NIRO FAR-OUT(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 64

Kia's Niro gets a sharper look - and sharper technology in this second generation form. As before, you get a choice of full-Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-EV models. And the car itself, a kind of mix between a family hatch and a Crossover, is a little larger and quite a lot plusher inside. Expect this model to continue to figure amongst Kia's top sellers.

Background word count: 115

Kia today is one of the brands leading the industry's push towards widescale vehicle electrification, something that can be traced back to one model - the Niro. At launch back in 2017, it was basically Kia's version of the Hyundai IONIQ and, like that car, was offered with Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-Electric powertrains. Over 300,000 sales on, this second generation version delivers that too, but gains in dimensions thanks to the adoption of the company's mid-sized K3 platform. It also gets a far more overt look and considerably more upmarket cabin, plus longer driving range for the PHEV variant. Enough to widen its market appeal? It'll be interesting to see. Let's take a look.

Driving Experience word count: 248

Kia has put an awful lot of effort into trying to make the distinctly different three powertrains on offer here distinctly similar to drive. And the one for the self charging Hybrid model looks distinctly similar to before, continuing to use Kia's rather aging 1.6 GDI petrol engine and 6-speed dual clutch auto transmission combo. It's mated to a 1.32kWh battery powered by a 43bhp electric motor and the total output is 139bhp. The Plug-in Hybrid model uses the same drivetrain, but mates it to a larger battery than the one that featured in the first generation Niro PHEV, increased in size from 8.9kWh to 11.1kWh. That pushes EV driving range up to around 40 miles and, thanks to a larger 83bhp electric motor, total output rises to 180bhp. As with the HEV variant, 62mph from rest takes about 10s. Finally, there's a replacement for the old e-Niro, now badged 'Niro EV'. For our market, this model only gets the largest available battery - 64.8kWh - which gives a 287 mile range; and a 201bhp total output means the Niro EV gets to 62mph in just under 8 seconds. Kia says that all variants should handle more sharply, thanks to an improvement in torsional rigidity and various suspension and steering enhancements. The car is also quieter than before thanks to additional insulation and padding, inserted around the vehicle structure. And you can still tow with it, up to 1,300kg with the combustion versions or 750kg with the EV.