First test drive Kia Niro 2022: fully electrified, now with more technology

Following the success of the previous generation, with more than 350,000 units sold (almost a third of them exclusively electric), the new edition modernises its exterior look, now with a family resemblance recently shown by the Sportage and carried over to the new Niro.

Both the full hybrid (HEV) and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are powered by the 1.6 GDI petrol engine, while the Kia e-Niro, a pure electric, features a 150 kW (204 CV) motor and a 64.8 kWh battery, capable of delivering a range of up to 460 km (combined cycle WLTP).

More modern

It is based on the third generation of the “K” platform of Kia, designed to accommodate different propulsion systems, with increased torsional rigidity and a weight reduction of 6% compared with the previous-generation chassis, i.e. 20.3 kg less.

It does not change substantially in size, as it offers a length of 4.42 m (+65 mm), a width of 1.82 m (+25 mm), a height of 1.57 m and a wheelbase of 2.72 m, 20 mm more than the previous-generation model. Although these dimensions barely grow, the new arrangement of components improves the proportions of the cabin and the storage capacity.

The fully updated exterior design resembles the latest-generation Sportage at the front, with the characteristic “Tiger Face” nose, and bodywork improvements have allowed the drag coefficient (Cx) to drop to 0.29. The 100% electric version is distinguished from the petrol PHEV and HEV versions by its closed grille, which now includes the charging inlet in the centre of the front grille, and by a steel-grey painted side protection. It also features a specific treatment for the lower part of the grille and the bumper, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels exclusive to this version.

For the new edition, nine exterior colours are available: green, white, pearl white, black, mineral blue, metallic grey, orange, red and steel grey. Further customisation options include the choice of different colours for the C-pillar and three different finishes for the protections depending on the equipment level and propulsion system, which expands the offering to 32 different combinations.

Very practical

The new generation debuts a completely redesigned, much more modern and digitalised cabin, with two adjoining screens and no frame, measuring 10.2 inches, to control the driving and infotainment systems, using the multi-mode controls known from the brand’s latest products, such as the EV6 or the Sportage. In addition, it can incorporate a Head-up Display projecting speed, navigation instructions and safety systems. Compared with the previous Niro, there is also some extra space for occupants and luggage.

The hybrid version claims 451 litres of boot space, which with the rear seats folded down reaches 1,445 litres; in the case of the plug-in hybrid PHEV, it drops to 348 litres and 1,342 with the seats folded, while the pure electric offers 475 litres, expandable to 1,392 litres. In addition, this version has 20 extra litres under the bonnet, in “frunk” style, enough to store the charging cables.

Regarding safety systems, the new edition offers a emergency braking assistance system with audible and visual warning, and brake intervention if the system detects an imminent possible collision. It also features a speed limit assistant – based on traffic signs and the navigation system – to adjust speed; lane-keeping assist, fatigue detection system, automatic headlight assist, blind-spot detection, parking camera, or a rear cross-traffic collision prevention assistant.

Also new is the remote parking system with key for parking at a distance in tight spaces, and the safe exit assistant, which warns if a vehicle is approaching from behind and prevents rear passengers from opening the door.

In the case of the EV, additional functions are offered, such as start and end of charging control or remote climate settings from the Kia Connect app. As in the EV6, the battery can be used to power external electrical devices with a maximum output of 3 kW via a V2L socket installed at the charging inlet, capable of supplying 220-volt current to any device.

All electrified

All versions are electrified, as in the previous edition of the Niro. The plug-in hybrid PHEV versions (11.1 kWh battery) and full hybrid HEV versions (1.32 kWh battery) feature a 1.6 GDI petrol engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (6DCT), which saves 2.3 kg and improves consumption by 0.62%. Reverse is operated exclusively by the electric motor.

The conventional hybrid claims a maximum output of 141 CV combined with the four-cylinder 1.6 GDI with a 32 kW electric motor. The plug-in hybrid PHEV improves substantially on the previous edition; it now features a 62 kW electric motor, claims a combined output of 183 CV, and is capable of delivering an exclusively electric range of up to 65 km.

It offers an interesting new feature: the intelligent “Green Zones” propulsion mode in the PHEV versions, which selects the electric-powered operating mode in specific areas, using the navigation system’s location and driving patterns as reference. Urban areas or roads near schools or hospitals are designated as Green Zones: there the vehicle automatically switches to electric propulsion to eliminate exhaust emissions, although the driver can also intervene in Green Zone mode by registering certain addresses where they wish to eliminate emissions.

The Niro EV, 100% electric, uses the permanent-magnet electric motor from the previous generation, rated at 150 kW (204 CV), but now paired only with the higher-capacity battery (64.8 kWh), allowing it to deliver up to 460 km (WLTP). It claims a consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km, a top speed of 167 km/h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.

Fast charging

As for the charging system, the pure electric version can go from 10 to 80% battery in 43 minutes with a DC charger at 100 kW, under optimal conditions. When a DC charging point is selected as the destination, if the temperature is low, the system uses battery conditioning to preheat it.

For plug-in hybrid and electric users, the Kia Charge system is offered, with access to 350,000 charging stations and usage plans depending on charging needs, including use of Ionity stations at preferential prices.

Very pleasant

The hybrid version, with a 1.6 GDi engine and 32 kW electric motor, provides a maximum output of 141 CV, claiming a combined consumption of 4.4 l/100 km, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km in 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 165 km/h. It is especially pleasant because, although the electric contribution is not striking, it does achieve an increase in torque response from the engine and is capable of propelling the vehicle in electric mode for about two km on flat terrain.

The plug-in hybrid PHEV variant, heavier (1,610 kg kerb weight), keeps the previous 1.6 GDi combustion engine, but improves the electric unit with a 62 kW motor and an 11.1 kWh battery, so the combined output rises now to 183 CV, a figure that already allows a higher level of dynamism and notable performance, with 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 168 km/h. Although it claims an official average consumption of 1.0 l/100 km, real-world journeys can be around 5 l/100 km. In this case, the electric contribution is much more substantial and allows travel at a speed of up to 135 km/h without the combustion engine starting, provided there is energy stored in the battery. In fact, it promises a range of up to 65 km in electric mode on the open road and up to 84 km in town. It features Eco and Sport driving modes, with three different levels of regenerative braking managed through paddles on the steering wheel.

The 100% electric variant, the most enjoyable to drive, does not change its mechanical components from the previous edition, although it is now only offered with the higher-output battery variant (64.8 kWh) and 150 kW (204 CV) motor. It is a very efficient motor that promises a consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km on the WLTP cycle, allowing it to homologate up to 460 km of combined-cycle range and up to 600 km in urban use. It promises an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 167 km/h.

Its operation is especially smooth in any of the driving modes it offers: Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow, which modifies power management to prioritise efficiency, performance or grip in difficult conditions. It also features steering-wheel paddles and i-pedal function, which increases regenerative braking when the accelerator pedal is lifted and helps make driving very easy in corners by avoiding use of the brake pedal in most cases.

Range and prices

The range is set across three mechanical versions, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric, in three trim levels, named Concept, Drive and Emotion. The range starts with the Niro 1.6 HEV Concept, priced at 30,200 euros, although it can take advantage of a financing plan, in which case the invoice drops to 24,400 euros.

In the case of the 1.6 PHEV Concept, the price starts at 38,600 euros, although through the financing plan it can be acquired for 27,600 euros, while the pure electric EV, starting at 42,250 euros, can drop to 30,200 euros with the benefits of financing and the Plan Moves III. In all cases, the battery warranty is 7 years or 150,000 km.

Technical specifications of this car

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