Kia's Niro EV usefully develops the brand's compact hatch full-electric proposition. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

The second generation version of Kia's fully electrified Niro model gets more appealing packaging inside and out. But otherwise, this Niro EV is a fairly subtle evolution of its e-Niro predecessor. Still, that's enough to make it a very good car indeed.

Background

When the history books are written on the early years of electrified automation, Kia won't be one of the brands credited with originating the EV concept. But it will very much be seen as one of the makers that popularised it. When its first high-volume global electric model, the e-Niro, was launched back in 2018, there were quite a few battery-powered compact models around, but none of them had gained much sales traction. That all changed with the e-Niro, which shared nearly all its engineering with its close cousin, the Hyundai Kona Electric. And went on to account for over 55% of all Kia Niro sales in the UK. It was the first EV to out-sell a directly comparable combustion alternative. And it was a sign of things to come. A sign of irresistible momentum continued by the car we look at here, the e-Niro's successor, now called the Niro EV. This model, Kia says, has been redesigned 'to provide people with a clearer path to clean mobility'. And it's the most important component in the brand's target of boosting its global sales of eco-friendly vehicles to 2 million units by 2030.

Driving Experience

Just what is an eco-friendly vehicle? Any of the current Niro powerplants could theoretically qualify for that title, all of them being electrified in some way. The mechanicals on offer haven't changed much in the 1.6-litre GDI petrol-powered Hybrid and PHEV versions, save for a slightly larger 11.1kWh battery in the Plug-in variant that boosts its driving range to 40 miles. The Niro EV we look at here can go 285 miles between charges of its 64.8kWh battery, which these days is the only one on offer in a fully electric Niro. Kia hasn't fundamentally changed much about way this Niro EV drives: there's a front-mounted electric motor with a 201bhp total output that gets you to 62mph in under 8 seconds. As for dynamic updates, well really it's just detail stuff; extra insulation improves refinement. And a bit more chassis rigidity improves the ride and reduces body roll. Like some other EVs, this one provides you with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel that allow you to either intensify or reduce the regenerative braking feel. Alternatively, there's an 'auto' setting that constantly calculates the optimum level of braking regeneration, based on the positioning of the vehicles ahead. As usual with a modern electric vehicle, there's also a virtual engine sound system for creating artificial noise to warn those on the pavement of your approach in urban areas.

Design and Build

If you've been wanting an electric car of this sort but weren't attracted by this car's e-Niro predecessor, it was probably because that car looked, well, rather dull. This one makes much more of a visual statement and is distinguished from its Hybrid and PHEV stablemates by a two-tone closed grille and unique steel grey side cladding. The Niro EV also has a dedicated lower grille and bumper treatment, in addition to model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels. At 4,420mm long, 1,825mm wide, and up to 1,570 high, this second generation Niro design is formulated on Kia's third-generation 'K3' platform.  The front end takes up the styling theme already established by the current Sportage. And in profile, the effect of that larger chassis becomes obvious, extending the length by 65mm. Inside, the dash gets twin 10.25-inch displays and a multi-function panel on the fascia allowing you to flick between infotainment and heating controls. Premium-effect recycled materials adorn the cabin, to augment the interior space and underline Niro's sustainable credentials. Thanks to 20mm more wheelbase length, there's now space in the rear for a couple of six footers. And you get 495-litres of boot space, though that's 56-litres less than the Hybrid version. This full-EV variant also gains a 20-litre front 'frunk' compartment, which would be useful for the storage of wet charging leads.

Market and Model

Niro EV prices open at around £37,000. That compares with around £30,000 for the Hybrid model. For Niro EV customers, there are three trim levels - '2', '3' and '4'. Even base '2' spec gets you quite a lot - 17-inch wheels, an 11kW on-board charger and a battery heating system. Plus inside, there's an 8-inch centre touchscreen display with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster. There's 'Android Auto' and 'Apple CarPlay' smartphone-mirroring of course. And plenty of camera safety kit, including 'Forward Collision Avoidance' with car, pedestrian and cyclist recognition and junction crossing, plus Smart Cruise Control. Moving up to '3' grade gets you the clever 'V2D' 'Vehicle to Device' functionality which allows you to power external electrical devices from the vehicle's plug socket - say an electric scooter, a drone or camping equipment. From this grade upwards, you can also specify a heat pump that will preserve driving range in colder weather. The top '4' grade gets you a Head-up display, a larger 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a Harmon Kardon premium sound system, a power operated tailgate, an electric sunroof and extra safety kit.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figure for the Niro EV in our 'Driving Experience' section - 285 miles. Recharging from 10 to 80% takes as little as 45 minutes - up to 9 minutes quicker than the previous generation e-Niro model. Topping up its 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery from an 11kW garage wallbox takes six hours 20 minutes. In the winter months, when temperatures are typically low, the system in the Niro EV uses navigation-based conditioning to pre-heat the battery when a charge point is selected as a destination, which helps shorten charge times and optimise battery performance. Avoid entry-level trim and a heat pump is optional to extend driving range in colder weather. You can also remotely interact with your Niro EV of course, via Kia Connect and its downloadable app. Using this, owners can view and control vehicle charge status, in addition to planning a route using online navigation, syncing calendars and accessing on-board features such as charge station proximity, live weather and real-time traffic alerts. Echoing the eco-friendly powertrain, there's plenty of Enviro-conscious design in the cabin. The headlining is made from recycled wallpaper, the door panels are finished with VOC-free paint and the PU vegan leather seat coverings contain Tencel from eucalyptus trees, plus the cargo screen's knitted material is made of 75% recycled fibres.

Summary

Is the Niro EV the most significant global product that Kia makes? That's about the size of it because the size of this car is the one that'll really drive electric vehicle sales forward over the next decade. We'd like to have seen bigger steps forward in battery technology and driving range from this second generation model. In truth though, all its predecessor was really lacking was a more interesting look and a high quality cabin. With the Niro EV, Kia has provided both of those things, then embellished this product further with better handling, extra refinement and added neat touches like the V2D system allowing owners to charge external devices from the vehicle's plug socket. And overall? Well we'd have liked the end result to be a little more affordable, but if you're not put off by that, there's lots to admire about the way this car has finally found its spark.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Solar glass windscreen

Automatic defog system

Windscreen Washer Level Warning

All round electric windows with drivers auto up/down function

Acoustic windshield

Solar glass rear windows and tailgate

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Traction control

Electronic stability control

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Regenerative braking paddle shifter with iPedal functionality

Communication

E-call

Apple car play/Android Auto with voice control

Charging indicator on dashboard

Driver Aids

Lane keep assist

Emergency stop signalling system

Rear parking sensors

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Motor driven power steering

Smart cruise control with stop and go functionality

Intelligent speed limit assist

Reversing camera system

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) 1.5 - City/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction turning

Drive mode select (Eco, normal, sport, snow)

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

Digital clock

Trip computer with distance/fuel consumption/average speed

10.25" touchscreen satellite navigation

Kia Connect (UVO)

10.25" driver display screen

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Manual folding door mirrors

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED turn indicator

Embellishment Trims

Metal paint centre fascia

Engine

Battery heating system

Entertainment

6 speakers

Steering wheel mounted controls

'Shark fin' mobile antenna

DAB Digital radio

Bluetooth with music streaming

USB port for connection of a media device

Exterior Body Features

Roof rails

Body colour bumpers

Rear roof spoiler

Black window surrounds

Body Colour Exterior Door Handles

Front and rear silver skid plates

Standard door scuff plates

Black wheel arches

Rear side wing doors

Frunk

Exterior Lights

Halogen headlights

Automatic headlight control system

LED daytime running lights

Rear fog lights

LED rear combination lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

LED High mounted brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Air filter

Interior Features

Cloth upholstery

Rear centre armrest with cupholder

Manually adjustable steering column

Centre console cupholder

12V socket in luggage compartment

Front and rear door storage

Luggage area load cover

12v socket in front

Luggage board

Shift by wire SBW

Glove box

Metal paint interior door handles

Artificial leather steering wheel

Artificial leather centre console storage box

Front passenger 1 x USB-C charging port

Rear passenger 2 x USB-C charging ports

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment light

Front and rear cabin lights

Safety

Height adjustable front seatbelts

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front passenger airbag cut-off switch

Seatbelt reminder warning

Curtain and side airbags

Knee airbags

Front airbags

Dual shell horn

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

All-round height adjustable headrests

ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings

Driver seat manual adjustment

Front passenger seat manual adjustments

Seatback pocket - front passenger

Seatback pocket - driver

60:40 split remote folding rear seats

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Visible vehicle identification number

Deadlocks

Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry System

Rear occupant alert

Manual child locks

Smart key with motion sensor

Customisable automatic door locking

Customisable automatic door unlocking

Thatcham category 2 security alarm and immobiliser

Service/Warranty

Warranty - 7 Years/ 100,000 miles

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

Front Grille Charging Port

Wheels - Alloy

17" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1650

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 380

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 65

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 50

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 43

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 350

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 64.8

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 604

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 459

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - City: 12.3

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 16.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - City: 5.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.8

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 375

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 285

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Front

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 350

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): 67

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: 2 Nav

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 29A

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 75

NCAP Safety Assist %: 60

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 201

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.8

Top Speed: 103

Engine Power - BHP: 201

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 188

Engine Torque - NM: 255

Engine Torque - MKG: 26

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4420

Width: 1825

Wheelbase: 2720

Height: 1570

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1757

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2200

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 443

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 475

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1392

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Runway Red

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Midnight black

Premium paint - Steel grey

Premium paint - White pearl

Premium paint - Mineral Blue

Premium paint - Interstellar grey

Premium paint - Cityscape green

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Black