ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS DRIVES THE KIA NIRO PHEV

The Niro brings to the driver the best of both worlds, electric power and a petrol unit and it is one of the most popular models in the Kia range. Depending on the market the choice is hybrid, plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) or full electric (EV) and of course a choice of grades to suit the budget.

Recently I spent a week with a PHEV version and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the benefits of electric power and should I say conventional power. The Niro is now in its second generation and it comes very much the complete package and I found a vehicle that not only delivered economy, for example, on pure electric power 61km (38 miles) and I certainly did not find it lacking in performance. The PHEV and HEV models benefit from the Smartstream 1.6 GDi petrol engine paired with the company’s own second generation six speed dual clutch transmission and the second generation GDi engine includes low friction ball bearings, gears optimised for efficiency and the removal of reverse gear that saves 2.3kg on its own. Reverse motion is instead delivered by the electric motor, helping to eliminate tail pipe emissions.

This four cylinder petrol unit produces a combined maximum power of 127bhp when paired with the HEV’s 42kW 1.32 Wh li-ion polymer battery packs. An 83kW battery pack in the PHEV version results in a combined maximum power output of 168bhp. I was quite surprised to discover that the electric power on its own with the version I tested would indeed suit a lot of drivers who have a short commute to work each day. I could certainly live with this version of the Niro as opposed to the EV. Developed from the ground up, the Niro is based upon the third generation K platform that has been specially engineered to accommodate the three available powertrains. This applies a multi load pass structure for optimal crash performance, as well as facilitating suspension and steering improvements and enhancing design proportions and the all-important interior space. Improved suspension and steering deliver a firm and responsive drive, verging on the sporty. At the front there is MacPherson strut-type suspension, while at the rear a four link arrangement. Both front and rear geometry, together with an optimised steering gear ratio, have been tuned for improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort.

The team behind the development of the latest Niro have built on the qualities of the first generation model with a quiet and comfortable ride and faithful linear responses to driver inputs. The Niro does feel safe and secure and also stable in all driving conditions, akin to the fifth generation Sportage. I can recall my time behind the wheel of the previous Niro, a marked improvement with the latest version when pressing on the handling is more composed and predictable, notably thanks to steering that is more direct and more accurate in its response to driver inputs. The interior is certainly inviting, with a focus on the driver; there are integrated curved display screens as standard on all grades and a rotary dial replaces the traditional gear selector. A number of grades feature artificial and sustainable materials throughout the cabin. A nice touch, USB C ports in the front seatbacks for connectivity, which no doubt will be appreciated by many. On the practical side the ergonomically optimised centre console provides generous storage space, I also discovered the amount of storage available with this Kia. Summing up having spent a week behind the wheel with the Niro PHEV, it delivered in all key areas and little wonder that it is one of the most popular Kia vehicles on the road today.

Ian Lynas