Carbuyer Magazine – August 2019

THE KiaNiroisanunusual hybrid –not leastbecause it looksso‘normal’.

It’s somewherebetween an SUV andafamilyhatc h, so although it’s

about thesame size as aToyotaPrius, it’s morespaciousinside.

Direct rivalsare sc arce,but the Niro’s practicalform makesitan

alternativetoaNissan Qashqai,as well as its HyundaiIoniqand

Toyota Priushybrid peers. Unlikehybrid conversionsofpetrol and

diesel-enginedcars,the Nirowas intendedas ahybrid from thestart.

Thismeans its electric motor andbatter ysystemwereintegratedinto

the design from the outset and don’trob it of interior or bootspace.Its

relativelysquareproportionshelp to increasethe sense ofspace

inside, and thereare generouslysized storage cubbie sfront andrear.

Alarge ta ilgate openingand lo wloadinglip mean it’seasytomakethe

most of the Niro’s 427-litreboot space,although it’s notas big

as aPriusand the load area is n’t very uniform in shape.

Totalpoweroutputis 138bhp,sodon’t expect asparklin gdrive

–0-62mphtakes11.1 seconds. Howeve r, the Nirohas adual-

clutch automatic, whichhelpsdisguise itshybrid natu re alittle. The

suspension is stiff,whichgives it arather firm ride, while the steering

is ra ther inert,too. Butspirited drivingisn’t what the Niroisabout –

it pr ovidesfuss-freefamily transportwithoutburningalot of fuel.

“The Kia Niroisahybridfamily

SUV that’s practical, easyto

drive and pretty cheapto run”

Kia Niro

Impressive practicality, good

refinement,well equipped

Firm ride, high listprices,

aPrius is moreefficient

Da

ta

Sheet

Engines:1.6hybrid

Trim levels:2, 3, 4

Economy:54-59mpg

Road tax:£135

0-62:11.5sEuro NCAP:★★★★★★★★

Price £23,845-£28,075

Ourpick

1.6GDi DCT

2

£23,845

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