Tell someone else they don't have a sense for minorities at Kia. Although internal forecasts say 70 percent will opt for the Kia Niro EV, the 10 percent hybrid fans and 20 percent plug-in hybrid fans will also have their way. Because the second generation of the compact crossover is also available with these engines. Despite all the prophecies of doom that the twilight of the gods is dawning for the PHEV part-time electric vehicles, the Koreans are significantly upgrading this motorization.
The electrified powertrain now delivers 134.6 kW / 183 hp instead of the previous 104 kW / 141 hp). The electric motor contributes 62 kW / 84 hp (previously 45 kW / 61 hp) to this leap in performance, which looks good on the 1,685-kilogram crossover. The Niro PHEV completes the standard sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.8 seconds and is only up to 161 km/h fast. Purely electrically, at least 134 km/h are possible. But what is much more important for a PHEV is the fact that the battery now has a capacity of 11.1 kilowatt hours and a purely electric range of up to 65 kilometers (WLTP cycle) if you put on the 16-inch tires . If you value the neat 18-inch tires, you have to look for a charging station six kilometers earlier. Even if this value is lower in everyday life, that is enough for many commuters to get to their place of work and back home again. In addition to the increased energy storage, the Kia Niro PHEV now also has a "Green Zone mode" in which the drive train, in conjunction with the navigation system, switches to purely electric operation in correspondingly designated environmental zones.
However, a plug-in hybrid only makes sense if you have a way of regularly topping up the energy storage. After just under three hours, the batteries are filled from ten to 100 percent at 240 volts / 3.3 kW. Kia states the consumption of the version we drove as 1.6 liters per 100 kilometers. In our test drives, we reached 5.5 l/100 km, but we were also faster on longer motorway stretches. When it comes to driving modes, the Koreans only offer Eco or Sport for the PHEV. Eco is usually sufficient for everyday use, if you want to feel the electric power more directly, choose Sport. Then the e-machine, in conjunction with the inconspicuously acting six-speed double-clutch transmission, tries to conceal the long-windedness of the 1.6-liter GDI naturally aspirated engine, which also works well.
In terms of comfort, the Niro doesn't show any weaknesses despite the 18-incher. Long distances are easily feasible with this version of the compact crossover. The springs and dampers only find it somewhat more difficult to iron out pronounced bumps. The Niro PHEV is not a decoupled sedan anyway, but we appreciate that, because we are always informed about the condition of the road. The seats are comfortable and have a backrest that is 30 percent narrower than before, which benefits rear passengers. However, even with the PHEV version of the Niro, the steering wheel adjustment options are not pronounced enough. In other words, the steering column is too short and the height adjustment too low. The trunk is the Achilles heel of many PHEVs. The battery and the electrics have to go somewhere. This is also the case with the Kia Niro: With a capacity of 348 to 1,342 liters, the part-time electric vehicle brings up the rear of the trio Niro Hybrid (451 to 1,445 liters) and Niro EV (495 to 1,412 liters). In addition, the hard plastic on the sides of the loading compartment does not look very valuable.
Even though the second generation of the Korean crossover is based on the K3 multi-drive platform, the interior with three USB sockets and two 10.25 inch monitors offers a modern, albeit rather sober ambience. Operating the infotainment follows the app smartphone look and feel trend and is quick and easy. If you absolutely don't want to do without the familiar user interface of your smartphone, you can integrate it via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Many arguments that speak for the Niro. Who at least 36,690 euros also its price. A lane departure warning system and the reversing camera are then standard. If you add 6,800 euros, you get the richly equipped top version "Spirit" with full LED headlights and a Harman/Kardon sound system.
