The versatile Niro is Kia’s hybrid hero...

Why this hi-tech model majors on space and versatility rather than prettiness. SteveTeale reports

KIA, rather like every other major manufacturer, would like you to know they are back in business.

The enforced shutdown was as challenging as it was sudden, and interrupted a very busy year for one of the world’s fastest emerging brands.

It’s all about alternative energy at Kia. Electric vehicles and hybrids are king at Kia, a brand canny enough to know which way the wind is blowing.

You may still regard Kia as small fry, but you’d be wrong. A maker of cut-price cars? Wrong again. Kia no longer sells on price alone and it has 16 distinct models from sports cars and runabouts to hefty SUV sand elegant estates.

Much of the early part of this year was to have been devoted to electrified versions of Soul, Niro and Sportage; thenewXCe ed andCe ed Sports wagon; the fourth generation Rio; and the imposing new Sorento among others.

A year of change for Kia, but like all of us plans had to be put on hold but now showrooms are open and Kia is properly back in business with models like the new Niro tested here.

This is perhaps one of the less glamorous Kias. Stinger, XCeed and co may catch the eye more but Niro is a calculated choice: it is an SUV which major son versa tility and economy more than prettiness.

So, how does it measure up? It’ s a confident, wellgroomed car with a big boot (382 litres rising to 1,425 litres with the seats down ). Economy is impressive (over 200 mpg) as are emissions (31g /km). It is said to manage 36 miles in electric-only which will handle most commutes.

It is dressed to impress with alloy wheels, radar and parking camera, cruise control, air conditioning, leather trim, powered windows and satellite navigation.

So much for bargain baseent Kia. OK, so the price (£31,945) might sound hefty but compare it with mainstream rivals and you will concur it’s good value. Kia’s first dedicated hybrid and first hybrid of any description in the UK.

Its lots into a market which is expanding en ormously in recent years and which is set to grow yet further.

The batteries are located under the rear seats so they do little to affect luggage space and in fact help the car have a low centre of gravity.

At 4,355mm long, it slots between the Ceed hatchback and Sportage SUV in size.

It has advanced active safety technologies such as a device to avoid collisions, adaptive cruise control, lanekeeping assistance and blind spot detection.

Retaining its stylish crossover design, the recently upgraded Niro features a handful of design updates.

The Niro’s distinctive and iconic ‘tiger-nose’ grille has been updated, new bumpers at the front and rear give it a more purposeful appearance and more confident stance on the road. The standard projection headlamps have been redesigned, incorporating Kia’s unique ‘ice-cube’ design.

The key feature for many remains the seven-year peace-of-mind warranty.