Kia e-Niro
The Kia e-Niro comes with a choice of 134bhp (100kW) and 201bhp (150kW) pure electric drivetrains providing up to 282miles driving range (combined) or 382 miles in a city environment on high powered variants. The battery can be recharged to 80 per cent in just 54 minutes using a 100kW charger.
The vehicle is available in three high-specification versions – ‘2’, ‘3’ and a feature-rich grade ‘4+’ model which also includes an AC 11kW three-phase charger. Initially available in the UK in 2019, a more upscale, high quality interior was introduced earlier in 2020, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen with UVO CONNECT standard on grades ‘3’ and ‘4+’.
The e-Niro, a five-door, five-seater front-wheel-drive crossover is based on a platform designed specifically for electric cars and the underfloor position of the batteries ensures interior space is not sacrificed whilst providing the vehicle with low centre of gravity. Weight saving aluminium chassis parts are complemented by high strength steel for rigidity – all of which are finished off by signature design cues like the aerodynamic 'tiger-nose' grille (which doubles up as a neatly integrated charging point).
Inside the e-Niro is an upmarket cabin, incorporating Kia’s first rotary gear selector. The dashboard split into upper display area and lower control area with fewer, simpler switches and the boot capacity is increased from 324 to 451 litres compared with Niro PHEV due to under floor mounted battery pack.
On the safety and technology front, a wireless phone charger included on e-Niro ‘3’ and ‘4+’ for Qi-equipped smartphones. As mentioned previously, these grades also benefit from a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with Kia Connected Services. Reversing camera system and rear parking sensors included as standard on all versions as is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on all versions. Only the e-Niro ‘4+’ gets an uprated eight-speaker 320-watt JBL premium sound system.
Advanced active safety technologies include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go, Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).
First Edition
Mention must be made of the Kia e-Niro "First Edition" which was first off the production line and boasted welcome and follow-me-home light functionality, privacy glass for the rear windows and tailgate and 17 inch alloys especially designed and optimised for the pure-electric e-Niro.
Convenience features included rear parking sensors and a reversing camera system and occupants enjoyed electric windows all round. Rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlight control and electrically adjustable automatic air conditioning all featured whilst safety was provided by no less than seven airbags.
Inside the First Edition is a DAB radio and 8.0-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with European mapping and Traffic Messaging Channel. In addition there is access to Bluetooth with music streaming, the e-Niro includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control. Comfort comes from the seats upholstered in black leather upholstery, the front seats and steering wheel being heated.
The Kia e-Niro comes with a unique-in-the-UK seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. The warranty additionally covers the battery pack and electric motor for extra peace of mind. It is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached.