Introduction
Kia’s Niro has proven that a three-pronged approach to engines is what buyers want. Originally offered with the choice of regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric setups, the Niro gave people options when it came to electrified powertrains. Now, Kia is back with a new version of the Niro which takes the same stance as its predecessor. However, with a new platform and a range of new technologies and systems, this is a Niro that has been thoroughly revised for 2022.
It needs them, too. After all, the previous-generation Niro was a huge success for Kia, which is why the Korean firm has thrown the works at its replacement. We’ve still got a range of clean and efficient engines, but the Niro has been made longer, wider and taller to boost interior space and practicality - something the Niro’s key buyers are looking for.
But Kia hasn’t stopped there. It has seriously revamped the look of the Niro, replacing the rather understated design of the older car with a bold new design. Not only does it help the Niro to stand out from the crowd a little more keenly than before, but it helps to bring it closer into line with the looks of the rest of the Kia line-up.
Performance
As we’ve already mentioned, the new Niro continues to be offered with a trio of engine set-ups; hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric. In the latest Niro, both regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are centred around a 1.6-litre petrol engine. What separates them is a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery, which helps to deliver a more useful fully electric range. You get 139bhp in the regular hybrid and 180bhp in the PHEV, with the latter capable of travelling for up to 40 miles on electric power alone.
The fully electric version, meanwhile, uses a 201bhp electric motor which is then linked to a 64.8kWh battery. Kia claims that you should manage 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 104mph alongside a total range of up to 288 miles. Plus, Kia says that the electric Niro - or e-Niro - can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 43 minutes when it’s hooked up to a DC fast charger.
Ride and handling
The Niro always brought a comfortable and user-friendly driver experience. It’s the same story with the latest one. We drove the plug-in hybrid version and there are very few gimmicks or strange controls to get used from the off, with a steering wheel that is simple and easy to navigate. The switch between electric and petrol power is seamless, too, suiting drivers who want a hybrid that’ll simply get on with the job without too much input from the person behind the wheel.
It’s a quiet car, too. Electrified powertrains are usually a lot more hushed than their regular petrol and diesel-powered counterparts, which means that the cabins have to be ultra-refined. This is definitely the case with the Niro, which feels composed and quiet when travelling - even at motorway speeds.
As with most plug-in hybrids, you can also adjust the level of regenerative braking you get in the Niro. It’s controlled via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, with a ‘long hold’ of the paddle required to get the most amount of recuperation possible.
Interior
As we’ve already mentioned, the new Niro has grown considerably for this latest generation, with 65mm being added to its length and 20mm added to its width. This growth is immediately noticeable in the cabin, with loads of space being available for those sitting the rear, both in terms of leg- and headroom. Those in the back of the Niro can also take advantage of clever USB-C sockets that have been integrated into the backs of the front seats - it’s a neat touch.
In terms of boot space, the plug-in hybrid is the worst off. You get 346 litres with the PHEV, which falls some way behind the regular hybrid’s 451 litres and the full EV’s impressive 475 litres. So if you’re after the best possible space, the electric version is the one to go for.
Equipment
Kia is well known for its positive attitude towards standard equipment. It’s carried through the new Niro, which gets an impressive level of included kit, regardless of which specification you opt for. With the plug-in hybrid, things kick off with ‘2’ grade, bringing 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights and an eight-inch touchscreen which houses both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration systems as standard.
Move up to tip-top ‘4’ grade and you’ll see premium features added, including a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, heated rear seats and an electric sunroof. However, as with most Kia models you really aren’t going to feel short-changed for opting for the entry-level grade owing to the huge amount of kit it includes.
Cost
Kia has gone for yet another value-based approach to the Niro. Prices start from £27,745 for the regular hybrid, with a price rise between 2, 3 and 4 grades. That means prices of £27,745, £30,495 and £33,245, respectively.
That price difference remains consistent no matter what the powertrain, so the PHEV costs from £32,775, while the EV commands a slight premium of £34,995. All cars, as mentioned, get plenty of standard equipment, with EV versions also benefitting from a ‘vehicle-to-device’ function that enables the car’s battery to be used as an external power source. This means you can use it to power all manner of external devices.
Verdict
The latest Kia Niro arrived with a lot of expectations on its shoulders. After all, this is a car that acts as a replacement for a model that was hugely popular, both with buyers who were focused on an electrified vehicle as well as those who simply wanted an affordable yet practical hatchback.
The level of standard equipment delivered with the Niro remains impressive, making it a good value proposition. Since it’s now larger and more spacious than before, the Niro is going to appeal to a much wider audience, while its efficient range of powertrains ensures that there’s a setup for every type of driver.
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