Kia’s e-Niro was the UK’s second best-selling EV last year and the Niro has notched up 70,000 sales since it first appeared in 2016. Now, there is an almost completely new version offering a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric drivetrains.
The styling follows Kia’s latest design language already seen in the EV6 and Sportage, with boomerang-shaped lights front and rear, and even if some of it veers towards design-for-design’s-sake, it is still an attractive car.
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions use Kia’s Smartstream 1.6-litre GDi (gasoline direct injection) engine with a six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Together with an 83bhp electric motor this gives the Niro Hybrid maximum power of 139bhp.
Refinement
That may not sound particularly impressive, but the way the car behaves on the road certainly is. The word which keeps coming to mind is “refinement”.
Under normal load it is remarkably quiet and civilized. Only when you climb a hill or accelerate hard do you notice any real engine noise. The Niro is sensitive to changing road surfaces and most of what noise there is is tyre roar.
The steering is light and precise, there is very little body roll in corners and you get the feeling it would be an easy companion on long trans-European journeys, which is quite surprising for such a small car.
The minimalist cabin has simple, clean lines and is dominated by a configurable electronic dashboard and a larger-than-before 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Some of the trim materials looked a bit odd to me, including plastic on the doorcards and dashboard which looked like either fingerprints or drops of water – or both – had been liberally applied when it was made. I think the emphasis here was on sustainability and using recycled materials, but it still looked a bit odd.
Power
Trim levels for all three variants are called “2”, “3” and the highly specced “4”, with a price jump of £2,750 between grades. Pricing for the Hybrid in “2” trim starts at £27,745, rising to £30,495 for “3” and £33,245 for “4”.
The plug-In hybrid, which costs from £33,525 to £39,025, has a more powerful electric motor than before – up from 8.9kWh to 11.1kWh. So, despite it sharing the same engine as the Hybrid, its power has risen to 180bhp.
This model feels even more refined than the Hybrid and while they are not remotely sporty, they are smooth and undemanding. My only quibble was that the brakes felt a bit spongy as you pulled to a completely stop.
The plug -in hybrid I tried was in “3” trim, which includes 18-inch alloys, 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation system, cloth and faux leather upholstery, front parking sensors, keyless smart entry and start, and heated seats and steering wheel.
There is also Highway Driving Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance for the rear, wireless phone charging and adjustable multi-angle rear seats.
Uprated
Choosing the “4” grade adds a head-up display, twin 10.25-inch touchscreen and instrument cluster, heated rear seats, a powered tailgate, electric sunroof and uprated Harman and Kardon sound system and a raft of safety tech including Remote Smart Parking Assist and optional contracting coloured C-pillar.
The fully electric version isn’t out yet, but Kia promises a 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a 201bhp electric motor, capable of 0-62mph acceleration in 7.8 seconds.
The company is claiming a range of 285 miles and recharging from 10 to 80 per cent in 45 minutes, which is nine minutes faster than the outgoing model.
Prices for the EV, which is expected to take the majority of sales, range from £36,245 to £41,745.
The new Niro is definitely a step up from the outgoing model, in both looks and performance, and even if Kia expect to sell more hybrids than plug-in hybrids, the plug-in would still be my choice.
The Facts
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid 4
Price: £39,025
0-62mph: 9.6 secs
Top speed: 104mph
