Mileage: 832
Economy: 51.2mpg
Electric cars might be the flavour of the month, but until charging stations are fast enough – and plentiful enough – there will always be motorists who lack the confidence to take the plunge.
While EVs are generally recognised as ‘the future’, it’s not hard to understand the appeal of hybrids such as the Kia Niro that’s just joined our fleet, with its low tailpipe emissions and impressive on-paper fuel economy. Blending hybrid technology with a crossover body could well be enough to give the Toyota Prius (the world’s biggest-selling hybrid) a bit of a scare.
Kia isn’t messing about with its first-ever dedicated hybrid. The Niro promises much: up to 74.3mpg and a low 88g/km CO2 output all wrapped up in a practical bodyshell that slots neatly between the Cee’d hatchback and Sportage crossover in size.
Yet while those models are strikingly handsome, the Niro is rather more prosaic. It’s not ugly; it simply lacks visual impact. Fortunately, it’s rather more impressive underneath, using an all-new platform developed exclusively for electrified vehicles.
Under the bonnet sits a 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 43bhp electric motor, driving the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, rather than the kind of CVT auto more commonly found in hybrids. Performance isn’t dazzling; the Niro takes 11.1 seconds to cover 0-60mph, while top speed is a mere 101mph. What’s of more interest to would-be owners, though, is its economy.
My average has fallen from an initial 63mpg to 51mpg over the first 800 miles, which is still respectable. However, some rough acceleration has indicated a problem and is about to prompt a visit to the dealer.
Unusually, there was no need to dig deep on the options list when we placed our Niro order. David Charlson, dealer principle at Romford Kia in Essex, outlined the standard spec, which includes a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Bluetooth and DAB, Android Auto connectivity and a rear parking camera. That’s a fair level of kit fitted to a relatively spacious car costing £22,795. The options are limited as a result; £545 Temptation Red metallic paint is our test car’s only non-standard item.
This equipment contributes towards the Kia’s trump card: its everyday usability. It’s easy to drive, while the hybrid powertrain delivers decent performance and a relaxing feel helped by the electric motor’s assistance, adding extra torque off the line for a smooth getaway. Visibility is excellent, and apart from a bit of wind noise the Niro is quiet and relatively refined on the move.
The ergonomics are good, too, so getting in and out is easy, while the doors open wide to aid the fitting of child seats. Perhaps the only problem is the boot. At 373 litres with the underfloor storage, it’s certainly not small, but it’s tall rather than deep. On a big family shop, you may find yourself stacking bags on top of each other.
*Insurance quote (below) provided by AA (0800 107 0680) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three points.
- Model: Kia Niro 2
- On fleet since: December 2016
- Price new: £22,795
- Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl hybrid, 139bhp
- C02/tax: 88g/km/£0
- Options: Metallic paint (£545)
- Insurance*: Group: 12/Quote: £604
- Mileage: 832
- Economy: 51.2mpg
- Any problems?: Lumpy idle when cold