Electric crossover is comprehensively updated to cope with fierce new competition. What is it The pure electric Kia e Niro, now rebranded, the Kia Niro EV was always the strongest of Kias popular mid sized crossover, range. The best to drive and the most recommendable version of the Niro itself. A strong contender in an overwhelming kaleidoscope of sports hatch cross utility things in this circa 30k 40k price range. Has any of that changed with this new pure electric Niro In short, no., Despite this being a new platform and comprehensively updated inside and out, the Niro EV. Still feels evolutionary rather than revolutionary. No bad thing, given that the e Niro was one of the best selling EVs in the UK right up until it was withdrawn from sale. Earlier this year., The powertrain has been carried over, so you get the same 64.8kWh lithium ion battery and 201bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels. Although torque has actually been wound down from 291lb ft in the outgoing e Niro to 188lb ft to iron out the traction issues that it was prone, to. Charging still peaks at 76kW, meaning that youll get a 10 80 charge in around 40 minutes. If you plug into a CCS compatible rapid charger, offering rates of 100kW or more. A full charge from a standard, 7kW home charger will take under 10 hours.. We sampled the Niro EV on a route around Frankfurt in mid spec, 3 trim and on its standard 17in wheels, which is the wheel size of choice, given that, together with well damped suspension, they do a good job of sponging over scruffy town, roads.

, Sure theres. A fair amount of body roll in faster corners or direction changes, but its progressive and never jarring and the front end still turns in with enough incisiveness. If you want it to. The steering is virtually devoid of a sense of connection or feedback and feels rather sterile. Generally, but it is light and predictable, which makes it ideal for wheeling about town or navigating awkward car parks.. Ultimately, the Niro EV is not an involving, or notably fun car to drive, even in Sport mode, which weights up the steering, but does nothing to resolve. How disconnected it feels.? It does, however, hit a very happy middle ground between comfort response, refinement and confidence, which will be exactly what any Niro EV buyer is after.. The rest of the Niro EV package is similarly on point for its target. Audience. Practicality has improved over the predecessor, so you now get more generous rear passenger leg and head room enough to easily accommodate two lanky adults in the back.. The boot in the EV is the best in the Niro range at 475 litres and is big enough. Even for a chunky, double buggy., Its still a way off the luggage space that you get in the bigger Skoda, Enyaq iV, but itll, be more than enough for the average family. Motorist and theres. Also, now a cubby in the nose of the car thats ideal for storing charging cables. Up front. The Niro now gets an EV6 inspired dashboard, complete with twin 12.

3in screens on mid spec 3 models and up. Lower spec cars, get an 8.0in central, touchscreen., Apple, CarPlay and Android. Auto are standard, although its mildly, annoying that you dont get the wireless connection that many rivals offer., Otherwise its one of the best systems for graphic clarity and logical menu. Layouts. Sure we find the rotary and touchscreen control combination of the BMW i3 more convenient, but the Kias is still one of the best interfaces., Given that even the base, Niro 2 gets adaptive cruise climate control, a reversing camera and alloy wheels its safe to say that The Niro is well equipped., Itll, be mid, spec, 3 and up that most buyers go for, though, because this brings the bigger touchscreen and alloy wheels, heated seats, front parking, sensors, upgraded upholstery and the option of a heat pump, a 900 option thats worth going for. If you value a decent real world touring range in winter, conditions. Top spec 4 brings a sunroof leatherette upholstery and more. Theres a big but coming here, though, the Niro has crept up in price and is now perilously close to 40k. If you want a Niro EV 3 with heat pump, which is likely to be one of the most popular trims., Even PCP monthly payments are expected to range from 500 600, depending on trim and assuming a 10 deposit.. That means that you can save over 5000 by settling for a top spec MG, ZS EV or you could sacrifice a bit of equipment and go for the longer range Skoda, Enyaq iV or even a Hyundai Ioniq 5.

. Overall then, the Niro EV is a great blend of compact size. Decent driving range wed expect to get over 250 miles to a charge in summer pottering or more like 200 miles in winter, with a bit of motorway mileage, comfy road manners and a smart tech filled. Spacious, interior. Theres, not a shadow of doubt, then that the Niro EV is one of the best and most recommendable EVs out there, especially in its more affordable, 2 and 3 trims.. Yet prices and competition have changed. Great as it is. The Kia is no longer the default answer to the decent value. Long range, family, EV, question. Model tested Kia, Niro EV 3, with heat pump Price ‘895. Electric motors Permanent magnet synchronous, motor Drive battery Lithium ion Driveline layout Front wheel, drive, Rivals MG, ZS, EV Hyundai Ioniq 5 Power 201bhp at 6000, 9000rpm Torque, 188lb ft 6000, 9000rpm 0 62mph 7.8sec Top speed, 104mph Kerb weight, DIN 17’kg Battery size, 64.8kWh usable Energy efficiency. 3.8Mpkwh Range 285 miles, Max.

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