The Kia Niro was launched around eight years ago as an electrification-focussed car and since then it has emerged as a consistent best-seller in the UK that is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric vehicle with a range of up to 285 miles on the full EV.
Now in its second generation, the Kia Niro is built upon Kia’s third generation K-platform at the Hwaseong factory in Asan Bay South Korea. Generously equipped as standard, just three grades of Niro exist, a ‘2’, ‘3’, or ‘4’. And with minimal optional extras available, the buying process could not be more simple.
Niro hybrid pricing ranges from £30,270 to £35,290.00. The plug-in hybrid prices range from £35,435 to £40,435. Whilst the full electric vehicle ranges from £37,335 to £43,830. Should you opt for premium paint, this will set you back a tiny amount of £595. And for £900 you can add a heat pump to the range topping EV ‘4’ only.
Since launch, I’m pretty sure that Kia has supplied me with all guises of the Niro, and one main thing that sticks out from memory is the sheer amount of space inside what doesn’t look like a generously sized vehicle.
As Kia’s second biggest-selling model in the UK market, all models receive long list of standard safety equipment. Standard driver assist technologies include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5), Lane Follow and Lane Keep Assist (LFA/LKA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and Speed Limit Assist. As well as a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
Inside, integrated curved display screens feature as standard on all grades, while all Niro models integrate artificial leather and sustainable materials throughout, and USB-C ports in front seatbacks offer connectivity in the second row.
A 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation is standard on all models, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth with music streaming, and free 7-year Kia Connect services as standard. Convenience is added thanks to a reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines and rear parking sensors.
Priced from £37,685, the plug-in hybrid Niro ‘3’ pictured and tested is equipped on top of the standard spec with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front fog lights, gloss black wheel arches, front and rear chrome skid plates, rear privacy glass, and rain sensing front wipers.
Its black cloth and artificial leather upholstery is made more comfortable in the front with heated seats and steering wheel, and convenience is added to with electric driver’s seat adjustment. Wireless mobile phone charging also features.
Powered by Kia’s Smartstream 1.6 GDi petrol engine paired with Kia’s own second generation six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The four-cylinder 1.6-litre GDi petrol unit is joined by an 83kW battery pack which results in combined maximum power of 168bhp and provides an electric-only range of up-to 40 miles, sufficient for the needs of most UK drivers and their daily commute. A top speed of 100mph can be achieved, with a 0-60mph dash in 9.8 seconds.
Kia offer a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, eight-year/100,000-mile covers the electric motor and battery pack (EV), and a complimentary 12-month roadside assistance. Service intervals should be carried out at 1 year / 10,000 miles, whichever comes sooner.
