2021 KIA Niro EV, PHEV and Hybrid First Drive

2021 KIA Niro – First Drive Impressions

We’ll do the full review in the video tomorrow but until then, here’s what we think of the new KIA Niro EV, PHEV, and Hybrid.

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First, this car is new to Australia, but like the little Picanto before it, Niro is near the end of its life cycle. KIA rarely puts a foot wrong so dipping a toe in the murky waters of battery propulsion is a brave move. They know the fossil-fuelled cars are coming to an end.

Above: This Week 2021 KIA Niro Hybrid, PHEV and EV REVIEW

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ABOVE: 2021 KIA Niro EV, Hybrid and PHEV

We’ve driven the Hybrid and PHEV over the last few weeks. Here are our first few impressions, and some questions answered:

1: the interior feels just slightly older KIA, because it is.

2: feels very different to drive, than other Australian KIAs

3: quite pricey

4: the PHEV does a great job

5: doesn’t feel as spacious as Kona or Seltos, but is.

6: excellent audio system

7: well packaged

8: reasonably attractive

9: economical

10: Doesn’t feel as cutting edge as it should

Why Niro doesn’t have the new KIA badge?

It seems it missed out on the new emblem because it was facelifted prior to the new lettering. Of course, it is just a bit of plastic and some double-sided tape, so sounds like a bit of a weak story to me. the Refreshed Cerato will be the first of the new badges in Australia. The rest will follow as new or refreshed models.

How much does the batter weigh?

The 64kw EV battery weighs in at around 450kg, crikey! Although we haven’t driven it yet, that will feel hefty. The PHEV battery can be felt through the seat of your pants. We expect the EV one will feel even more so.

Was Niro tuned locally for ride and handling?

No. There was not enough time for Graham Gambold to lay his hands on Niro.

When is the new model of Niro due?

KIA is fairly reliable when it comes to model replacement. Niro is 5 years old so we can expect a new one in around a year.

How much is KIA Niro?

We said it is pricey, and it is. All cars with big batteries cost big bikkies. The Australian government has much to answer for. Alnost 66 grand for the top EV seems a big ask.

 What is the range of EV driving?

You’ll get around 455kn in the EV and 60km in the PHEV. After 60km, the PHEV operates like a regular hybrid. We’ve been told in the past that PHEV cars must be wall charged from time to time to preserve the battery.

How long will Niro take to charge?

Niro takes an hour for the EV to charge to 80% at the 100kw fast chargers. The PHEV battery is much smaller. An hour sounds like a mighty long time to get to around 400km of range so we think it is best viewed as a city car.

What is the power output of the Nrio range?

The Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid a Kappa 1.6 GDI petrol engine (77.2kW and 147Nm) and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. There is an additional 32kW for the Hybrid and 44.5kW for the PHEV both with 170Nm of torque. Combined system output for both Hybrid and PHEV is 104kW and 265Nm.

What are the Hybrid and PHEV like to drive?

Both cars feel the same to drive as far a road manners are concerned. The PHEV has 60km of electric range but the petrol engine will kick in prior to that if its power is needed. Ride is fairly good, but steering lacks feel.

The cabin is not as quiet as newer KIA models but it zips along at highway speeds. It does better in Sport mode, but ECO modes always doo better as far as range goes.

The audio system is brilliant, and the seats are comfortable and there is a load of safety gear on board. Driver aids add to what current cars must have for 5 star safety ratings.

What is Niro’s ANCAP Rating?

The pure EV is untested. The other 2 models carry the 5 star Euro NCAP rating. Ratings are now shared and carry equal requirements between the Australian ANCAP and Euro NCAP tests.

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