The new Kia Niro is the company’s first attempt at an petrol-electric car for the UK, using an all-new platform designed exclusively for hyrbid and electric vehicles.
Powered by a 105hp 1.6-litre petrol unit and a 44hp electric motor, the Niro has a combined power figure of 141hp. Unusually for a hybrid, Kia has opted for a six-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox over the more commonly used single speed “CVT” box for a more conventional driving experience.
Low emission hybrid engine
Fuel economy and emissions figures are highly dependent on spec, with 1 and 2 trim levels exempt from road tax and capable of 74.3mpg on the combined cycle. Move up to grade 3 or First Edition trim levels however, and fuel economy falls to 64.2mpg due to the larger alloy wheels, while road tax is charged at £20 per year.
Company car tax for the lower level trims is charged at 15%, moving up to 17% for the higher-specced models. In comparison, Renault’s 0.9-litre petrol Captur has a BIK rating of 19%, while the 2.0-litre petrol Mazda CX-3 comes in at 24%.
Noticeably cheaper than a Toyota Prius
Prices start at £21,295 for the entry-level 1 specification, with features such as cruise control, lane guidance assist, digital radio and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity coming as standard. Move up to grade 2 trim and rear parking sensors, sat-nav and rain-sensing wipers are also thrown in.
Grade 3 spec brings economy-harming 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors and heated front seats, while the range-topping First Edition trim includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection and adaptive cruise control.
All Niros come with Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard, while a plug-in hybrid electric version is expected in 2017.
Want to know more? Take a look at our Kia Niro full review.