If you’re looking for a family-friendly, eco-conscious car, the Niro EV is a great option. Not only has Kia’s popular SUV had a striking facelift, but it also offers a reasonable range for those trips to the supermarket or further afield for family adventures.
While its green credentials are, of course, worthy of attention, the Niro EV has a range of other appealing features. More space, tons of tech and decent performance make it an enjoyable drive. Plus, it stands out (in a good way!) compared to rivals such as the Vauxhall Mokka-e, Peugeot e-2008 and Citroen e-C4.
So, let’s delve into the ins and outs of Kia’s electric SUV…
Exterior features
Kia themselves describe the Niro as a car with ‘future’ written all over it, and it’s not that difficult to see why. The front end feels very space-age with its sleek bonnet and tiger-nose grille. From the side, you can see its simple lines, two-tone design and rear Aero C-pillar, designed to enhance aerodynamics. The all-new Niro EV also comes with 17-inch alloys with a silver and black finish.
Interior features
Moving inside, there’s a stylish cabin. It feels a bit like the Kia EV6, although that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Up front, the carmaker has taken time to create an immersive cockpit. The lines and styling of the dashboard are crafted to work alongside state-of-the-art tech, giving the driver an intuitive experience.
Kia is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and this is shown in its upholstery. The seats are made with recycled materials. In addition, depending on the trim level, you get the choice of vegan PU seats – each providing a comfortable and plush feel.
The central focus of the interior is around its 10.25-inch high-definition touchscreen. This also joins up with the driver display cluster for a streamlined look. The layout of this system ensures a smooth and simple way to use the controls while driving.
Space-wise, the Niro EV stacks up well against rivals. Leg and headroom are ample for driver and passengers. Even three adults sitting in the back won’t worry about feeling snug. Need to charge your devices on the go? The centre console comes with a couple of USB chargers. Plus, there are the all-important handy cup holders. Boot space is pretty reasonable with around 475 litres of capacity and more opens up with the seats down.
Performance
Kia has tweaked the ride on the Niro EV with a suspension setup that reduces the roll and feel of bumps in the road compared to other SUV experiences. In addition, there’s more insulation and sound-deadening packed in, making the car quieter than its predecessor.
Under the bonnet (so to speak), the performance is good. You get 201 bhp from its electric motor. Plus, like all-electric vehicles, there’s instant torque as soon as you hit the accelerator.
Electric economy
The Kia Niro EV has a claimed 285 miles from its 64.8kWh battery. While this drops slightly with real-world driving conditions, it still stacks up well in the SUV class.
To optimise the range, the car has three driving modes – Eco, Comfort and Sport. Of course, eco mode provides an efficient drive, and you’ll get more miles out of the car overall. Comfort mode balances efficiency and performance, while Sport focuses on giving you a little more excitement behind the wheel – although the range is affected somewhat. Switching between modes also sees your instrument cluster change slightly to a sportier look.
Charging your Niro EV is best done at home. That’s where you’ll get the most economical charge, which takes between six and nine hours*, depending on your chargepoint.
*Manufacturer’s WLTP figures and charge times are provisional.
Smart driver assistance technology
The beauty of electric vehicles is they come equipped with tons of driving tech, and the Niro EV is no different. Depending on your model, you’ll get everything from Lane Follow Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Parking, Forward and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Highway Drive Assist, plus much more.
Need a hand parking in tight spots? Go for the Niro EV4 model with Remote Smart Parking Assist. You’ll never need to worry about manoeuvring in car parks or dreaded parallel parking again!
Infotainment
The infotainment system in the Kia Niro EV is controlled via the central touchscreen. You get various features, including Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay™ with voice control and Bluetooth connectivity. Everything is simple to navigate and has easy-to-read icons.
Your car can also be connected to your smartphone with Kia’s Connect Services. This enables you to control specific aspects of your vehicle and receive notifications remotely. This app also gives you access to its charging times and scheduling, so you can fit charges around your lifestyle.
What’s the Kia Niro EV like to drive?
All in all, the Kia Niro EV has received good reviews for its performance, comfort levels, interior space and range. There’s a lot to like about this family-friendly SUV.
It rides well in a variety of driving conditions, whether that’s tackling the speed bumps around town or cruising the motorway. Plus, you don’t get swamped with road noise, making it a smooth, quiet and relaxing journey.
Kia Niro EV car deals with Leasing Options
The Niro EV is an SUV with all the gear and bags of style. If you’re looking for a spacious, efficient and eco-conscious vehicle, this gives rivals a run for their money. Kia is also synonymous with great value, and there are numerous leasing deals to suit your budget.
Could the Niro EV be your next electric car? Browse our electric car leasing deals and select your trim level. Or if you need more information, contact our team, who’ll be happy to help.
