is expected to make up more than half of UK sales once deliveries begin in late summer”

John McIlroy

John _ McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy

THE Kia Niro has been a key

‘transitional model’ for the Korean brand – a vehicle sold as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a pure EV, and thus one that has appealed to customers at various stages of the electrification journey. In the UK, it’s been Kia’s second best-selling model since it went on sale in 2016.

But now, with increasing numbers of bespoke EVs on the market (not least Kia’s own excellent EV6), it’s time for an all-new Niro. The core principles remain; this is a car with a variety of powertrains, including two that feature combustion engines. But it gets an all-new platform plus more in-car tech and interior space than before in a bid to make it a stronger all-round proposition.

It’s a particularly significant arrival on the EV market, because the outgoing e-Niro was Britain’s second most popular EV in 2021. Indeed, the Niro EV (there’s a change of name for this generation) is expected to make up more than half of UK sales once deliveries begin in late summer. The overall look is clearly an evolution of what’s gone before, and there are novel customisable C-pillars that sit proud of the main bodyshell and helps to channel air along the flanks.

The Niro EV’s single, front-mounted motor produces 201bhp and 255Nm of torque; it’s the punchiest model overall, with a 7.8-second 0-62mph time. With a 64.8kWh usable capacity, the battery should give just shy of a 250-mile range (the official claimed figure is 286 miles). The car can recharge at up to 80kW, taking its battery level from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes – and if you select a charging station as a destination, it’ll pre-heat the battery en route to ensure you can get the fastest-possible refill rate.

Kia offers the same trim structure across all three powertrains – but the EV gets a couple of handy extras, even in entry-level 2 spec. There are LED lights, back parking sensors, rear-view camera and an eight-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The EV adds 17-inch wheels and a 10.25inch full digital dash. A Niro EV 2 costs £34,995, and stepping up to the 3 takes that to £37,745. This includes faux-leather trim, 18in wheels, heated seats and wheel, keyless go plus on-board three-pin socket.

The range-topping Niro EV 4 costs from £40,495. This bumps up the infotainment screen to 10.25 inches and also includes heated rear seats, front-seat ventilation, an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, a head-up display and vegan ‘leather’ .

On the road, the Niro makes a solid case for itself without ever delivering much sparkle or delight. The electric motor’s instant torque delivers enough shove, even with a modest 201bhp in a car weighing nearly a tonne and three-quarters.

As with the old e-Niro, you can adjust the brake-recuperation settings with paddles behind the steering wheel –and the most extreme configuration will bring the car to

Essentials

KiaNiroEV4

Price: £40,495

Powertrain: 64.8kWh batt./1x e-motor Power/torque: 201bhp/255Nm Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive 0-62mph: 7.8 seconds

Top speed: 104mph

Range: 286 miles

Charging: 80kW (10-80% 45mins)

ON SALE Now

FIRSTDRIVE DRIVEN Kia Niro E

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