With its stylish crossover design and wealth of on-board technology, the Kia Niro is a five-door SUV that has undergone a refresh for the new decade. It looks bolder and gains lots of the latest technology to help it stand out in such a fiercely competitive sector. Its spacious interior means there is ample room for all the family and the boot’s storage limits are impressive too. Kia has a reputation for selling cars with no hidden extras, and the Niro is another excellent example – you choose the trim level you want and that’s that. You have a choice of Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Fully electric or as the test car was self –charging hybrid. Kia has sold over 270,000 Niro models globally since 2016 with more than 100,000 of those accounting for European sales. Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models have been popular in the UK with 14,000 sold. I do wonder how long hybrids will remain in fashion; the recent messages from UK government wanting to outlaw the sales of new Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid vehicles from 2032 or 2035 will certainly focus manufacturer’s minds. Maybe is it all scaremongering? I for one don’t know, but it does little to help the Car manufacturing industry.
The Kia Niro Hybrid is a self-charging model that is available in a choice of trim grades called 2, 3, and 4. The car has a punchy 1.6-litre 139bhp petrol engine twinned with a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. It produces 265Nm of torque and can sprint to 60mph from a standing start in 11.1 seconds, maxing out at 101mph.
The acceleration is instant, the six Speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission) auto gearbox works well with the engine, you can use the paddles behind the steering wheel to make manual changes, and I felt it was better to let the gearbox do its own thing as it does it so well. The Niro handles quite nicely and the suspension does well to keep body roll in check. It is quite a large vehicle and feels really at home cruising effortlessly on motorways, but it is also easy to manoeuvre in city centres and easy to park, especially with the help of the high quality reversing camera.
Finding a comfortable driving position is simple as the Niro has a fully powered seat adjustment with memory settings, along with full manual tilt and reach steering wheel adjustment. The all-round visibility is excellent, and all controls, dials and readouts are well-positioned and just seem right, they don’t cause a distraction
The Niro has a new 10.25-inch TFT-LCD widescreen for the main display on trim levels 3 and 4, TFT instrument cluster for the driver included on grade 4. The Interior gives a premium feel with its use of high-grade materials, well-positioned controls and well-appointed and fitted seating. The Niro offers a comfortable and relaxing interior. Kia has really moved in-to the whelms of premium car maker going on their recent Xceed, and now the Niro models and undoubtedly that will be seen throughout their range
The Kia Niro is economical, Kia quote an average of 60 Mpg and I did achieve that in a week of mixed-use. The Niro comes with Kia’s seven-year warranty which does enhance ownership. The Hybrid is functional, economical, fun to drive and practical.
Price as tested £29,270.
