KIA NIRO ESTATE 1.6 GDi 168 PHEV 4 5dr DCT

Kia's second generation Niro Plug-in Hybrid is quite a complete package in second generation form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

You may well know the Kia Niro as a Hybrid and if so, you're probably also aware that it can be a full-EV too. You may not though, know that you can additionally have it in a form in which it could be argued you get the best of both worlds. That's the Plug-in Hybrid variant we look at here.

Background

If you're set on electrification for your next family hatchback or small SUV, it's hard to make the right decision on which approach is best. If you've (rightly) rejected mild hybrid powerplants as being more hype than substance, that leaves you with full-Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or full-EV options. And trying different cars with these different approaches might understandably merely leave you somewhat confused. It'd be a lot easier wouldn't it, if the same design from the same brand offered all three options and you could try them back to back, un-influenced by other factors. The Kia Niro allows you to do just that. We're now in this model second generation and in this form, it's a good deal more sassy than the somewhat conservative original. Currently, most Niro customers go straight for either the Hybrid or the EV versions, without looking properly at the PHEV model we're considering here. Is that a mistake? Let's see.

Driving Experience

We had hoped that this second generation Niro Plug-in Hybrid model's significant increase in battery size (from 8.9kWh to 11.1kWh) might have brought a greater increase in EV driving range. In the event, it's risen to around 40 miles with this second generation model (up from around 36 miles with the last versions of its predecessor). As before, you get a more powerful electric motor than the one in the ordinary Niro Hybrid - it's 83bhp in this PHEV. But the familiar 1.6 GDI normally aspirated petrol engine it works with is much the same and in this form puts out 180bhp via a 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox to the front wheels. Take off is smooth and if you flex your right foot enough to try and match the quoted 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds, the petrol engine will kick in quite quickly with a noticeable thrum. Best to relax the throttle a bit and go with the flow: it's certainly not worth regularly using the provided 'Sport' mode, which brings heavier steering and wakes the petrol engine up a bit earlier. The 'Sport' setting also changes the functionality of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which aren't fitted with base '2'-spec trim. Where included, the paddles are usually used to allow you to switch brake regeneration modes. In 'Sport', they become gearshift paddles. In town when you're merely using the e-motor, this Niro feels pleasantly smooth and refined and the electric motor masks some of the delay when the 6-speed DCT gearbox is required to kick down. If you're a tower and need some element of proper EV motoring, this PHEV Niro variant makes far more sense than the EV version because towing capacity rises from 750kg to 1,300kg.

Design and Build

At first glance, unless you spotted the badge-work, you'd probably mistake this Niro Plug-in Hybrid for the full-EV version - or possibly for the self charging Hybrid model if you failed to spot the extra charging flap. Subtlety, as ever with a PHEV, is the key note here. But it isn't the key note of this second generation Niro model's styling, which is a good deal more extrovert than that of its rather dull-looking predecessor, particularly if you avoid this base-trimmed version and stretch instead to top '4'-spec, which gains a rather overt coloured blade covering the C-pillar. At 4,420mm long, 1,825mm wide and up to 1,570 high, the clean-sheet redesign of this MK2 Niro is formulated on Kia's third-generation 'K3' platform. Inside, the dash you get depends a lot on how much you've spent. The base '2'-spec model makes do with Kia's more basic 4.2-inch supervision colour cluster instrument display and an older-tech 8-inch centre touchscreen. Further up the range, the car gains the smarter twin 10.25-inch displays this fascia was rather obviously better designed for. There's a more old-fashioned gear stick than you get in other Niros but this Plug-in Hybrid does share with its stablemates this central touch-sensitive strip, which hosts either the climate controls or the infotainment system hotkeys, depending which of its two display settings you've chosen. All the right eco boxes are ticked too, thanks to a cabin headliner made from recycled wallpaper and faux-leather upholstery fashioned from a 'bio PU' material containing healing eucalyptus oil. As with the previous generation Niro, the seating position is a fraction higher than the norm and across the range, the seats are well upholstered and supportive for longer journeys. There's plenty of cabin storage space too. Thanks to 20mm more wheelbase length with this MK2 model, there's now space in the rear for a couple of six footers. And you get more boot space; 348-litres in this PHEV, though that compares poorly to the 451-litres you get in the HEV Hybrid and the 495-litre capacity of the Niro EV.

Market and Model

Prices for the Niro Plug-in Hybrid now open at just over £34,500, which gets you the entry-level '2'-spec version. You'll need over £37,000 for mid-range '3'-spec and over £40,000 for the top-spec '4' version. These figures represent a premium of around £6,000 over a non-plug-in Niro Hybrid; but you're looking at a saving of around £3,000 over an equivalently-specced full-electric Niro EV. Choose this Niro Plug-in Hybrid in base '2'-spec trim and you'll have noted from the list pricing we gave earlier that there's quite a saving to be made. Bear in mind though that if you do that, you'll do without the 18-inch alloy wheels and useful gearshift and brake regen paddles fitted further up the range. As we mentioned in our 'Design' section, with this base '2'-spec, you'll also have to accept a considerably lower standard of media tech, with an 8-inch centre screen that can't be paired with the useful 'Kia Connect' app. Further up the line-up, the 'Kia Connect'-compatible 10.25-inch centre screen is standard and top '4'-spec trim pairs it with a more advanced digital instrument cluster display of the same size. Along with a 10-inch head-up display which projects vital driving information, including speed, ADAS data and navigation commands, directly onto the front windscreen. Across the range, safety kit includes 'Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist', 'Lane Keep Assist' and 'Lane Follow Assist', Should you happen to hit something, a 'Multi-Collison Brake' set-up works after an impact, braking the car so that it's less likely to go on and hit something else. There's also a High Beam Assist' system to automatically dip your headlights at night.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the battery range figure for this PHEV model in our 'Driving Experience' section - around 40 miles. More than enough for a driver to complete the average daily commute in the UK. Topping up the Niro PHEV's 11.1kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to full takes two hours 55 minutes using a 3.3kW garage wallbox. Insurance is group 23A - or 24A for top-spec '4' trim. The official (pie in the sky) combined consumption fuel figure is 353.1mpg and the CO2 reading is between 18 and 22g/km, the latter removing the need for initial VED road tax payments. There's now some clever efficiency tech too. An 'Intelligent Green Zone' Drive Mode automates the use of electric power by taking location guidance from the navigation system, driving pattern learning or manual driver input. Built-up areas or roads nearby schools and hospitals are designated as Green Zones, and the vehicle automatically switches to electric-only driving to reduce the exhaust emissions to zero in these environments. The customer can also take control of Green Zones along the route by setting other areas in which they wish to reduce their vehicle's emissions, such as around their neighbourhood. The Niro PHEV debuts Hyundai Motor Group's very first 5.5kWh high-volt Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for Plug-in Hybrid models, extending the electric driving range in colder conditions. The self-regulated ceramic elements provide cabin heating to complement the vehicle's heating core and ensure a continuous flow of warm air.

Summary

You can see why this Plug-in Hybrid model takes such a small proportion of Niro sales. The ordinary self-charging Hybrid variant gives you strong economy without the faff of plugging in. And if you are going to plug in, why not go full zero emissions with the Niro EV? It's not quite as simple as that though. Spiralling fuel prices make filling up a self charging Niro Hybrid ever more expensive. And the disappointingly patchy current UK EV public charging infrastructure could deliver range anxiety whenever you venture further afield in a Niro EV. Such are the reasons for the continuing popularity of PHEVs and amongst cars of this genre in this price bracket, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid certainly has appeal. Particularly in this second generation guise with its significantly larger battery. It's pricier than we'd hoped it would be - but unfortunately nearly all its competitors are too. At least there's a bit more 'want one' factor this time round. Un-plug and play? That concept might make a bit more sense with one of these.

Body Glass

Acoustic windshield

All round electric windows with drivers and front passenger auto up/down and safety function

Automatic defog system

Heated rear window

Privacy glass - Rear windows and tailgate

Rain sensing front wipers

Rear wiper

Solar glass windscreen

Windscreen Washer Level Warning

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electric parking brake with auto hold function

Electronic stability control

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Traction control

Communication

Apple car play/Android Auto with voice control

E-call

Wireless Smartphone charger

Driver Aids

Smart and power tailgate

Driver Convenience

Blind spot collision avoidance assist

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

Emergency stop signalling system

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

Front parking sensors

Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

Intelligent speed limit assist

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Lane keep assist

Motor driven power steering

Parking collision avoidance assist (PCA)

Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist (RCCA)

Rear parking sensors

Remote smart parking assist

Reversing camera system

Safe exit warning (SEW)

Smart cruise control with stop and go functionality

Driver Information

10.25" driver display screen

10.25" touchscreen satellite navigation

Customisable Head Up Display

Kia Connect (UVO)

Trip computer with distance/fuel consumption/average speed

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour door mirrors

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED turn indicator

Electrically folding door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Centre fascia chopped carbon

Engine

220v AC Inverter

Entertainment

'Shark fin' mobile antenna

6 speakers

Bluetooth with music streaming

DAB Digital radio

Steering wheel mounted controls

USB port for connection of a media device

Exterior Body Features

Black grille with chrome surround

Black window surrounds

Body colour bumpers

Body Colour Exterior Door Handles

Deluxe door scuff plates

Front and rear chrome skid plates

Gloss black wheel arches

Rear roof spoiler

Rear side wing doors

Roof rails

Sunroof with tilting and sliding function

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight control system

Front fog lights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED High mounted brake light

LED rear combination lights

Rear fog lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic air conditioning

Ventiliation ducts to rear compartment

Interior Features

12V socket in front

12V socket in luggage compartment

Alloy pedals

Artificial leather centre console storage box

Artificial leather steering wheel

Artificial leather upholstery

Centre console cupholder

Chrome coating interior door handles

Front and rear door storage

Front passenger 1 x USB-C charging port

Glove box

Heated steering wheel

Luggage area load cover

Luggage board

Manually adjustable steering column

Paddle shifts

Rear centre armrest with cupholder

Rear passenger 2 x USB-C charging ports

Shift by wire SBW

Interior Lights

LED Front cabin, rear & luggage compartment lights

Safety

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Curtain and side airbags

Dual shell horn

Front airbags

Front passenger airbag cut-off switch

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Knee airbags

Seatbelt reminder warning

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

60:40 split remote folding rear seats

All-round height adjustable headrests

Driver power adjusted memory seat

Drivers seat power lumbar support

Front passenger power adjusted seat

Front passenger relaxation seat

Heated front seats

Heated outer rear seats

ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings

Power adjustable lumbar support on front passenger seat

Seatback pocket - driver

Seatback pocket - front passenger

Single front passenger seat

Ventilated front seats

Security

Customisable automatic door locking

Customisable automatic door unlocking

Deadlocks

Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry System

Locking wheel nuts

Manual child locks

Rear occupant alert

Smart key with motion sensor

Thatcham category 2 security alarm and immobiliser

Visible vehicle identification number

Service/Warranty

Warranty - 7 Years/ 100,000 miles

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

18" Alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Battery Capacity in kWh: 11.1

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 175

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.3

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

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: N

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

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

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

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.3

NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: 38

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: N

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 13.7

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 14

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 12.9

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.5

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 4.4

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 4.8

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 60

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 58

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 64

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 37

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 36

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 40

Emissions - ICE

CO: 0.037

HC: 0.008

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): 68

NOx: 0.006

Particles: 0.0003

Standard Emissions: EURO 6e-bis

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 22

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 23

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 19

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 1580

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Gears: 6 SPEED

Number of Valves: 16

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 1

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 282.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 282.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 353.1

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

Badge Power: 168

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: Gdi 168

Coin Series: 4

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

Generation Mark: 2

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 24A

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 75

NCAP Safety Assist %: 60

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.8

Engine Power - BHP: 168

Engine Power - KW: 125

Engine Power - PS: 0

Engine Power - RPM: 5700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 195

Engine Torque - MKG: 27

Engine Torque - NM: 265

Top Speed: 100

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 225/45 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1545

Length: 4420

Wheelbase: 2720

Width: 1825

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 37

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2060

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1342

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 348

Max. Loading Weight: 466

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Minimum Kerbweight: 1594

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Exterior Body Features

Midnight black C-pillar

Premium paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Runway Red

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Cityscape green

Premium paint - Interstellar grey

Premium paint - Midnight black

Premium paint - Mineral Blue

Premium paint - Steel grey

Premium paint - White pearl

Trim - Leather

Artificial leather - Black/Grey