The all new Kia Niro hybrid SUV
The all new Kia Niro hybrid SUV
The Kia Niro is the first dedicated hybrid for Kia and the manufacturer’s first hybrid release in the UK. It shares its platform with its sister company Hyundai’s soon to be released Ioniq.
The Niro contributes to Kia’s pledge to reduce average emissions of its range by 25 per cent before 2020. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) said to be due for release in 2017 will go even further to help this reduction. This further illustrates Kia’s intent on becoming a leading manufacturer in the production of low emission vehicles.
Under the bonnet you’ll find a 1.6-litre, 104 bhp internal combustion engine and under the rear seats there’s a 43 bhp (32 kW) electric motor powered by a lithium-iron polymer battery. This provides a combined fuel economy of 74.3 mpg with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km.
The Niro works using a Parallel hybrid meaning that the combustion engine works in tandem with the battery to power the car making it especially efficient for motorway driving.
The six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission gives a refined response compared to the CVT that you’d normally find in a hybrid vehicle.
The Kia tiger-nose grille we've come to know and love.
The first crossover hybrid from Kia is stylish, boasting soft slopes and smooth lines starting at the familiar tiger-nose grille and following the roof spoiler down to the c-shaped tail-lights.
At 4,355 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall it’s smaller than the Sportage and slightly larger than the cee’d hatchback.
The five-door SUV is not just good to look at but it’s built with a purpose. Drag has been reduced by sleek design boasting a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.29 thereby helping to improve fuel economy.
The light build materials such as the aluminium chassis elements, tailgate panel and front bumpers as well as the high-strength steel used in the majority of the body structure ensure that there is no compromise between safety and vehicle weight. Low-weight materials built on a dedicated platform exclusively for electrified cars ensure that the crossover style is practical as a hybrid.
The smooth crossover lines.
The high quality, stylish dashboard features the horizontal lines found in the Sportage providing easy driver access to the controls as needed.
The Niro is family friendly with plenty of space for five people and their luggage with a boot space of 427 litres expanding to 1425 with the 60:40 split rear seats folded. The batteries are ideally located underneath the rear passenger seats to save boot space and decrease the vehicle’s centre of gravity. Storage is exemplary with front and rear door storage, a centre console storage box, cup holders, luggage area load cover and luggage net hooks.
Kia offers four trim levels: 1, 2, 3 and First Edition. All are well equipped. Grades 2 and above feature a leather steering wheel, dashboard and door panels, lending a plush feel to the interior. For practicality, you’ll find LED daytime running lights, driver’s wide-view door mirror, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and steering wheel-mounted controls.
The high seat positioning provides a beneficial driver’s view of the road. The comfortable seats are built using lightweight, yet high-strength steel covered by high-density cushions that protect the user against any bumps in the road.
All 1425 litres of boot space.
This is the first Kia to feature Android Auto, a system that links Android phones to Google Maps navigation, Google play music, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition on the car’s infotainment system.
All models in the range feature a speed limiter, cruise control, hill-start assist control and lane keep assist, as well as a DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Grade 2 and above introduces a touchscreen navigation system and reversing camera.
As standard the Niro comes with plenty of safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, emergency stop signalling and hill start assist. There are ISOFIX child seat top tethers and anchor fixings as well as a front passenger airbag cut-off switch for those with small children.
The range-topping First Edition comes with Smart cruise control, blind spot detection, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection and a rear cross traffic alert. All other models have the option to add on autonomous emergency braking and smart cruise control.
A total of seven airbags and height-adjustable front seatbelts will put your mind at ease.
Comfort, style and technology in the driver's seat.
As with Kia’s other models in the range, the Niro comes with a seven-year warranty. It’s one of the best warranties in the industry, which goes to show how much faith Kia has in their vehicles.
