NIRO FINDS ITS SPARK (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_kianiroev_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

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

Ten Second Reviewword count: 42

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.

Backgroundword count: 192

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 Experienceword count: 228

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.

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