Kia Niro EV Review

Read Caroline’s Kia Niro EV review for everything you need to know about buying Kia’s new electric crossover in Ireland.

Kia in Ireland has strengthened their range once again with the arrival of the new Kia Niro. It’s the second generation of the popular crossover and just like before, it offers customers a few unique flavours.

This new model is already an award winner, having been awarded Irish Small Crossover/SUV of the Year at the Irish Car of the Year awards.

The new Niro is available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and the jewel of the range is undoubtedly the new Niro EV.

With a 64.8kWh battery, the new Niro EV can drive electric up to about 460 kilometres (WLTP). It goes on sale priced from €41,775.

Let’s take a closer look.

Styling

The Kia Niro has had a serious makeover for this new generation. It’s longer, higher and wider than the car it replaces. Niro has evolved into a very handsome car, with more angles and a futuristic front end that takes inspiration from Kia’s new design language. Roof rails, black painted wheel arches and side door mouldings, and chrome coated front and rear skid plates give the Niro some more rugged crossover appeal. The closed radiator grille helps the Niro EV to stand out from the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.

There are two trim levels offered for Niro EV – K3 and K4. The K3 has 17-inch alloy wheels, while the K4 gets a larger 18-inch set. All versions come with LED lights front and rear.

Interior

The cabin of the Niro EV has been transformed with a new generation Kia interior that’s big on digital and high-tech features. Quality has improved even a bit more so it all looks tastefully put together. There’s a full digital instrument cluster to keep the driver informed, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charger comes as standard, as do a reversing camera, automatic air con, heated front seats and heated steering wheel. Step up to K4 for even more luxury features like dual zone climate control, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, full synthetic leather interior, electric lumbar support, and a head-up display. There’s also a full suite of standard safety features like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and highway driving assist.

Practicality

The new Niro EV has a longer wheelbase than the car it replaces so it feels a little bit roomier inside. For a compact crossover, the rear footwells are generously sized. It will be tight to sit three across the rear bench, but two adults will have enough room to get comfortable.

A powered tailgate comes as standard on the Niro EV K4 model and opens to reveal about 475 litres of space. That’s more than the previous electric Niro and it’s considerably more than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid! There’s even a small storage compartment under the front bonnet.

Battery

There’s just one battery available for Niro EV and it’s 64.8kWh offering a projected range of up to 460 kilometres (WLTP). In real world driving this might be a little optimistic but it still offers an excellent range for a compact electric crossover. It’s also relatively efficient on the move, with consumption averaging about 17.8kWh per 100 kilometres during my time with the car.

Charging

DC fast charging is available for the Niro EV up to 72kW, while there is also a 7.2 kW on-board charger for AC charging.

Driving

The latest Niro is built on a new platform that allows for improvements to the suspension and steering compared to the previous version of the car. This makes for a more responsive and enjoyable drive. Niro EV feels agile on the road and a little more fun to drive than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid. The electric Niro is also the most powerful of the range with 204hp. It feels nippy in town, while also getting up to speed quickly on motorways. Overall refinement is good as well thanks to more insulation and padding around the vehicle’s structure. Niro EV also feels more settled and comfortable on the road than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid.

Pricing

The Kia Niro EV K3 is available from €41,775, while the Niro EV K4 is available from €44,990. It is the most expensive model to buy of the range compared to the Niro Hybrid (from €37,700) and the Niro Plug-in Hybrid (from €39,700). But all Niros come exceptionally well-equipped.

Summary

The Kia Niro EV has been one of Ireland’s most popular electric models for some time now and now it has evolved into a more desirable car than ever before.

While there hasn’t been a big step forward in the battery and range offered, it’s still very competitive among rivals in these areas, testament to what a great buy the electric Niro has been from the start and why it’s always been a much sought after model.

But big improvements have been made now in the Niro’s design, interior and on the road performance. Combined, they make this car more modern and desirable than before.

The Niro EV also happens to be the pick of the Niro range. It doesn’t cost too much more to buy than the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, yet offers an excellent zero emissions powertrain, more boot space and is nicer to drive.

It’s a win win for the new Kia Niro EV! It’s not cheap but it’s a great offering.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year