Longer, wider and taller than the previous model this Niro has more road presence and features smart light clusters.
In this instalment of John Murdoch’s Drive Time, John tries out the popular Kia Niro, which is available with a choice of powertrains, and discovers that VW is adding plug-in technology to its California Campervan.
The Kia Niro is a compact crossover model that offers a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full EV technology.
Now in its second-generation the Niro is stylish, practical and versatile and boasts good economy, as well as all the latest technology and safety equipment.
This latest model features a redesign from the ground up and a nice interior that offers lots of space and is very comfortable.
It is priced from £30,270 for the hybrid version and £35,435 for the PHEV.
Customers can select from three generous trim levels called ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ and all are value for money.
Longer, wider and taller than the previous model this Niro has more road presence and features smart light clusters, angular ‘heartbeat’ daytime running lights and Kia’s trademark Tiger Face front end.
There is a rear spoiler, roof rails, a sunroof (on some versions), privacy glass and smart alloy wheels to complete its sharp looks.
With more space for passengers and luggage my PHEV 3 model was priced at £37,685 and came with everything you could need.
The interior has a driver-focused cockpit, a curved infotainment setup that is easy to use and the cabin materials are built to last.
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Both the Niro Hybrid and PHEV feature a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired to either a 43bhp (32kW) or 83bhp (62kW) electric motor.
The hybrid produces 139bhp and 265Nm of torque and can deliver a combined 64.2mpg with carbon emissions from 100g/km.
The plug-in hybrid develops 180bhp and 265Nm of torque with CO2 emissions from just 18g/km and up to 40 quiet electric miles.
The performance of the PHEV will be enough for most buyers and it delivers its 168bhp smoothly.
It can reach 60mph in 9.8 seconds before going on to100mph.
It cruises nicely at motorway speeds and is just as happy on twisty country roads where it feels well planted.
The six-speed dual-clutch transmission makes life easy and you can sharpen the dynamics by switching to the Sport mode.
The steering offers good feedback and the suspension deals well with uneven surfaces.
It may not be the fastest model in its class, but it does deliver a nice mix of comfort, performance and space.
You barely notice when it changes from electric to normal power.
You get everything you could want in the 3, including wireless charging, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, four USB ports and stacks more.
The official combined 282.5mpg fuel efficiency figure is only achievable if the full 40-mile EV range is used to its full every day and the car charged regularly.
Charging the Niro PHEV’s battery takes 2 hours, 55 minutes from 15 to 95 per cent on a regular type 2 charger.
The 11.1kWh battery pack is stored beneath the boot floor on the PHEV and the boot can handle 348 litres of kit, increasing to 1342 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats collapsed.
Four adult passengers can travel in comfort and it will take five for shorter journeys.
There is lots of storage space inside the cabin to store smaller items.
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All new Niro models are packed with safety systems and driver assistance aids to help protect occupants and other road users alike.
You get forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection plus junction turning.
There is intelligent speed limit assist, remote smart parking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, smart cruise control with stop-go, highway driving assist and lots more besides.
The Niro is a good all-rounder for family motoring and although there is lots of competition in this class it is well worth sampling before you make your choice.
FAST FACTS:
Price: £37,685.
Mechanical: 1580cc,4cyl, 180bhp petrol-electric plug in hybrid engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox.
Max speed: 100mph.
0-60mph: 9.8 seconds.
Combined mpg: 313.9.
Insurance group: 23.
CO2 emissions: 21g/km.
Bik rating: 12 per cent.
Warranty: Seven years/100,000 miles.
Overall rating (out of 5): 4.8.
In other motoring news, the new California eHybrid 4MOTION, the first plug-in hybrid variant of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ iconic campervan, will cost from £71,295 when it arrives this summer.
With an electrified powertrain that uses a 1.5 TSI engine it has a combined power output of 245ps, an EV range of up to 54 miles and a towing capacity of up to 1.6 tonnes.
Three trim levels will be offered – Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean – and the new eHybrid California benefits from the same flexibility as the petrol and diesel variants with two sliding doors as standard for easy entry and exit.
There is also a redesigned kitchen and external folding table.
The Beach Camper 245ps eHybrid 1.5 TSI 4MOTION is available with zero per cent APR from £739 per month on a 48-month, 10,000-mile Hire Purchase agreement from Volkswagen Financial Services.
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