In the new Kia Niro family, here is the most affordable of the three versions present on the French market: the non-rechargeable hybrid. Test of this high-tech and frugal model which adopts a stronger design for its second generation.
Car tested: Kia Niro Hybrid Premium DCT6
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From€36,590
no bonus |
The second generation of the Kia Niro retains its compact crossover format (4.42 m, up slightly), but what an evolution in exterior and interior design! Kia’s best-seller is transfigured with its LED lighting signature and its high and very thin grille. Its more assertive personality attracts the attention of German motorists crossed on our test route near Frankfurt. Pretty good sign.
Inside, there is an all-screen package already seen on the EV6 and Sportage, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system and very comprehensive equipment.
The 2022 Kia Niro is powered by three engines: a 100% electric, a 183 hp plug-in hybrid and a simple hybrid that interests us here. The latter is the most affordable. It also offers an efficient technical definition with a level of CO2 down 10% from the previous generation. Its 105 g/km thus largely protects the vehicle from any ecological malus. This hybrid Niro combines a 105 hp 1.6 petrol engine with a 32 kW electric unit and a small 1.32 kWh battery. The cumulative power is 141 hp, while the approved consumption is between 4.4 and 4.6 l/100 km.
Price Kia Niro hybrid 2022
The Niro hybrid is the most affordable of the range, we said. Priced at €31,790 in the basic Motion livery, it already displays generous equipment: adaptive cruise control, assisted driving in traffic jams, reversing camera… Above all, it shows itself €6,200 cheaper than the plug-in hybrid model equivalent finish, taking into account the latter’s bonus. It’s not nothing…
Interesting in Active at €33,990 (semi-autonomous driving, modular boot floor, 10.25-inch screen and GPS), the Niro hybrid is downright attractive in Premium at €36,590 like our test model. This last level integrates the double giant screen of 10.25 inches, the 18-inch rims and the electric tailgate (see the complete list of equipment at the end of the article). All Niro also benefit from the generous Kia guarantee of 7 years and 150,000 km, a real asset.
Driving
In town, the Niro hybrid shows great smoothness with its starts in electric mode and a beautiful operating silence. A feature called Green Zone makes it possible to automatically favor occasional electric driving when possible, such as in the city center or when approaching your home. Coupling with the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is successful. It allows this hybrid to spare passengers’ ears the high revs of models equipped with CVTs during restarts, as is the case with Toyota. With a vehicle mass limited to 1.5 t, the powertrain performance of 141 hp and 265 Nm proves sufficient for family use. In normal driving, alternating steep paths, sections of motorways and urban roads, we achieved an average of just over 6 l/100 km, which is very correct but not exceptional.
In Eco mode, the paddles on the steering wheel control the level of recovery when lifting the foot; a usual function in electric but rarer on hybrid models. It is better to focus on the first two levels because the third frankly lacks softness when entering into action. It is also possible to come to a complete stop by maintaining pressure on the paddle. Changing the driving mode on a dedicated button on the steering wheel allows you to switch to Sport mode, which changes the functionality of the paddles. These are then used to shift gears manually. But the term sport is much exaggerated because the possibility of choosing the gear engaged according to the engine speed is really limited, and the performances remain average.
Even leaving the system to automatically manage the gear changes, the heat engine is then put forward too much, increasing the noise level and consumption more than the sensations. In short, it is better to take the Niro HEV for what it is, a hybrid designed for smooth, economical driving, which it does very well in Eco mode. This also fits better with the road behavior of the vehicle, more focused on comfort than on dynamism and served by a direction lacking in feeling. We just note a somewhat firm suspension at low speed, the 18-inch wheels of our top-of-the-range version not helping on this point.
On board
competition
With its size placing it between urban SUVs and compact SUVs, the Niro hybrid has few real direct competitors. The Hyundai Kona or Renault Captur, for example, shorter by 20 cm, have smaller spaces and trunks. The Suzuki S-Cross (4.30 m) comes in hybrid, but with a lower power (115 hp). The Toyota C-HR, a little less powerful (122 hp), offers a similar format but it is less suitable for family use. At the end of its life cycle, however, it is sold with promotions making its prices more attractive. As for the Honda HR-V e:HEV, despite a more compact size and significantly reduced trunk volume, it can be considered a real alternative to the Korean hybrid crossover with its particularly successful hybrid technology.
Kia Niro Hybrid 2022 test report
Kia achieves an excellent compromise with this second hybrid Niro of the name. It is the cheapest and easiest to use in the range (no recharging to program). It is also capable of low consumption if it is used as it should be, that is to say with a smooth ride. For the sensations at the wheel, we will come back. On the other hand, the dose of technology is there thanks to the new interior. The space on board well calibrated for four adults, the comfort of good quality and the rich equipment complete the rather flattering picture of this hybrid crossover.
WE love
- Controlled consumption
- Interior design and presentation
- Equipment, price and guarantee
We regret
- Average performance
- Steering without much feeling
- The 100% tactile that can confuse
Kia Niro hybrid 2022 technical sheet
| Dimensions and weight | |
| Length | 4.42m |
| Width without mirrors | 1.82m |
| Height | 1.54m |
| Wheelbase | 2.72m |
| Trunk volume | 451 to 1,445 liters |
| Tank volume | n/a |
| Tires on test model | 225/45 R18 |
| Unloaded weight | 1474kg |
| Powers and performance | |
| Heat engine type | gasoline, 4 cylinders, 1,580 cc3 |
| Power and torque | 105 hp – 147 Nm |
| Electric motor power and torque | 43.5 hp – 170 Nm |
| Maximum cumulative power | 141 hp |
| Cumulative torque | 265Nm |
| Transmission | to the front wheels |
| Gearbox | dual-clutch, 6-speed |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 10.4s |
| Maximum speed | 165 km/h |
| CO2 – Bonuses – Guarantee | |
| CO emissions2 | 100 to 105 g/km |
| Mixed WLTP consumption | 4.4 to 4.6 l/100km |
| Bonuses 2022 | none |
| Fiscal power | 5 hp |
| Guarantee | 7 years, 150,000 km |
| country of production | South Korea |
Prices and equipment Kia Niro Hybrid
- Motion: €31,790
Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Automatic lighting of lights
Smart high beams
Electric parking brake
Reversing camera
Rear parking sensors
Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
Semi-autonomous driving in traffic jams
8-inch central touch screen
LED front and rear daytime running lights
Sign recognition
16 inch alloy wheels
- Active: €33,990
in addition
Keyless entry and start
Automatic wipers
10.25-inch central touch screen
Navigation (with 7 years of updates)
Semi-autonomous driving on the highway
Front parking radars
Mixed fabric/artificial leather upholstery
LED fog lights
Electrically folding exterior mirrors
Lacquered black roof rails
Carbon finish inserts on the dashboard
- Premium: €36,590
in addition
10.25 inch digital dashboard
Full LED front headlights
18-inch alloy wheels
Electric and heated front seats
Power tailgate with hands-free opening
Artificial leather upholstery
Inductive smartphone charger
Heated steering wheel
Aluminum finish pedals and door sills
Options
Metallic paint: €650
Pearly white paint (on Active and Premium): €750
Contrasting rear pillar (on Active and Premium): €400
Comfort Pack (electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, induction charger, hands-free electric tailgate – on Active): €1,000
DriveWise Park pack (remote parking assistance, collision avoidance system with blind spot detection, rear traffic detection system – on Premium): €1,000
Harman Kardon audio system (on Premium): €500
