Always faithful to a fully electrified range, the second generation of the Kia Niro arrives from this summer. The Korean compact SUV is changing its style to face increasingly fierce competition. We boarded its fully electric version, dubbed the Niro EV.
Like the Hyundai Ioniq sedan, the Kia Niro is one of the very first models to be available around a fully electrified range. By declining this concept on the scale of a compact SUV, displayed at relatively reasonable prices, the Korean manufacturer puts its finger on a small gold mine with particularly relevant positioning. Arrived on the market in 2016 with a classic hybrid, the Niro added a rechargeable version in 2017, then a fully electric model in 2018, perfectly in line with the expectations of the moment.
Success is not long in coming. Six years after its launch, no less than 310,000 Niro have found buyers in Europe. It even offers itself the luxury of being the best-selling Kia in France for the year 2021, with almost 9,500 copies sold, including 6,300 all-electric. What to point to the 44th places sales of private vehicles in France. However, there is no question of resting on its laurels since more and more competition is investing in this juicy niche. The Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq and other Toyota BZ4X which has just pointed the end of their hood may steal the show, even if they are a little larger.
A more assertive style
After six years of good and loyal service, the Niro is renewed. It is based on the latest K3 platform 20 kg lighter compared to its predecessor. As always, its battery nests under the rear seats on the hybrid versions marketed next June, or under the floor in the case of the all-electric version, scheduled for July. This second generation increases its wheelbase by 2 cm (i.e. 2.72 m in total), grows by 65 mm (i.e. 4.42 m long) widens by 35 mm (i.e. 1.825 m) and gains 35 mm under the fathom (i.e. 1.57m). Its dimensions position it as a small compact SUV. The Niro therefore cohabits at Kia with a more imposing Sportage, whose more upscale positioning and the absence of an all-electric version limits the risk of cannibalization.
Faced with the very wise style of the first generation, the new Niro opposes a more assertive look. Its gaping face, its light signature in the shape of a “heart rate” or its boomerang rear lights evoke a real change, but it is above all its profile that differentiates it from its predecessor. By swapping its third side window for a C-pillar in a customizable color, it happily beefs up its game and bets on sturdiness. The electric EV version presented here is distinguished from hybrids by its closed grille and its redesigned front bumper. Without forgetting the wheel arches, side and lower protections entirely gray. Its squarer lines do not prevent it from offering a CX of only 0.29. All that remains is to choose from the nine colors available: Cityscape Green, Celeste White, Pearly White, Ebony Black, Mineral Blue, Cosmic Grey, Orange Delight, Magma Red or Comete Grey.
Full screen
In the cabin, the Niro makes its digital revolution and takes up an interface in the spirit of those of the Sportage and the EV6. A large 10.25-inch digital panel acts as a fully customizable instrument cluster. Added to its extension is a touch screen of the same size which integrates the other functions. As always, the limitation of classic commodos to the bare minimum can complicate ergonomics, but the touch strip nestled on the central console below the screens makes it easier to find your way around. It groups together the air conditioning controls and the various shortcut menus.
True to a trend increasingly used by manufacturers, the interior of the Niro benefits from “eco-responsible” materials. The roof lining is made from recycled wallpaper, the seat upholstery is in vegan leather on the upscale versions and the fabric of the very light luggage cover is made from 75% recycled fibres. The modern presentation is pleasing to the eye but the plastics of the storm doors coated with a paint without VOC (volatile organic compound) are a bit cheap.
Space for all
The Niro’s 2cm longer wheelbase benefits rear passengers who can extend their legs sufficiently. The habitability is quite correct in the category, but occupants must contend with a firm bench seat. In addition, the floor raised by the installation of the batteries limits the seat height and gives tall people the impression of having their “knees in their chin”. A frequent fault on electric vehicles.
According to Kia, the trunk of the Niro EV gobbles up 445 liters of luggage and gains 24 liters compared to the old model. The adjustable floor makes it possible to use the maximum volume in the low position or to free up a flat surface, in the high position, once the rear seatbacks have been folded down. The maximum load volume can reach up to 1,392 l, a loss of 13 l compared to previously. The carrying capacity of the classic hybrid ranges from 451 (+ 15 l) to 1,445 l (+ 11 l). That of the rechargeable hybrid which has to deal with a battery that encroaches on its volume reaches 348 (+ 24 l) and 1,342 l (+ 20 l) respectively.
Subtly revised engines
Under the hood, the Niro uses the same 105 hp 1.6 four-cylinder on its hybrid versions. The six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is still fitted as standard, but it now loses its reverse gear, which is now operated by the electric motor. Driven by a 1.32 kWh battery, that of the hybrid version is limited to 32 kW (43 hp), for an unchanged cumulative power of 141 hp. That of the rechargeable version is, on the other hand, more powerful than previously and goes from 44.5 kW (60.5 hp) to 62 kW (84 hp), with a cumulative 183 hp. Helped further by a battery which now reaches 11.1 kWh (8.9 kWh on the old Niro), the all-electric range now reaches 65 km and gains 16 km. It is therefore the plug-in hybrid that is evolving the most.
Unlike the old model, the new electric Niro now only retains its most exclusive version and the small 39.2 kWh battery disappears from the catalog. Its permanent magnet synchronous motor always transmits its 204 hp to the front wheels. Its battery capacity, which goes from 64 to 64.8 kWh, is changing in an anecdotal way. Its autonomy therefore gains 8 small kilometers in all to reach 463 km. It accepts direct current fast charging, up to 72 kW. The main novelty lies in its V2L technology. Borrowed from the big sister EV6, it can charge other electrical devices through its own battery.
An almost autonomous Niro
Like its competitors, the Niro full of driving aids (ADAS) listed below.
- Help to keep in line LKA
- Driving assistance in traffic jams LFA
- HDA Highway Driving Assist
- Driver Vigilance Alert (DAW)
- Automatic high beams (HBA)
- GPS-coupled adaptive cruise control (NSCC-C)
- Collision Avoidance System with Blind Spot Detection (BCA)
- Reversing camera (RVM)
- Rear traffic detection system with braking function (RCCA)
- Remote parking assistance system
The final prices of this latest Niro are not yet known. Remember that those of the current hybrid version range between 29,190 and 34,290 € and those of the rechargeable hybrid, between 36,190 and 41,290 €. The 64 kW electric model is available in a fixed price range between 36,900 and 42,990 €. Its replacement should be at values close to or very slightly up. In a few months, the new Niro will highlight its reasonable size in a compact SUV niche that continues to grow.
Technical sheet Kia Niro
| Niro Hybrid | Niro PHEV | Niro EV | |
| L x W x H (m) | 4.42×1.82×1.57 | ||
| Wheelbase (m) | 2.72 | ||
| Trunk volume (l) | 451 / 1,445 liters | 451 / 1,445 liters | 475 / 1,392 liters |
| Empty weight (kg) | 1490 | 1610 | 1739 |
| Thermal motor | four-cylinder petrol | – | |
| Displacement | 1580cc | – | |
| Power and torque | 105 hp and 147 Nm | – | |
| electric motor | 43 hp | 84 hp | 204 hp |
| Cumulative power | 141 hp | 183 hp | 204 hp |
| Gearbox | 6-speed dual clutches | 1 report | |
| Transmission | To the front wheels | ||
| Battery capacity | 1.32 kWh | 11.1 kWh | 64.8 kWh |
| Advertised electric range (km) | n/a | 65 | 463 |
