This second-generation Kia Niro makes a strong first impression, looking far more distinctive and high-tech than it’s rather conventionally styled predecessor. This makeover continues inside, as the latest Niro features more than a hint of of the radical Kia EV6 electric car about its interior. No bad thing at all as far as we’re concerned.

As with the previous version, the Niro is available with three distinct powertrain options to suit different customer needs. For those who want more-affordable efficient petrol power, there’s the regular hybrid. If you can charge the car but don’t want to rely on volts alone there’s a plug-in hybrid, and there’s also the fully electric versions – which you can read about in our separate Kia Niro EV review.

Rivals include plug-in hybrid versions of the Ford Kuga, Peugeot 3008 and Volkswagen Tiguan, plus self-charging hybrids such as the Renault Captur and Toyota Yaris Cross. The Niro is larger in size than the Captur and Yaris Cross, but not quite as big as some of the best family SUVs, including the excellent Skoda Karoq.

A word of warning. If you’re expecting strong acceleration like many modern hybrids, the Niro probably isn’t for you. While the bigger Kia Sportage gets hybrid and plug-in hybrids with a turbocharged engine, the Niro goes unboosted so is slower than many regular petrol or diesel models. The plug-in is the punchier option, but it’s by no means quick.

If you’re more worried by efficiency than power, keep reading for our typically thorough review. Over the next few pages we’ll let you know exactly what the Niro is like on the road, which hybrid system is best and what it’s like inside. That includes how plush and how practical it is.