We drive Kia's smart-looking new Niro EV - is there more to the fresh EV than some new clothes?
All-new second-generation electric Kia Niro testedIt may look like the old Niro’s been given some major styling upgrades to make it look a bit more like the company’s highly acclaimed, but this is in fact the all-new second-generation Niro, replacing the car introduced in 2016 and facelifted in 2020.
Whereas the hybrids have an engine under the bonnet, in the EV that space is occupied by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. As a result, the Niro is front-wheel drive, which is unusual in a modern EV. It gets its power from a new battery, slightly lighter but slightly bigger-capacity than before .
One of the more interesting differences between E-Niro and Niro EV is that the new car has less torque , a slightly lower top speed and a slower 0-62mph acceleration time: 7.8, up from 7.5sec. This makes a refreshing change from the arms-race mentality of so many other manufacturers, who like to ensure that everything new is more powerful than everything old.
There are three drive modes , chosen via a button on the steering wheel. Eco makes the accelerator pedal a little stodgy. Sport makes it slightly livelier, and adds some weightiness to the steering, but the wheel is still remote and unengaging. Better to stick to Normal, and enjoy its sensible balance.
It’s very much at home in town, with a tight turning circle, and easy parking thanks to a good view out in every direction.The range according to WLTP test methods – but yet to be confirmed at the time of our test drive – is 285 miles between charges . On our test drive, that seemed realistic. Charging times have gone down slightly – best-case scenario would be from 10 to 80 per cent full in 45 minutes. We got around a respectable 4.0 miles per kWh on our test drive.
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