2023-08-06 22:00:00
With the Niro EV, Kia has one of the currently best electric SUVs in its range.
When it was introduced, the first generation of the Niro was one of the first truly everyday electric SUVs on the market. Now the Koreans follow suit and present the second edition. Interested parties are still spoiled for choice: from the minimal hybrid with a 1.1 kWh battery to the plug-in hybrid with a 11.4 kWh battery and the all-electric variant with a standard range of an impressive 460 kWh. The latter recently found its way into the SN fleet – and at the same time into the hearts of the testers. Because so much suitability for everyday use, paired with a pleasant calmness in practice, is rather the exception, even following a few years of electrical experience.
Niro new edition: Innovative design and smart features
But first a word regarding the look: the new edition is still recognizable as stainless steel, but surprises with cool details that make the 4.4-meter vehicle appear noticeably slimmer than its predecessor. In addition to the eye-catching light design at the front and rear, it is above all the central charging connection in the front that gives the Niro its unique selling point.
Inside, it adopts the modern cockpits of the Sportage and EV6. And also their smart mixture of futuristic digitalism and good old push/turn knobs. At this point a nice greeting to the German premium manufacturers – ergonomic operation can be that easy. With one exception: The double assignment of the temperature and volume control is and remains clumsy. There is nothing to complain regarding in terms of the material used, nor in the case of the trunk, which seems sufficiently large at up to almost 1400 liters. The front 20-litre storage compartment for the charging cable is also practical.
Efficient performance: The Niro 2023 with a 204 hp electric motor and a range of 400 kilometers
In terms of driving, the Niro is not overly sporty, but the 204 hp electric motor obviously has an easy time with the comparatively light SUV. In the test, we came up with an average consumption of 18.4 kWh with a small proportion of motorways, which means a range of around 400 kilometers. That should be more than enough for the lion’s share of the electric target group. Only the fact that charging breaks at the fast charging station tend to take longer due to the below-average charging speed of a maximum of 72 kW spoils the joy on the road a bit.
IM TEST: Kia Niro EV Platin
Five-seater electric SUV, synchronous motor, 150 kW/204 hp. Single speed transmission, front wheel drive. Battery 64.8 kWh (net), 1739 kg, trunk 475-1392 l, WLTP range 460 km, WLTP consumption 16.2 kWh/100 km, in the test 18.4 kWh. Price from 47,940 euros, test car 55,740 euros.
What likes:
The range, the design, the seat ventilation.
What I don’t like:
Only 72 kW charging speed at the DC column.
What surprises:
A lot of car and a lot of range for the money.
Perfect for:
Everyone who relies on tried-and-tested electrical engineering.
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