Kia’s all-new Niro PHEV has gone on sale in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. The Korean carmaker claims the new Niro family car ‘sets a new benchmark for the highly competitive CUV segment merging innovation with high-tech user convenience features’. It certainly has the aesthetic appeal necessary to compete in this cut throat segment where looks are essential for a car to stand out from the crowd.
Niro has gained in overall size versus the previous 2019 model and is now higher and wider with a longer wheelbase and, having gained an extra 65mm, now has an overall length of 4,420mm. Other changes include an increase in torsional rigidity and lighter weight body.
Kia say that the second row space is one of the best-in-segment while the luggage capacity is a decent 348 litres.
Kia Ireland will launch with two PHEV models, the entry level ’K3’ and the higher specced ‘K4’ priced from €38,500 and €41,500 respectively (grants are no longer available for any PHEV models). Standard equipment on ‘K3’ includes 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, heated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation, Kia Connect Telematics, wireless phone charger and Apple Car Play and Android Auto with voice control.
Convenience and safety features include Smart Cruise Control, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance and dual-zone automatic air conditioning.
In addition, the ‘K4’ gains shift by wire (rotary dial for drive, reverse and park), power adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a driver heads-up display, 10.25-inch LCD driver display screen and a power tailgate.
Niro, in both guises, is brimming with technology including the brand’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which enables the new model to deliver the brand’s most technologically advanced protective systems to allow peace of mind for occupants of this family-friendly crossover.
The PHEV version is powered by Kia’s 1.6 petrol engine paired with their second-generation six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 62kW e-motor gives a combined maximum power output of 183hp and provides an electric-only range of up to 59km which is adequate for most daily commutes.
The ‘K’ architecture allows for various battery mounting options depending on the powertrain. With the PHEV version, the battery is located under the rear seats. Niro comes with a standard CCS charging port.
PHEV versions have a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,300kg.
The current Niro family is Kia’s third best-seller in Ireland and Ronan Flood, Managing Director of Kia Ireland, is confident the new model will surpass customer expectations and attract new people to the brand. Some 4,000 units of Niro have been sold in Ireland since launch with an even balance between EV fully electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions.
The EV all-electric version is expected here in late August/early September with a ‘K4’ model priced at €45,715 ( which includes Government grant).
