SPOILED FOR CHOICE
KiaK has added to its stable of electric and hybridh models with a sharp looking SUV
Kia’s electric assault has stepped up a gear with the arrival of the second generation Niro, a compact SUV with more space than most. Replacing the short-lived original Niro – it arrived in Australia in the twilight of its life and was only here for about 12 months – the new model is longer, wider and has more adventurous styling.
The Niro was previously available in three flavours: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric. But the plug-in has been dropped from the range after Australians failed to warm to the technology.
Prices have increased about 10 per cent and the range now starts at about $48,000 driveaway for the Hybrid S or $71,000 for the electric version of the same car. They’re hefty asks considering there are hybrid and electric competitors available for thousands less.
Standard kit on the entry-level S models is modest but includes dual-zone ventilation, alloy wheels, eight airbags, auto emergency braking, exit warning and blind-spot warning. There’s also an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Automotive and a digital driver display.
A better equipped Gt-line adds about $6000 to the price of the Hybrid and $7000 to the Electric, taking the range topper to about $78,000. Additional gear includes remote parking functionality, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a head-up display, smart-key entry, imitation leather, larger alloy wheels and a 10.25-inch screen incorporating sat-nav.
The Gt-line is also the first with Kia Connect telematics, which can control basic features via a smartphone app, monitor the vehicle remotely, call for emergency services and collate driving data.
Inside, the new Niro is a big step up. Whereas the original felt built to a price the new one uses interesting textures on the dash and metallic highlights to lift the ambience. The faux leather seats add to the up-market feel.
There are USB-A and USB-C outlets in the console while the sides of the front seats each provide a USB-C outlet for those in the rear.
It’s a small SUV but adults can easily get comfortable in the back seat, such is the generous headroom and acceptable legroom. Those in the rear also sit higher and are fed fresh air from separate outlets.
The EV claims more luggage space at 475 litres – as well as 20 litres under the bonnet – although it has a higher boot floor than the Hybrid. The extra capacity is beneath the adjustable boot floor alongside the tyre repair kit (the Hybrid gets a space-saver spare tyre).
Hybrid models team a 1.6-litre four-cylinder with a 32kw/170nm electric motor driving through a six-speed twin-clutch auto. Combined they make 104kw and 265Nm, modest outputs by modern standards.
But the real-world performance is more convincing. The Hybrid delivers a useful blend of around-town response and open road vigour. The electric motor fleshes out the lower end of the rev range to shuffle the Niro along with little fuss. In partnership with the electric motor there’s added zing when you floor the throttle.
There’s also respectably low fuel use, claimed at 4.0L/100km. The new Niro EV has gone backwards on thrust; there’s the same 150kw as the old model but a full 140Nm less torque, at just 255Nm. It still delivers a progressive surge as torque swells, while paddle shifters allow the driver to select the level of brake regeneration.
Claimed range from the 64.8kwh battery is 460km and it can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 43 minutes. A full charge at home would take about six hours using a wallbox.
Local suspension tuning has created an engaging and competent SUV. There’s reassuring weight to the steering and a Sport mode to step it up further. Grippy 18-inch Continental tyres on the Hybrid Gt-line transmit some roar into the cabin but have ample grip and control. Lesser 16-inch tyres on the S Hybrid aren’t as responsive to steering inputs nor as sticky mid-corner.
A chunky steering wheel and well-placed controls add to the driving experience. Slightly narrower 17-inch tyres on the EV versions still deliver decent grip. In some areas the new Niro makes a convincing compact SUV case but the price sours the equation. Hybrid Toyotas leave more money in your pocket and rival electric cars – including Kia’s similarly-priced EV6 and the top-selling Tesla Model 3 – mount a more convincing case.