Everything We Know About The Kia e-Niro

The Kia e-Niro is another great performer pure-electric SUV with the capacity to accommodate five passengers comfortably. The Kia e-Niro comes in two trim levels called 3 and 4. The Kia e-Niro is a long ranger that boasts an impressive 282-mile and also the 39kWh mid-range model, called 2, puts up a staggering 180-mile range. This performance led to its Eco Award in 2019. The Kia e-Niro gives the electric car market a right old shake-up, offering a Tesla-style extended range for a much lower price.

Its rival electric SUVs include the Citroën e-C4, MG ZS EV, and Peugeot e-2008 as well as in-house competition from the Hyundai Kona Electric (Hyundai owns Kia) and Kia Soul EV. The Skoda Enyaq is another one, although that’s a bit bigger. In the hatchback category, it faces the Nissan Leaf, Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoe, and VW ID.3 as rivals (a couple of which have been around for a while now).

This great performance electric car is quiet and comfortable on the motorway. The only noise you’ll hear is a bit from the tires and a synthetic Tardis-type noise from the electric drivetrain. The e-Niro abrupt acceleration and grippy cornering is something to remember once you have a feel of what it is to cruise around with the car.

The Exterior Design
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The Kia e-Niro now comes with a ‘tiger face’ grille and a chunky C-pillar, which aids the car’s aerodynamics. Its boomerang-shaped rear light clusters are inspired by sibling brand Hyundai’s new Bayon crossover. The car comes with a measurement of 4420mm long, 1825mm wide, and 1545mm tall. Increase of 65mm, 20mm, and 10mm respectively from its predecessor.

The Interior Design
The Kia e-Niro cabin is finished with recycled materials. This cut across the headlining and the seat is incorporated with fibers from eucalyptus leaves. The door panels are coated in a water-based paint free from BTX petrochemicals. The roomy cabin features a gearshift dial, ambient mood lighting, and slim, lightweight front seat designs with a coat hanger on the back of the headrests.

Also available is a 10.25in one-piece screen for the infotainment and gauge cluster which is user-friendly with pin-sharp graphics and a highly intuitive layout. A minimalist climate control stack with light-up haptic buttons is found below, while the center console hosts a rotary gear selector, wireless smartphone charger, and other key controls.

There is a 10.0inch head-up display to further make your stay onboard the Kia e-Niro worthwhile. The car is also equipped with a Voice control function, electronic boot lid, and remote park assist function.

The Engine Performance
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Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces an outstanding 104bhp and 106 lb-ft. The engine is accompanied by a 43bhp electric motor which comes up with a combined output of 139bhp. The carefully engineered six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is retained to increase efficiency and reduce weight.

Kia claims the new Niro Hybrid is capable of 59.1mpg on the Korean test cycle. The brand has also detailed a new feature whereby the hybrid and PHEV uses data from the sat-nav system to switch between petrol and electric power where appropriate.

Still to come is an evolution of the current e-Niro’s single-motor, the front-wheel-drive powertrain, although the shorter-range car could be discontinued in light of higher demand for the 282-mile 64kWh battery option.

Kia e-Niro Range and Charging
When it comes to charging, it will take approximately 75 minutes for the battery to charge from zero to around 80% if you have access to a 50kW fast charger with the larger-battery model. However, charging it at home from empty will take nearly 10 hours. A full ‘tank’ on the e-Niro will cost you around £9, some £20 cheaper than fuelling a petrol car to cover the same distance. The ‘tankful’ will take you 282 miles, too.

Read more on belmadeng.com

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