ECO range from Kia: hybrids and electrics for everyone

Kia plans to launch 16 electrified models by 2025. For now, its ECO range already includes one electric car, the Kia Soul, an SUV with two hybrid versions, the Kia Niro, and a plug-in hybrid saloon, the Kia Optima.

Little by little, Kia has positioned itself as one of the brands with the broadest offer of electrified versions. Under the ECO name, this range of especially eco-friendly models from Kia includes the Soul as the representative of 100 per cent electric cars, the plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Niro SUV and the Kia Optima saloon, and the Kia Niro hybrid.

The brand’s plans include launching up to 16 new electrified vehicles by 2025, among which is a new car with fuel cell technology powered by hydrogen, which is just around the corner: in 2020. But while all this arrives, let’s review Kia’s current offer.

Kia Niro HEV and PHEV: hybrid SUV with and without a plug

The first hybrid SUV from Kia has been widely accepted. No wonder: there are still not many cars in this category with hybrid technology, and none with its value for money.

It uses a 1.6 GDI petrol engine assisted by a 32 kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 141 CV. The official average consumption is 3.8 l/100 km, with CO2 emissions of 88 g/km. As with the Hyundai IONIQ hybrid, with which it shares the hybrid powertrain, the transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The result is a car with very comfortable driving that is genuinely efficient in town, though it can also use very little fuel on the open road.

Kia announces a hybrid Niro with a price – with all available discounts applied – from 19,900 euros, in the entry-level Concept trim. Above it sit the Drive (22,250 euros) and the Emotion (25,370 euros). Above that is the new plug-in version of the hybrid Niro, the Kia Niro PHEV. At the same trim level it costs around 4,000 euros more. And what do you get? A car already with all the advantages of the DGT ECO label. With a 44.5 kW electric motor and 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer batteries, the Kia Niro PHEV offers an electric-mode range of some 60 km. If you can plug it in, keep an eye on the Niro PHEV, one of the most interesting hybrids on the market today.

Kia Optima PHEV

The Optima PHEV was the first plug-in hybrid model from Kia. It went on sale at the end of 2016, and since then it has kept a privileged position among saloons of this size offered with this technology, standing out for a lower price than its rivals.

Available from around 41,000 euros with discounts, the Kia Optima PHEV uses a hybrid system combining a 156 CV 2.0 GDI engine with a 68 CV electric motor. System output reaches 205 CV, with an official average consumption of 1.6 l/100 km, since the Optima PHEV can cover more than 50 km in electric mode on a charge of its 9.8 kWh lithium-polymer batteries.

Kia Soul EV: an electric SUV for the city

The first, and so far only, electric car from Kia remains the Kia Soul EV, which in its 2018 version has increased battery capacity from 27 to 30 kWh. This lets the Kia electric SUV go from an official range of 212 km to 250 km. The remaining changes affect styling details – a new grille – modifications to the energy recovery system to make it more efficient, and fitting of low rolling-resistance Michelin tyres.

With the current promotions applied by the brand, the Kia Soul EV remains well placed in the ranking of the 10 cheapest electric cars on the market. Its current price is 23,900 euros, including the batteries.