The age of Hybrid and pure Electric vehicles is here. The Kia Niro HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is just the type of non-petrol vehicle that I can justify in my driveway. I’m driving both of the alternate fuel vehicles from Kia. Firstly the Kia Niro S HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and more recently the Kia Niro GT-Line BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). Kia now have 5 models in their range to satisfy the climate conscious car buyers.
No trouble with any range anxiety with the Kia Niro HEV. I’m over 300 k into my time with the Niro and it’s showing 600k to empty. So that’s circa 1000k to a full tank and charge. While the Kia Niro BEV doesn’t have the petrol back up, from collection, the range was showing 471 kilometres. I’ve done 300 kilometres in this one too, and so decided to give it a top up from my home power.
I ‘charged’ it when the range was showing 172 kilometres to empty (7.00 pm) and this morning at 7.00 am, I’m surpised to see that the distance to empty had risen to 421 kilometres, an extra 250 klm. I have solar and battery storage at home so the cost, if my maths is correct, of that fill was only $20. Obviously a fast charge would be quicker. So range anxiety for me, at least when I’m travelling around greater Brisbane, isn’t an issue at all
(For the older folk, like me, 3.7 l per 100 kilometres equates to 76 miles to the gallon. And thats ridiculous to say the least)
Might be picky for both cars, but it does annoy me. I use the centre console to put my keys. The base is hard plastic and the keys move around annoyingly. Fix this. Key start? Really for a circa $50k -$70k car, it’s less than what I expected
Pricing – Drive Away in Queensland (Metallic Paint is an extra $520)
Kia Niro HEV S $48,513
Kia Niro HEV GT-Line $54,332
Kia Niro BEV S $69,332
Kia Niro BEV GT-Line $76,268
What I Like a Lot
Room
Both versions come with plenty of space for front adn back seat passengers. And if you take out the charging cable and leav eit somewhere else, there’s significant room there too. Auto journalists talk about shoulder room for the driver – I’m 182cm tall and nearly 100 kg’s and there’s plenty of space for me.
The seats are very comfortable – ok so they don’t pretend to be the seats that racing drivers will require, but at round town speeds and on the highway, the seats grab where they should and I’m not slipping and sliding even when taking corners at speeds that I normally wouldn’t. Headroom is more than adequate even with the sunroof in the Kia Niro BEV GT-Line model
Technology
Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto – great feature to have – most other brands running Apple Car Play ask you to connect your phone via a cable. This way is so easy – just leave it in the centre console, press the Apple Car Play button and there it is
Safety
Thanks to various European manufacturers for implentaiton, Kia Niro has almost any active and passive safety technology that’s available on the market.
Power and Performance
Combined System Output 1.6 HEV 64.8 kWh Electric Max. Combined Power (kW @ RPM) 104 @ 5,700 150
Max. Combined Torque (Nm @ RPM) 265 @ 4,000 255
Acceleration 0-100km/h (sec) Approx. 10.4 (S) & 10.8 (GT-Line) Approx. 7.8
What does Kia say
Hybrid’s best SUV
The self-charging Niro gives modern hybrid technology a sleek new look, bringing the efficiency of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to a fun-to-drive crossover SUV. The advanced parallel hybrid powertrain seamlessly blends petrol and electric power – without the need for external charging – for a great ride with outstanding hybrid efficiency.
It’s just as impressive on the inside, too — giving you advanced connectivity, tons of comfort and versatility, and a range of intuitive technology and features.
An electrified crossover SUV
Welcome to the electric era. The Niro EV is the perfect combination of modern style, SUV versatility, advanced technology, and of course — all-electric efficiency.
With an outstanding electric range of 460 kilometres (WLTP^) — plus the power and advanced technology you need to help you get the most out of every journey, the Niro EV is charging ahead.
Insurance
Usually, I try RACQ Car Insurance to provide an estimate on how much you’ll be paying for the new car that I review. Unfortunately, RACQ don’t have the Kia Niro listed and thats a shame. So I’ve used Allianz this time for comparisons
Kia Niro S HEV $619.24 or $51.61 per month
Kia Niro GT-Line BEV $736.16 or $61.36 per month
Towing
If you’re thinking of towing anything substantial with your new Kia Niro, then perhaps you need to think again. The HEV version can tow 1300kg with electrci brakes fitted, while the BEV can only manage 750kg. Both have a download weight of 100kg on the ball and without electric brake assist can tow 600kg and 300kg respectively.
In Summary
Mrs Aldons liked the Grey C Pillar treatment more than I did. Reminds me of the Audi R8. But nonetheless, both Kia Niro models did themselves proud. The HEV is worthy of consideration if you’re suffering from a green tinge and don’t want to wait a hundred years for a Toyota.
I think that the BEV (Full electric model) is still a bit too expensive. Only time will reduce the price as research and developement costs are amortized. Bit if your pocket is shallow (if you’ve got the $$) then consider the kia Niro BEV GT-Line. As good an electric car on the market in Australia
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Hello. I’m Bob Aldons, the owner and editor of The Car Guy. The Car Guy is an independently owned car review website. I’m currently reviewing cars for Mazda, Nissan, Kia, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Renault, Haval, Hyundai, Genesis, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and GWM.
Through Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport I’ll also be writing about the 2022 Formula 1 season. Keep an eye out.
I’m not paid by any car company for my opinion and my companies don’t receive advertising revenue to say nice things about them. I call it as I see it.
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