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Unsurprisingly, Kia hasn’t messed too significantly with a winning formula for the all-new electric Kia Niro. Its predecessor was something of a sales hit, mixing practicality and a decent-value price with a respectable range that wouldn’t have you breaking out in a sweat on longer journeys. Only some frumpy looks and slightly skittish driving dynamics really let it down, so these are the areas that have received the most work.
Called the Kia Niro EV (the old car was the e-Niro), the newcomer certainly looks distinctive, with its aggressively angled LED running lights and optional colour-coded C-pillar treatment. You would struggle to call the pseudo-SUV handsome, but it stands out where its predecessor blended in, but it stands out where its predecessor blended in, so that’s a job well done.
Inside, there’s a touch more space for people and luggage, while the dashboard is more slickly styled and there’s a larger and more intuitive touchscreen infotainment system with all the connectivity you will ever need.
Under the skin there’s the same 64.8kWh battery as before, which gives an ever-so-slightly longer range of 285 miles. The 201bhp front-mounted motor is also carried over, although its response has been tuned to be less aggressive, meaning much of the previous machine’s traction control-testing scrabble has been eliminated.
In fact, if you get the new Niro EV on a twisty road, it can be surprisingly entertaining. It handles accurately, with steering that actually has some feedback, and even a slightly throttle-adjustable balance. On the flip side, refinement is generally good, with the exception of the firm low-speed ride.
There’s lots here appeal if you want a spacious, rangey and refined family EV, and buyers of the old car are likely to be forming an orderly queue outside Kia dealers. However, bear in mind that in top-level 4 guise, the Niro EV costs barely any less than the brand’s faster, sleeker and longer-range EV6.
