KIA

KIA NIRO ESTATE 1.6 GDi PHEV 2 5dr DCT

Fuel

FuelPetrol/PlugIn Elec Hybrid

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph9.6s

EC Combined (mpg)

EC Combined-

You may well know the Kia Niro as a Hybrid and if so, you're probably also aware that it can be a full-EV too. You may not though, know that you can additionally have it in a form in which it could be argued you get the best of both worlds. That's the Plug-in Hybrid variant we look at here.

A NICER SORT OF NIRO?

Kia's second generation Niro Plug-in Hybrid is quite a complete package in second generation form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

You may well know the Kia Niro as a Hybrid and if so, you're probably also aware that it can be a full-EV too. You may not though, know that you can additionally have it in a form in which it could be argued you get the best of both worlds. That's the Plug-in Hybrid variant we look at here.

Background

If you're set on electrification for your next family hatchback or small SUV, it's hard to make the right decision on which approach is best. If you've (rightly) rejected mild hybrid powerplants as being more hype than substance, that leaves you with full-Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid or full-EV options. And trying different cars with these different approaches might understandably merely leave you somewhat confused. It'd be a lot easier wouldn't it, if the same design from the same brand offered all three options and you could try them back to back, un-influenced by other factors. The Kia Niro allows you to do just that. We're now in this model second generation and in this form, it's a good deal more sassy than the somewhat conservative original. Currently, most Niro customers go straight for either the Hybrid or the EV versions, without looking properly at the PHEV model we're considering here. Is that a mistake? Let's see.

Driving Experience

We had hoped that this second generation Niro Plug-in Hybrid model's significant increase in battery size (from 8.9kWh to 11.1kWh) might have brought a greater increase in EV driving range. In the event, it's risen to around 40 miles with this second generation model (up from around 36 miles with the last versions of its predecessor). As before, you get a more powerful electric motor than the one in the ordinary Niro Hybrid - it's 83bhp in this PHEV. But the familiar 1.6 GDI normally aspirated petrol engine it works with is much the same and in this form puts out 180bhp via a 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox to the front wheels. Take off is smooth and if you flex your right foot enough to try and match the quoted 0-62mph time of 9.6 seconds, the petrol engine will kick in quite quickly with a noticeable thrum. Best to relax the throttle a bit and go with the flow: it's certainly not worth regularly using the provided 'Sport' mode, which brings heavier steering and wakes the petrol engine up a bit earlier. The 'Sport' setting also changes the functionality of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which aren't fitted with base '2'-spec trim. Where included, the paddles are usually used to allow you to switch brake regeneration modes. In 'Sport', they become gearshift paddles. In town when you're merely using the e-motor, this Niro feels pleasantly smooth and refined and the electric motor masks some of the delay when the 6-speed DCT gearbox is required to kick down. If you're a tower and need some element of proper EV motoring, this PHEV Niro variant makes far more sense than the EV version because towing capacity rises from 750kg to 1,300kg.

Design and Build

At first glance, unless you spotted the badge-work, you'd probably mistake this Niro Plug-in Hybrid for the full-EV version - or possibly for the self charging Hybrid model if you failed to spot the extra charging flap. Subtlety, as ever with a PHEV, is the key note here. But it isn't the key note of this second generation Niro model's styling, which is a good deal more extrovert than that of its rather dull-looking predecessor, particularly if you avoid this base-trimmed version and stretch instead to top '4'-spec, which gains a rather overt coloured blade covering the C-pillar. At 4,420mm long, 1,825mm wide and up to 1,570 high, the clean-sheet redesign of this MK2 Niro is formulated on Kia's third-generation 'K3' platform. Inside, the dash you get depends a lot on how much you've spent. The base '2'-spec model makes do with Kia's more basic 4.2-inch supervision colour cluster instrument display and an older-tech 8-inch centre touchscreen. Further up the range, the car gains the smarter twin 10.25-inch displays this fascia was rather obviously better designed for. There's a more old-fashioned gear stick than you get in other Niros but this Plug-in Hybrid does share with its stablemates this central touch-sensitive strip, which hosts either the climate controls or the infotainment system hotkeys, depending which of its two display settings you've chosen. All the right eco boxes are ticked too, thanks to a cabin headliner made from recycled wallpaper and faux-leather upholstery fashioned from a 'bio PU' material containing healing eucalyptus oil. As with the previous generation Niro, the seating position is a fraction higher than the norm and across the range, the seats are well upholstered and supportive for longer journeys. There's plenty of cabin storage space too. Thanks to 20mm more wheelbase length with this MK2 model, there's now space in the rear for a couple of six footers. And you get more boot space; 348-litres in this PHEV, though that compares poorly to the 451-litres you get in the HEV Hybrid and the 495-litre capacity of the Niro EV.

Market and Model

Prices for the Niro Plug-in Hybrid now open at just over £34,500, which gets you the entry-level '2'-spec version. You'll need over £37,000 for mid-range '3'-spec and over £40,000 for the top-spec '4' version. These figures represent a premium of around £6,000 over a non-plug-in Niro Hybrid; but you're looking at a saving of around £3,000 over an equivalently-specced full-electric Niro EV. Choose this Niro Plug-in Hybrid in base '2'-spec trim and you'll have noted from the list pricing we gave earlier that there's quite a saving to be made. Bear in mind though that if you do that, you'll do without the 18-inch alloy wheels and useful gearshift and brake regen paddles fitted further up the range. As we mentioned in our 'Design' section, with this base '2'-spec, you'll also have to accept a considerably lower standard of media tech, with an 8-inch centre screen that can't be paired with the useful 'Kia Connect' app. Further up the line-up, the 'Kia Connect'-compatible 10.25-inch centre screen is standard and top '4'-spec trim pairs it with a more advanced digital instrument cluster display of the same size. Along with a 10-inch head-up display which projects vital driving information, including speed, ADAS data and navigation commands, directly onto the front windscreen. Across the range, safety kit includes 'Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist', 'Lane Keep Assist' and 'Lane Follow Assist', Should you happen to hit something, a 'Multi-Collison Brake' set-up works after an impact, braking the car so that it's less likely to go on and hit something else. There's also a High Beam Assist' system to automatically dip your headlights at night.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the battery range figure for this PHEV model in our 'Driving Experience' section - around 40 miles. More than enough for a driver to complete the average daily commute in the UK. Topping up the Niro PHEV's 11.1kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to full takes two hours 55 minutes using a 3.3kW garage wallbox. Insurance is group 23A - or 24A for top-spec '4' trim. The official (pie in the sky) combined consumption fuel figure is 353.1mpg and the CO2 reading is between 18 and 22g/km, the latter removing the need for initial VED road tax payments. There's now some clever efficiency tech too. An 'Intelligent Green Zone' Drive Mode automates the use of electric power by taking location guidance from the navigation system, driving pattern learning or manual driver input. Built-up areas or roads nearby schools and hospitals are designated as Green Zones, and the vehicle automatically switches to electric-only driving to reduce the exhaust emissions to zero in these environments. The customer can also take control of Green Zones along the route by setting other areas in which they wish to reduce their vehicle's emissions, such as around their neighbourhood. The Niro PHEV debuts Hyundai Motor Group's very first 5.5kWh high-volt Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for Plug-in Hybrid models, extending the electric driving range in colder conditions. The self-regulated ceramic elements provide cabin heating to complement the vehicle's heating core and ensure a continuous flow of warm air.

Summary

You can see why this Plug-in Hybrid model takes such a small proportion of Niro sales. The ordinary self-charging Hybrid variant gives you strong economy without the faff of plugging in. And if you are going to plug in, why not go full zero emissions with the Niro EV? It's not quite as simple as that though. Spiralling fuel prices make filling up a self charging Niro Hybrid ever more expensive. And the disappointingly patchy current UK EV public charging infrastructure could deliver range anxiety whenever you venture further afield in a Niro EV. Such are the reasons for the continuing popularity of PHEVs and amongst cars of this genre in this price bracket, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid certainly has appeal. Particularly in this second generation guise with its significantly larger battery. It's pricier than we'd hoped it would be - but unfortunately nearly all its competitors are too. At least there's a bit more 'want one' factor this time round. Un-plug and play? That concept might make a bit more sense with one of these.

  • Rear wiper
  • Heated rear window with timer
  • Solar glass
  • Automatic defog system
  • Windscreen Washer Level Warning
  • All round electric windows with drivers auto up/down function
  • Acoustic windshield

  • Electric parking brake with auto hold function
  • Hill start assist control (HAC)
  • Electronic stability control
  • Traction control
  • Anti-lock brake system

  • E-call
  • Apple car play/Android Auto with voice control

  • Intelligent speed limit assist
  • Adaptive smart cruise control function (SCC) with stop and go
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) - City/Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction turning
  • Drive mode selector
  • Lane keep assist
  • Emergency stop signalling system
  • Reversing camera
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA)
  • Motor driven power steering

  • Engine start/stop button
  • Tailgate

  • Digital clock
  • 8" touch screen
  • 10.25" TFT LCD cluster
  • Trip computer with distance/fuel consumption/average speed

  • Electric heated door mirrors
  • Body colour door mirrors
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror
  • Manual folding door mirrors

  • Metal paint centre fascia

  • 2 USB ports in centre console including 1 type C
  • 2 type C USB ports on front seats
  • 'Shark fin' mobile antenna
  • Steering wheel mounted controls
  • 6 speakers
  • DAB Digital radio
  • Bluetooth with music streaming

  • Body Colour Exterior Door Handles
  • Body colour bumpers
  • Rear spoiler
  • Roof rails
  • Rear side wing doors
  • Black embossed cladding
  • Standard door scuff plates
  • Front and rear silver skid plates
  • Black beltline mouldings

  • Dual LED headlights (low and high projection)
  • Automatic headlight control system
  • Rear fog lights
  • LED third brake light
  • LED rear combination lights
  • Welcome and follow-me home light functionality
  • LED daytime running lights

  • Dual zone automatic air conditioning
  • Air filter

  • Centre console cupholder
  • 12V socket in luggage compartment
  • Front and rear door storage
  • Interior door lock/unlock function
  • Luggage area load cover
  • Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Artificial leather steering wheel
  • Artificial leather centre console storage box
  • H-Matic gear selection
  • Shift by wire SBW
  • 12v socket in front
  • Luggage board
  • Metal paint interior door handles

  • Bulb type overhead console lamp with sunglasses case
  • Luggage area lamp
  • Illuminated glovebox

  • Towing pack - Niro

  • Dual shell horn
  • Rear seat alert system
  • Twin curtain airbags with roll over sensor
  • Front passenger airbag cut-off switch
  • Automatic unlocking of doors in case of impact
  • 3 point seatbelts on all seats
  • Drivers knee airbag
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Twin front and side airbags
  • Manual rear child locks
  • Height adjustable front seatbelts

  • Passenger seat height adjuster
  • 60/40 split/folding 2nd row of seats
  • All-round height adjustable headrests
  • ISOFIX Child seat top tethers and anchor fixings
  • Driver seat manual adjustment
  • 3 seat bench in 2nd row
  • Single front passenger seat
  • Seatback pocket - front passenger
  • Seatback pocket - driver

  • Alarm system and engine immobiliser
  • Speed sensitive auto door locking
  • Remote central door locking with fold away key
  • Visible vehicle identification number
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Deadlocks

  • Warranty - 7 Years/ 100,000 miles

  • Sports H-Matic Automatic

  • Driver/passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

  • 16" alloy wheels

  • Tyre mobility kit

  • Battery Charge Slow Time (Minutes): 175
  • Battery Charge Slow kW: 3.3
  • Battery Charge Slow Percentage: 0-100
  • Battery Charge Fast Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Fast kW: N
  • Battery Charge Fast Percentage: N
  • Battery Charge Rapid Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Rapid kW: N
  • Battery Charge Rapid Percentage: N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Time (Minutes): N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge kW: N
  • Battery Charge Super Charge Percentage: N
  • Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 7
  • Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 11.1
  • Battery Leased: False
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion
  • Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70
  • Charging Port Location: Front

  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • CO: 0.037
  • HC: 0.008
  • NOx: 0.006
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: 0.0003

  • WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 18

  • CC: 1580
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Gears: 6 SPEED

  • Coin Series: 2
  • Coin Description: GDi
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 7
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Service Interval Mileage: 10000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 83
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 80
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 57
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 59
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4
  • Badge Power: 180
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.6
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 27
  • Engine Power - BHP: 180
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.6
  • Top Speed: 104
  • Engine Power - KW: 132
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5700
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 195.5
  • Engine Torque - NM: 265
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 4400

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Tyre Size Rear: 205/60 R16
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 16" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 205/60 R16

  • Length: 4420
  • Width: 1825
  • Height: 1545

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 348
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1342
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 2060
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 37
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1610
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300
  • Max. Loading Weight: 450

  • Metallic paint: Included
  • Premium paint: £595

  • Metallic - Orange flame: £0

  • Premium paint - Midnight black: £595
  • Premium paint - Steel grey: £595
  • Premium paint - White pearl: £595
  • Premium paint - Runway red: £595
  • Premium paint - Mineral Blue: £595
  • Premium paint - Interstellar Grey: £595
  • Premium paint - Cityscape green: £595

  • Cloth - Black: £0

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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