The KIA Niro PHEV offers the benefits of electric driving without the range anxiety of being backed by a gasoline engine. Conquer by design, interior space, and equipment but the Korean also has several things to improve.
The KIA Niro is one of the most balanced cars in the Korean manufacturer's range and is also the only one that offers three different electrified mechanics: the Niro HEV is a conventional hybrid, the Niro PHEV is committed to a plug-in hybrid system, and the e-Niro renounces the combustion engine to offer a 100% electric experience. On this occasion, he has had the opportunity to live for a few days with the KIA Niro PHEV.
With respect to the non-plug-in hybrid, KIA's urban crossover does not present notable aesthetic differences in this plug-in version. In fact, the easiest way to distinguish them is the cover on the left front wing behind which the recharging socket is hidden.
This second generation of the Niro features a very bold and modern design language. The most distinctive element is the wide C-pillar which can be chosen in a contrasting color and which is slotted to allow airflow to improve aerodynamics. It is aesthetic and practical.
The front of the Korean model is characterized by the main LED headlights located in a low position at the ends of the front bumper and its thin and elongated grille. The bumper has a large air intake that integrates the fog lights, it can mount alloy wheels of up to 18 inches, and emphasizes its SUV character with black plastic sections that run along the bottom of the vehicle.
The rear has an extremely clean look because the slim vertical boomerang-shaped LED taillights have been brought to the corners. It shows a flat tailgate, a generous spoiler, and a bumper that integrates some discreet optical groups and a large chrome diffuser.
With a size halfway between the Stonic and the Sportage within KIA's SUV range, the Niro has exterior dimensions of 4.42 m long, 1.82 m wide, and 1.57 m high. It is a compact size that allows it to be quite versatile and offers a cabin with good amplitude.
Plenty of space for people and little for suitcases
Inside, the Korean exhibits a very modern interior and a fully digital driving position. In front of the driver is the digital instrument panel with a 10.25-inch TFT LCD screen, which displays information related to the PHEV system, and to the right is the infotainment system with a touchscreen of the same size and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The center console, finished in the obnoxious glossy black plastic, features some physical buttons and a rotary knob that serves to select the automatic gearbox positions. With this solution, which eliminates the typical lever, a greater sensation of space is provided and is possible thanks to the "Shift By Wire" technology.
Taking into account its external length, the space in the rear seats is very large and remains unchanged compared to the hybrid version despite having to accommodate a larger high-voltage battery that weighs 111 kg. To make room for the battery, it has been decided to put a gasoline tank of only 37 liters.
The second row is just as big, but the cargo space is small
compared to other models in this segment. The trunk has a capacity of 348
liters, being the version of the Niro with the smallest volume since the Niro
HEV offers 451 liters and the e-Niro reaches 475 liters. Folding down the back
of the rear seats expands the compartment to 1,342 liters.
Moderate benefits despite its power
And what is it like to drive it? KIA's plug-in hybrid system configuration combines a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine developing 105PS with a 62kW (84PS) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A box that, by the way, has no reverse gear. In total, the set delivers 183 CV and a maximum torque of 265 Nm.
It is not as spirited as its generous cavalry invites you to think, the benefits are not too brilliant. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 168 km/h, which are unimpressive figures. Curiously, the most complete finish, the Emotion, has worse records. It is weighed down by its larger tires and achieves 9.8 seconds and 162 km/h respectively.
Still, without being an outstanding performer, the Niro plug-in hybrid rides well. It shows some agility, with body movements contained in the turns, but it is clear that this model invites you to drive calmly and relaxed.
The steering is very insensitive and feels artificial. It enjoys good assistance so maneuvers are carried out with extreme comfort but the turning radius is large. In addition, it is a bit imprecise and on the road, small adjustments will have to be made with some frequency so that the vehicle stays in a straight line.
As happened in the Niro of the previous generation, the noise level is very high and is possibly one of the least favorable aspects of this model. At moderate speeds, the noise from rolling is noticeable, but at highway speeds the noise penetrates much more clearly and becomes annoying on a long trip. Also, the gasoline engine can be a bit noisy and unrefined when cold but once it reaches optimum operating temperature it smooths out.
KIA exhibits two driving modes, Eco and Sport, which are easily adjusted via a button on the steering wheel. Personally, I would have appreciated the addition of a middle position. In addition to the classic differences between the two programs, modifying the steering setting, the operation of the transmission, and the throttle response, it must be taken into account that depending on the mode chosen, the functionality of the cams is different.
In Eco mode, the paddles behind the steering wheel are used to vary the intensity of regenerative braking. There are four levels, from one where nothing is held back to one that offers maximum hold without actually being an e-Pedal function because it doesn't bring the car to a complete stop. It's easy to play with the paddles to achieve progressive decelerations by barely touching the brake pedal.
In Sport mode, the paddles behind the steering wheel allow you to change the transmission gears sequentially. With this program, I have also noticed that the hybrid system tends to recharge the battery more frequently, so it is not surprising to reach the destination with more autonomy than at the start at the cost of greater fuel consumption. On other models, there is a specific function to configure it in the infotainment system.
Since I'm talking about autonomy, it should be mentioned that the lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 11.1 kWh, which allows you to enjoy an electric autonomy that reaches up to 65 km, depending on the finish chosen. During the days that he has accompanied me, the truth is that he has been around 45 real km, making varied routes.
The onboard charger has a maximum power of only 3.3 kW, so a full charge of the battery takes around two and a half hours. A more powerful charger would have been appreciated, especially useful for charging away from home, but it is clear that KIA has only thought of domestic charging.
The Niro PHEV is enjoyed on urban journeys and everyday journeys, where it moves with ease and comfort without wasting a drop of fuel. However, when traveling it is less convincing because it is noisier because it cannot take advantage of recharging the battery anywhere due to its low charging power and the size of its trunk. A definitely citizen model.
There is an EV button on the console that forces the system to drive in 100% electric mode if the battery charge allows it, reaching up to 134 km/h without needing the help of the gasoline engine unless the power request is big. It is especially useful if we enter a Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
If EV mode is not activated, the system works like a conventional hybrid but with much more autonomy. That is to say, at low rates and speeds obtained it will be driven by the electric motor, and in notable accelerations or high speeds it will use the combustion engine. In these circumstances, it is easy to average consumption below 5 l/100 km. If the battery is completely depleted, the consumption will be above 6.5 l/100 km.
The KIA Niro PHEV is on sale for 38,600 euros, standing at
a level similar to that of other plug-in hybrids in this segment. The price
difference with respect to its non-plug-in hybrid version, the Niro HEV, which
has a starting price of 28,300 euros, is notable, but the higher outlay on the
purchase can be amortized if you drive in electric mode on daily trips and They
take advantage of the Moves III Plan aid with which they can save up to 5,000
euros.
EXPERT VIEWS
We liked it more
- Great habitability in rear seats
- The equipment available is very extensive.
- Striking and original design
We liked it less
- Trunk size
- Cabin soundproofing could be improved
- Low power on-board charger
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