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Kia’s popular Niro has been completely redesigned and aims to set a new benchmark for the competitive family SUV segment for environmentally conscious car buyers.
Available in plug-in hybrid and fully electric, it’s the latter that has been most anticipate. With a range of up to 460km on a full charge and starting price of €43,550 (including Government Grant and VRT Rebate) is the Niro EV one of the best electric cars to come out this year?
Exterior Design
The new Niro is instantly distinguishable from its predecessor thanks to a bold, modern design that gives the car a slightly more forceful look. With more pronounced edges and a narrower grille, as well as huge side blades on the flanks and angular lights inspired by the larger Sportage, it’s an altogether more interesting and more distinctive design than before.
To an extent, the way the Niro looks will be decided by which powertrain is under the bonnet. The fully electric version, for example, has a different grille and a charging flap on the nose, whereas the plug-in hybrid’s charging port is found on the front wing.
Interior
Keeping with Kia’s commitment to sustainability, premium effect recycled materials are used throughout the cabin, to augment the interior space and underline Niro’s eco-friendly credentials. The dash and driver controls feature minimal clutter and smooth lines to ensure a distraction-free yet intuitive user experience.
Standard interior equipment includes heated front seats, a 10.25” touchscreen navigation, Kia Connect Telematics, wireless phone charger and Apple Car Play and Android Auto with voice control.
Driving
The all-new Niro has received suspension and steering improvements that gives the driver and passengers an enjoyable and responsive ride.
Additional insulation and padding have been inserted around the vehicle’s structure to help combat unwanted engine and road noise which achieves almost complete silence in the all-electric model.
With a top speed of 167km/h and 0-100km/h taking just 7.8 seconds, the Niro EV will enable drivers to make effortless and smooth progress in all conditions.
Electric Performance
Topping up the Niro EV’s 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery from 10-80% takes just 43 minutes with a suitable DC rapid charger under optimum conditions.
Combining its 460km range with energetic and lively performance, the Niro produces 150kW of available power between 6,000-9,000rpm and instant torque rated at 255 Nm.
Kia Niro EV Pricing
Kia Ireland have announced pricing and spec details for the All-New Niro PHEV and Niro EV. The PHEV model landed earlier in the summer and EV is now on sale. Prices for the PHEV start at €38,500 and the EV has just been launched with a K4 launch model priced at €43,550 (including Government Grant and VRT Rebate ).
Carzone Verdict: 4.5/5
The Niro has once again proved itself as one of the best electric compact SUVs you can buy and holds its own against the competition. The electric option is more convincing than the plug-in hybrid version and is arguably one of the best-value electric cars on the market right now.