Kia e-Soul Review
Caroline drives the 2019 Kia e-Soul!
The new Kia e-Soul is an exciting new electric vehicle to hit the market in 2019. We are entering a new era for mainstream electric vehicles with the availability of 64 kWh batteries. The new Kia e-Soul is a five seat crossover with a range in excess of 400 km. This makes a real difference when you are living with an electric vehicle daily.
However this battery technology still does not come cheap. The e-Soul is priced from €35,995 including VRT relief and Government grants for what is still a relatively compact car. But Kia has revived the funky Soul, this time exclusively as an EV. Not everyone will fall for its oddball looks but it adds some welcome character to the EV segment! There are four vibrant two tone exterior combinations available. You won't forget the e-Soul in a hurry.
The interior of the 2019 Kia e-Soul
The e-Soul has the elevated driving position of a crossover and gets Kia’s newest interior design, technology and infotainment. This is another big boon for the e-Soul compared to competitors like the Hyundai Kona EV and the Kia e-Niro. The cabin quality is good and there are lashings of gloss black around that cool new touchscreen, which has a wide screen and is easy to use. There are a number of well labelled shortcuts and EV menus, including a facility to find the nearest charging stations. It’s a very sophisticated system.
Standard equipment on the e-Soul includes the 10.25” touchscreen AV/nav display, 7” supervision cluster, lane keep assist, smart cruise control, front collison avoidance, full leather trim, Harmon Kardon sound system, heads up display and blind spot detection. The Kia e-Soul K2 is priced from €35,995, while the K3 with some more equipment is priced from €37,495, including VRT relief and government grants.
The e-Soul's boxy shape and squared off roofline is great for maximising interior space. The rear bench is a decent enough width with a good amount of legroom, though two will be more comfortable back here than three. However the boot is probably the stickiest point for family buyers. It’s just 315 litres and you will also find yourself storing the cables in here, which makes it more awkward.
So how far will it get you?
The 64kWh battery allows the Kia e-Soul to travel up to 452km according to the official WLTP rating. I achieved between 350 km and 400 km over a week of varied driving that saw me on the motorway, rural roads and in town. The powerful battery also means that the e-Soul holds onto its charge better, even on the motorway. As I zipped along the motorway at 120 km/h, I didn’t start to sweat with the apocalyptic loss of range that blights some EVs. The e-Soul feels like EV motoring with few compromises.
Ideally a Kia e-Soul owner will be charging their car overnight at home from a wallbox charger. Then the 400 km range is going to be very comfortable for most drivers. I say this because I again encountered difficulties with the public charging network – faulty chargers and chargers blocked by non-EVs. It’s a jungle out there, no doubts!
A Combined Charging System (CCS) DC fast charger is fitted as standard, which facilitates charging to 50% battery power in as little as 30 minutes. A normal charge is up to 9.5 hours. There are also a range of energy-recuperation technologies to maximise driving range including an energy efficient heat pump system and a regenerative braking system operated by paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
Driving the Kia e-Soul
The Kia e-Soul also happens to be a lot of fun to drive. It’s seriously agile and the battery torque means that this things bombs along with loads of punch no matter what speed you are driving at. Okay, so there is not much feedback reaching the rim from the tyres but there’s weight in the steering so it feels precise for an electric vehicle. The e-Soul 64 kWh will accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.9 seconds.
I really enjoyed driving the Kia e-Soul. It’s an electric vehicle with lots of character, and whether you like it or not, it says something about you. It’s also got a good cabin ambience with a very modern interior. It is clearly expensive for a medium sized crossover but that is the current price for this sort of technology.
The Kia e-Soul widens the playing field a little more for this new era of mainstream electric vehicles with over 400 km range.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Kia e-Soul 64 kWh
Price: €35,995
Battery: 64 kWh
Power: 204 hp
Torque: 395 Nm
0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds
Top speed: 167 km/h
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Motor tax: €120 per year
Kia Proceed Review
Caroline drives the 2019 Kia ProCeed!
Over the last few years, Kia has really put itself on the map as one of the most modern and progressive car manufacturers. Not content with raising standards across their range of hatchbacks, SUVs and saloons in recent years, the ambitious Korean brand has also pushed itself into new segments. Last year it was the stunning Kia Stinger GT stealing all the headlines for its evocative design and high-performance engine. This year it’s the return of the Kia ProCeed. But not as we know it!
The Kia ProCeed entered the market a number of years ago as a sporty, three door hatchback. But there is no longer much of a market for cars like that. So Kia has reimagined the ProCeed as a “shooting brake” to coincide with the new generation of the Kia Ceed family that arrived in Ireland in 2018.
The 2019 Kia ProCeed
The new Kia ProCeed is a cross somewhere between an elegant hatchback and a practical estate. It now sits at the top of the Ceed range, with a list price of €28,946. For reference the Ceed hatchback range kicks off at €22,695 and the SW range at €25,295.
However, the Proceed range is very simple in Ireland in that Kia Ireland is offering just one model with a high specification – GT Line. The 2019 Kia ProCeed GT Line has a 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine under the bonnet putting out 140hp. A six speed manual gearbox comes as standard while there is a 7 speed automatic version available for €30,445.
Stylish and practical
The 2019 Kia ProCeed is a design-led concept merging style and practicality. The ProCeed is lower and longer than both the Ceed five-door hatchback and Sportswagon and so carries its own unique identity within the Ceed family. In fact it’s quite unique in the family car segment with a striking raked back silhouette, sharing only its bonnet and front wings with the Ceed five-door.
The ProCeed name is spelled out in capitals across the centre of the tailgate, beneath LED tail-lights which span the width of the tailgate, giving the car a unique light signature. The ‘tiger nose’ front grille is finished in high gloss black with satin chrome, with matching high gloss black door mirrors and side sill mouldings. The air intake has a lower lip with black accent, and the rear spoiler is body coloured with high gloss black trim.
The ProCeed is every bit the head turner especially finished in Infra Red, but it’s also versatile with a 594 litre boot. The boot is bigger than in the Ceed hatchback and just a few litres shy of the SW in that regard. It’s also easy to load and access the space too. The sloping roofline means that in the rear, there is some impact on headroom, but otherwise this is a competively sized car for the compact class.
The interior of the Kia Proceed
The interior is almost a carbon copy of the Ceed on which it is based, though the ProCeed does have a black headliner, special upholstery and a D-shaped sports steering wheel. It’s a comfortable cabin with some stylish brushed chrome and gloss black to add interest. Considering the premium buyers pay for this model, it would be nice to see some more higher quality materials or a more individual design. A small frustration really.
Standard equipment on the ProcCeed GT Line includes 17” alloys, automatic headlights, front projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights with a full-width LED brake light, front fog lights, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, rear privacy glass, wireless phone charger, reversing camera with rear parking sensors, High Beam Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keeping Assist with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Driving the Kia ProCeed
Kia has made a few changes to the ProCeed under the skin for a sportier and more engaging drive. This has been achieved by using stiffer front and rear springs to increase body control and improve steering inputs, and softer front and rear anti-roll bars to keep its inside wheels in contact with the road, even under hard cornering.
On the road the ProCeed immediately feels tauter and more engaging with loads of front end grip and minimal body roll making it a very accomplished car to drive. There is a firmer edge to the suspension but it’s by no means uncomfortable. There was quite a lot of audible road noise however on our test drive.
The 1.4-litre engine does perform well in the ProCeed with good power and performance, reaching 100kmh in just 8.8 seconds from a standstill, and smooth power delivery through the six speed manual gearbox. There is no diesel engine available in the ProCeed in Ireland so running costs will be a little higher. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption was 6.9l/100km and motor tax is €280 per year.
Verdict
The new Kia ProCeed makes a style statement, while also being practical, so it's a compelling alternative to the family hatchback or SUV. The ProCeed does command more investment over the Ceed hatchback and SW, but it’s a prestigious vehicle and fun to drive also. Another stunning and ambitious car from Kia!
Model tested: Kia ProCeed 1.4 T-GDi GPF Petrol 140 hp 6MT
Price: €28,946
Engine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol
Power: 140 hp
Torque: 242 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.8 seconds
Top speed: 209 km/h
Fuel economy: 45.6 mpg
CO2 emissions: 132g/km
Motor tax: €280 per year
Kia Ceed SW Review
Estate cars have never been big sellers in Ireland but the new Kia Ceed SW (Sportswagon) just might make you fall in love with the estate’s humble practicality. In fact Kia has a decent enough record in the sale of previous generations of the Ceed SW here in Ireland.
Now hot on the wheels of the new generation of the Kia Ceed hatchback that arrived in Ireland in summer 2018, the new Kia Ceed SW goes on sale with its ace card being a huge 600 litre boot within a sleek and elegant body.
Let’s not forget that this is still a compact car. The new Ceed SW is lower and wider with a longer rear overhang than the car it replaces but certainly from the driver’s seat, the car proves to be agile and easy to manoeuvre with good visibility all round and a parking camera as standard.
But space of course is a key selling point for estate cars. The Ceed SW had a fantastic practical boot for its size with a wide opening and flat loading sill that makes it excellent for carrying things.
Inside the Kia Ceed SW
The new generation of the Kia Ceed SW also has a new interior. Fit and finish is markedly improved. There are plenty of soft touch materials punctuated with stylish chrome, while the cabin is kept fresh and modern with the latest Kia infotainment system.
The extra width in the new Ceed SW creates more shoulder room for rear passengers and a 15mm-lower seating position in the rear means that there is more knee and leg room too.
Kia Ireland has kept the new Ceed SW range very simple in that there are just two models available: a choice of 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine (from €25,295) or a 1.6-litre diesel (from €27,595).
The Ceed SW is sold in the K3 trim meaning that the car is well specced by default with 16″ alloys, electric windows, rear privacy glass, auto lights, 7″ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, parking camera, air con, wireless phone charger, cruise control, keyless entry, lane keeping assist, high beam assistant and forward collision avoidance system.
On the road in the Kia Ceed SW
My test car was powered by the 1.0-litre turbo petrol with a list price of €25,295. The 1.0-litre engine has 120hp and a pleasant amount of power for the Ceed SW. It only really runs out of steam in sixth gear, but that’s more of a cruising gear for the motorway anyway, and the Ceed SW does that with aplomb. Motor tax for this model is €200 per year and over two weeks of varied driving my fuel consumption averaged at 6.4l/100km.
Elsewhere, the Ceed SW handles well, just like the hatchback version. The SW’s rear suspension has been subtly tuned to accommodate the longer rear overhang of the boot, and the potential for heavier luggage loads. It’s still fun to drive with good body control through corners and nicely weighted steering. Comfort and refinement are also very good for the class.
After spending an extended break with the Kia Ceed SW, this car really endeared itself to me. I love how practical this car is and that boot is just really great for carrying all sorts of cargo. It’s a nicely equipped car and this generation of the Ceed SW has more cabin comfort and fun driving character. While SUVs and even Kia’s own Sportage will seem like trendier and more desirable options, the Kia Ceed SW would make an excellent family car.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Kia Ceed SW 1.0 K3
Price: €25,295
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 120 hp
Torque: 172 Nm
0-100km/h: 10.9 seconds
Top speed: 187 km/h
Economy: 5.3l/100km
CO2 emissions: 120 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Kia Sportage Review (2019)
Caroline drives the 2019 Kia Sportage!
The Kia Sportage took on a life of its own in Ireland with the launch of the third generation back in 2010. Accessibility and a stylish design ensured its presence on Irish roads in numbers.
The current generation of the Sportage was launched back in 2016, sporting (!) an even more sensuous design that always endeared the car to this reviewer. Coinciding with the Irish buyer's increasing appetite for SUVs, the Sportage is Kia’s bestselling model here and also one of Ireland's ten bestselling cars.
What's new in the 2019 Kia Sportage?
For Sportage fans, there’s now a new facelifted model on sale as we enter 2019, with some mild styling tweaks and changes to equipment and engines. Pricing starts from €29,815.
The familiar tiger nose grille is still there and the rather avantgarde lighting around the rear. In profile, the 2019 Kia Sportage is all but the same. Yet in fact there is a redesigned front bumper, grille and fog lamp housing. The facelift also introduces new full-LED headlamps with four-point LED daytime running lights on some models, and at the back there’s a new C-shaped LED light signature. The reversing lamp and reflectors are now integrated into the new rear bumper, which is finished with a flash of chrome across its base.
For all senses and purposes, the Kia Sportage is a very stylish SUV. There are also five new body colours, including the Blue Flame of the test car. The top of the range GT Line model also receives special cosmetic upgrades and 19″ alloys.
Inside the 2019 Kia Sportage
There is no change to dimensions and inside the Kia Sportage will seat five with decent accommodation all round. The Sportage is a very practical family vehicle with plenty of storage, rear seat space and a large square boot of 467 litres.
Inside the general layout of the cabin is retained but there’s a new steering wheel, revised driver instrument cluster, and the option of a new black-and-grey, two-tone upholstery. The ventilation and air conditioning controls have also been revised. Depending on trim level, the Kia Sportage comes equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system or a new ‘frameless’ 8.0-inch system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Material quality is generally good and the interior is easy to navigate and interact with.
The Kia Sportage range is very simple in that there is just one engine available, a new 1.6-litre diesel with 115 hp in manual versions or 136 hp in the automatic. This engine replaces the old 1.7-litre diesel and Kia claims that it is the cleanest diesel engine that they have ever made. There are K2, K3, K4 and GT Line trim levels with prices rising from €29,815 to €36,385 for a top of the range GT Line. Standard equipment includes 16″ alloys, roof rails, electric windows, 7″ touchscreen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, rear parking sensors, air con and cruise control.
My test car was in the K4 trim and retails from €33,404. Equipment highlights included dual zone air con, leather upholstery, 19" alloys, wireless phone charger and a parking camera.
What's the Kia Sportage like to drive?
Mechanically nothing has changed under the skin during this update. On the road the Kia Sportage delivers a comfortable ride and competent handling that makes it a pleasant daily driver. The new diesel engine has plenty of torque to move the Sportage efficiently though it's still on the noisy side. Over a week of driving my fuel consumption was 6.1l/100km.
It’s very easy to see why the Kia Sportage is so popular with Irish buyers. Upgrades to this new model are small, but the new engine brings some improvements and in essence the Sportage is still a great SUV for its space, family friendly cabin and good road manners. In a crowded family SUV segment, the Sportage still manages to be stylish, practical and desirable.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Kia Sportage 1.6-litre CRDi K4
Price: €33,404 (Range from €29,815)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 280 Nm
0-100km/h: 11.5 seconds
Top speed: 175 km/h
Economy: 4.8-5.0l/100km
CO2 emissions: 126 g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Kia Ceed Review
Caroline drives the new 2018 Kia Ceed.
A new generation of the Kia Ceed has recently gone on sale in Ireland priced from €22,695. The third generation of Kia’s family hatchback has been produced to strengthen Kia’s presence in the C-segment in Europe. The new Ceed has been designed, developed, engineered and built in Europe and continues the brand’s onslaught of stylish, design-led models.
They say we eat with our eyes - well I’m pretty sure we buy cars with them too and the 2018 Kia Ceed definitely scores high on the desirability stakes. It’s lower and wider than the car it replaces, with a longer rear overhang. Within the confines of the shell of a five door hatchback, there really is not much room to be adventurous, but the Ceed has a satisfying design with Kia’s emblematic tiger nose grille, neat profile, tasteful detail and creases in all the right places.
What's it like inside the 2018 Kia Ceed?
Slip inside the new Kia Ceed and again you are met with an interior that appears considered with style and attention to detail. The hard plastics are balanced with plenty of brushed satin chrome, gloss black detail and soft touch materials for a result that would put some rivals to shame in the style stakes. The ‘floating’ touchscreen looks fantastic set high in the dashboard and connects seamlessly to smartphones.
The Ceed’s new platform has allowed for a more spacious interior. The wider body means there’s more shoulder room, while a 16mm lower seating position in the rear creates more legroom and headroom for passengers. The boot is now up 15 litres to 395 litres, which is very competitive for this size of vehicle.
What are my options?
In Ireland, the 2018 Kia Ceed will be sold in four trim levels – K2, K3, K4 and K5. Engine availability depends on trim level but Kia Ireland is selling the 1.0-litre turbo petrol (120hp), a new 1.6-litre diesel (115hp) and a new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine (140hp).
Safety equipment like Forward Collision Assist, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning are standard across the range, as well as 16” alloys, leather wrapped steering wheel, 7” display, Bluetooth with voice recognition and a reversing camera.
K3 adds equipment including LED headlamps and rear lamps, wireless phone charger, electric parking brake, half leather seats and parking sensors. K4 equipment adds 17” alloys, 8” display, rain sensing wipers and automatic temperature control. K5 models include heated leather seats, front ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, and push button start, blind spot collision warning, and parking distance warning.
My test car was a Kia Ceed 1.0 petrol, 6 speed manual, in K4 trim with a list price of €25,695. Diesels in the Ceed range are available from €26,595 while the new 1.4-litre petrol is only available in the top level trim and is priced from €28,595. A ‘mild hybrid’ is promised in 2019.
Is the Kia Ceed nice to drive?
For this new generation of the Kia Ceed, Kia has tuned the ride and handling for European roads and drivers to make it more dynamic and engaging. There has also been a focus on eliminating noise and vibrations from the cabin.
On the road the 2018 Kia Ceed is stable, comfortable and refined. The steering is light when you need it, but the resistance builds as you head into a corner so the new Ceed is fun and sporty in its own way too. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine spins nicely, providing plenty of power for overtaking manouvres with 120hp and only running out of puff in the top cruising gear. There is a little vibration through the pedals at idle when cold and it can get noisy when pushed hard, but it is a joyful engine that suits the car. Over a few days of driving my fuel consumption was 7.2l/100km while motor tax is €270 per year.
Would you buy it?
The Ceed consistently ranks alongside the Sportage as one of Kia’s bestselling models in Europe and the new generation of the Ceed is evidence that Kia remain committed to the C-segment hatchback. In terms of style and quality the Ceed has taken another step forward, while the new car is also to be praised for its on the road driving manners. The Ceed remains competitive in space terms too for the class, with engine/trim options that make sense financially. If you are in the market for a new hatchback, there really is no reason not to check out the new Kia Ceed!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Kia Ceed 1.0-litre T-GDi K4
Price: €25,695 (Range from €22,695)
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 120hp
Torque: 172 Nm
0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds
Top speed: 190 km/h
Economy: 5.4 to 5.6 100km
CO2 emissions: 127 g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year
Kia ProCeed Makes Its Debut In Barcelona
Caroline travels to Barcelona for the European premiere of the new Kia Proceed!
The 3 door hatchback is finished. That was the message Peter Schreyer, President of Design and Chief Design Officer at Kia, and Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s European Head of Design, received from the product team when it came to creating the next generation of the Kia ProCeed.
So what did they do? They began to create a new vision for a C-segment niche vehicle. Customer profiling revealed that there were buyers who wanted a stylish and sporty vehicle - but they wanted rear doors and other practical features too.
And so began the process of developing this new generation of the Kia ProCeed. At an event in Barcelona to unveil this new model, Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, spoke about the uniqueness of the ProCeed in the mid-size family car segment. Based on the 2017 Kia ProCeed Concept, the new ProCeed is casually referred to by its designers as a ‘shooting brake’ within the Kia Ceed family.
Really it’s still a hatchback, but with the evocative shape of a coupé and the practicality of an estate model. The ProCeed is lower and longer than the Ceed five-door hatchback and Sportswagon (estate). It shares only its bonnet and front wings with the Ceed five-door and at 594 litres, the ProCeed’s boot is 50% bigger.
Niche models within segments are typically more common with premium brands but the ProCeed is yet another embodiment of the ethos of Kia – it’s the brand with ‘the Power to Surprise’! So as such the ProCeed doesn’t have any direct rivals. It’s fair to say that it’s a brave and aspirational move from Kia but hardly surprising judging from their recent form in the shape of the stunning new Stinger GT and a slew of stylish models like the Optima and Ceed.
Sitting alongside the recently launched Ceed hatchback and SW (estate), the new ProCeed will be positioned as a more high-end, prestigious vehicle. To that end, it will be exclusively available in more salubrious GT-line and GT trims.
The cabin is similar to the Ceed with soft touch materials, stylish metallic trim and Kia’s 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits at the centre of the dashboard. But there are a few changes designed to introduce a sportier ambience to the cabin, including a black headliner and D-shaped steering wheel.
Engines for this new model include a 1.0-litre T-GDi (120 ps), 1.4-litre T-GDi (140 ps) and a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine, though we don’t know what will make it to Ireland yet when the car goes on sale here in early 2019.
The ProCeed has been designed and developed exclusively for Europe. According to Kia, it has been engineered to be engaging to drive. Though built on the same ‘K2’ platform as other Ceed models, Kia says that they have fine tuned the suspension geometry to give the ProCeed its own unique agile and responsive character within the Ceed range, along with the comfort that owners would expect of the 'grand touring' shooting brake body.
There will also be a ProCeed GT, a more high performance model powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine producing 204 ps and 265 Nm and uniquely tuned to be the sportiest variant in the range.
The new Kia ProCeed will make its public premiere at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Kia Ireland expects the car to go on sale here in early 2019. Further information and detail on pricing and specifications will be available closer to launch.
Caroline Kidd
Kia Ceed Irish Pricing And Specs
The new Kia Ceed will go on sale in Ireland this August priced from €22,695.
At launch, Kia Ireland will offer four trims for the new Ceed: K2, K3, K4 and K5.
Engines are trim specific and include Kia's 1.0-litre turbo petrol (120hp), a new 1.6-litre diesel (115hp) and a new 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine (140hp).
Diesels are available from €24,995.
The new 1.4-litre petrol is only available in the top level trim and is priced from €28,595.
Safety equipment in the new Kia Ceed like Forward Collision Assist, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning are standard across the range.
Standard equipment on entry level K2 models includes 16” alloys, leather wrapped steering wheel, 7” display, Bluetooth with voice recognition and a reversing camera.
K3 equipment includes LED headlamps and rear lamps, wireless phone charger, electric parking brake, half leather seats and parking sensors.
K4 equipment includes 17” alloys, 8” display, rain sensing wipers and automatic temperature control.
K5 equipment includes leather seats, heated seats front and rear, front ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, Smart key and push button start, blindspot collision warning, and parking distance warning.
There is a seven-year, 150,000km warranty on every model.
The new Kia Ceed arrives after a busy start to the year for Kia with the launch of the Kia Stonic, Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid and the Kia Stinger.
Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Review (2018)
Caroline reviews the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid.
Kia Ireland has expanded the Niro Hybrid range with the new Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV). The new version of Kia’s low emission crossover has the ability to be driven as an electric vehicle for about 40km and plugged in to recharge the battery. This means Niro buyers can now enjoy making even more savings on running costs.
Under the skin, there’s a simple concept: a 1.6-litre petrol engine with the support of an electric motor. Emissions are just 29g CO2 per 100kms meaning the Niro Plug-In Hybrid qualifies for motor tax of just €170 per year.
I drove the Kia Niro Hybrid in December 2016 when the Niro was a new model for Kia in Ireland. The Niro offers buyers interested in a petrol electric hybrid the package of a very fashionable crossover. The car itself is nicely finished and spacious inside with a higher ride height that is very popular at the moment.
The Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid has a list price of €35,995 that includes the €2,500 VRT reduction. However, a further €5,000 reduction is available as the Niro Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) also qualifies for an SEAI grant.
Kia has done well to soften the blow on price with a vehicle that comes across well with generous space for occupants, lots of equipment and a premium finish to the cabin. There’s one trim level and leather seats come as standard as do heated front seats and steering wheel, dual zone air con, reversing camera, and Apple Car Play/Android Auto. There’s also a host of safety equipment on board including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and driver attention warning.
Niro Plug-In Hybrid Is An Efficient Family Crossover
The cabin finish is very nice, one of the most premium in the Kia range with lots of soft touch materials. The Plug-in Hybrid is upholstered in grey leather and finished with blue stitching. There’s a two-tone dashboard with a new blue air vent surround. The layout is also good and easy to navigate. There are three individual seats in the rear and the footwells are deep while the middle passenger gets a flat place to put their feet.
However, the boot space is compromised with the larger battery. There is 324 litres but this is down on the 427 litres in the standard Niro hybrid. A flat loading area makes it practical.
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid has 141hp and 265Nm of torque. But even though it can accelerate from 0-to-100 kmh in 10.8 seconds, the throttle pedal never feels particularly lively. The car does encourage you to drive economically and over a week of driving with some driving in electric mode, my consumption was 4.7l/100km, which I rarely see on a trip computer these days.
There is a sport mode which livens up the throttle and is useful for overtaking. Elsewhere, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid is a quiet, relaxing drive. There’s no real dynamic appeal to the car but it takes on corners resolutely enough.
Intuitive and easy to drive
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid is to be commended for the ease of moving between EV and hybrid modes. The driver information displays on the hybrid system are also some of the best and most intuitive I’ve seen. The central touchscreen will also show you where the nearest EV charging stations are.
I really enjoyed my time with the Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid. It’s a very cleverly packaged hybrid in the desirable shape of a crossover giving it a lot of mainstream appeal. It’s a pity that boot space is a bit below par for a family car but the interior space is still good. The Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid is not cheap to buy but Kia bounces back with a great specification and a well-finished interior. Best of all, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid is properly efficient and with the battery kept topped up real savings can be made on running costs.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
Price: €35,995 (Eligible for further €5000 reduction SEAI grant)
Engine: 1.6-litre petrol with electric motor
Power: 141hp
Torque: 265Nm
0-100km/h: 10.8 seconds
Top speed: 172km/h
CO2 emissions: 29g/km
Motor tax: €170 per year
Kia Motors Ireland Partners With Wallbox For EV Charge Points
Kia Motors Ireland recently partnered with Wallbox, specialists in charging solutions for electric vehicles.
Kia Ireland will roll out Wallbox 22kw fast chargers across its Irish dealer network with installation being carried out by Car Chargers.ie.
The partnership also offers Kia customers the opportunity to purchase their home wallbox charger and arrange installation via their local Kia dealership.
The Wallbox chargers will provide a full battery charge in 2.5 hours, making the choice of purchasing a Plug-In Hybrid or fully electric vehicle easier for customers.
Kia recently added the new Niro Plug-In Hybrid to their range in Ireland.
Kia Stonic Review
The Kia Stonic is a brand new addition to Kia’s range in Ireland and is Kia’s answer to the burgeoning compact crossover segment. Kia already does well with the Kia Sportage SUV in Ireland, while the Niro is an option for buyers looking for a crossover but with an alternative powertrain (the Niro Plug-in Hybrid has just gone on sale).
But the Kia Stonic plugs a gap just above the Rio supermini for a compact SUV, and comes with a choice of petrol or diesel. The new Stonic is based on the Rio and is not much bigger in size but these two are so distinct from eachother, there won’t be any confusion in the dealer showroom. The Stonic bears all the hallmarks of a mini SUV: raised ride height, more aggressive styling, roof rails and extra cladding, but all packaged in a compact frame with a list price kicking off at €18,599.
Granted the Kia Stonic does carry a price premium over the Rio supermini and while it will seat five, don’t be expecting oceans of space inside. Shoulder room up front is adequate and headroom is very generous all round. In the rear there is not much more legroom than in a Rio so a tall passenger seated behind a tall driver will suffer a bit. The boot is 352 litres versus about 325 in the Rio and has a flat loading area.
Inside hard plastics prevail like in most of the rivals but Kia has made the interior a little more interesting with some other materials and a two tone black and grey look. In terms of equipment, the car looks modern with my 1.4-litre K3 spec car (from €22,599) featuring a number of safety features like lane departure warning, and there’s also Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility with the 7” touchscreen infotainment system.
In Ireland the Kia Stonic is offered with a 1.2-litre petrol (84hp), a 1.4-litre petrol (100hp), a new 1.0-litre turbo petrol (120hp) and a 1.6-litre diesel (110hp).
My test car had the 1.4-litre petrol engine. It’s a naturally aspirated petrol engine so lacks the in gear punch of a turbo unit but it keeps the Stonic more affordable and offers adequate power for town, city, motorway and rural road driving. It’s quiet on the move and the Stonic holds the road well with good grip and steering that weights up in corners for greater reassurance behind the wheel. The ride comfort is patchy with a firm note to the suspension being noted over anything other than smooth roads. The little Kia is light and agile to drive, with good refinement at speed.
The Kia Stonic fills a gap in Kia’s range for a compact crossover and arrives with smart styling and a good equipment/pricing position. There’s a of competition in this segment at this time, but with Kia’s track record for selling SUVs, the Stonic should find a very accepting new fanbase.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Kia Stonic 1.4 K3
Price: €22,599 (Range from €18,599)
Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
Power: 100hp
Torque: 133Nm
0-100km/h: 12.6 seconds
Top speed: 172km/h
Economy: 5.5l/100km
CO2 emissions: 125g/km
Motor tax: €270 per year