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

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Heated rear window with timer

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

Communication

E-call

Apple car play/Android Auto with voice control

Driver Aids

Lane keep assist

Emergency stop signalling system

Rear parking sensors

Reversing camera with dynamic guide lines

Lane Following Assist (LFA)

Motor driven power steering

Drive mode select (Eco, sport)

Adaptive smart cruise control function (SCC) with stop and go

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

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Driver Information

Speed limit assist

4.2" supervision colour cluster display

Trip computer with distance/fuel consumption/average speed

10.25" touchscreen satellite navigation

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Manual folding door mirrors

Electric heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Graphite paint centre fascia

Entertainment

6 speakers

Steering wheel mounted controls

'Shark fin' mobile antenna

DAB Digital radio

Bluetooth with music streaming

2 type C USB ports on front seats

2 Front USB Charge port (one for C-type/one for USB)

Exterior Body Features

Rear spoiler

Roof rails

Body colour bumpers

Body Colour Exterior Door Handles

Front and rear silver skid plates

Rear side wing doors

Black embossed cladding

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight control system

LED daytime running lights

Rear fog lights

LED third brake light

LED rear combination lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

Bi-function halogen projector headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Cloth upholstery

Rear armrest

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Centre console cupholder

12V socket in luggage compartment

Front and rear door storage

Interior door lock/unlock function

Luggage area load cover

12v socket in front

Luggage board

Metal paint interior door handles

H-Matic gear selection

Artificial leather steering wheel

Artificial leather centre console storage box

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Bulb overhead console, 2nd row and luggage lamp

Packs

Towing pack - Niro

Safety

Height adjustable front seatbelts

Manual rear child locks

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Drivers knee airbag

Front passenger airbag deactivation

Curtain and side airbags

Rear seat alert system

Centre side front airbags

Dual shell horn

Seats

Passenger seat height adjuster

60/40 split/folding 2nd row of seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

All-round height adjustable headrests

ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings

Driver seat manual adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Visible vehicle identification number

Deadlocks

Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Entry System

Alarm system and engine immobiliser

Service/Warranty

Warranty - 7 Years/ 100,000 miles

Transmission

Sports H-Matic Automatic

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

16" alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit

Electric Vehicle Data

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

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 12.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 64

Battery Leased: 0

NEDC Maximum EV Range Miles: 40

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

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

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

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 7

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 11.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 40

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.3

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Charging Port Location: Front

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.9

Emissions - ICE

HC: 0.008

CO: 0.037

Noise Level dB(A): 68

NOx: 0.006

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0003

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 18

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 6 SPEED

CC: 1580

Transmission: AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 353.1

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

General

Badge Power: 180

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

NCAP Safety Assist %: 60

Based On ID: N

Badge Engine CC: 1.6

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 75

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Coin Description: GDi

Coin Series: 2

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 91

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23A

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 84

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

Performance

Engine Power - RPM: 5700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 195.5

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.6

Top Speed: 104

Engine Torque - NM: 265

Engine Power - BHP: 180

Engine Power - PS: 0

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 4400

Engine Torque - MKG: 27

Engine Power - KW: 134

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4420

Width: 1825

Height: 1545

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 348

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2060

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 37

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300

Max. Loading Weight: 466

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1342

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

Minimum Kerbweight: 1594

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