Kia Niro Electric 64.8 kWh (A) Review
10 Mar 2023|7,795 views
What We Like
Quiet drive, even by the standards of electric cars
Feels faster than its performance figures suggest
Flat passenger floor
What We Dislike
More powerful rivals can be had for less
Kia has been on a bit of a product offensive here. Since October last year, we have seen the arrival of the premium EV6, the sensible Cerato Smartstream, the utilitarian Niro Plus, and of course, the Niro Hybrid. All of which have been much liked by the team. But this Niro Electric, on paper at least, could have more difficulty finding buyers here.
And that's because it comes in with an asking price of $203,999. For context, that means it will have to go up against more powerful rivals such as the Atto 3 (yours from $189,888), as well as the MG ZS EV (at $82,888 before COE). There's also the Hyundai Kona EV, which, if you opt for the 39.2kWh variant, nearly matches this Niro Electric for power output, while offsetting its smaller battery capacity with a smaller price tag of $173,888 (all prices as of 8 March 2023).
Smart looks and an impressive ride
The sales team back at the Kia showroom won't have to comprise of any ex-mafia types to sell the Niro Electric, however, as the car has the looks to woo customers.
From that slim trim element that stretches across the front of the car, to the sizable C-pillars and taillights at the rear, the Niro Electric is awash with unique design choices that make it look as futuristic as it is appealing.
And should customers opt to take the Niro out for a test drive, they will find that it has the ride that will please even the most cynical New York taxi driver.
The Kia Niro Electrc may not have the advantage of being built atop a dedicated electric platform like the EV6, but from behind the wheel, you'll never find yourself wanting for pliancy or insulation. It's not only comfortable when driving over rougher stuff, but also remarkably quiet no matter how weathered the road surface gets.
Easy to drive, and economical
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The Kia Niro also has the drive to take on some mean streets. The car's 145bhp and 255Nm of torque may seem meager, but take one out and you'll find it is quite the capable brawler.
Throttle responsiveness is sufficiently quick, and the absence of any whine from the electric motor means you'll frequently find yourself travelling faster than what your senses might have otherwise guessed.
Take on more curvaceous roads and the Niro Electric rewards with sufficient roll resistance, alongside a steering that weights up quite significantly should you opt to carry more speed into your long sweeping turns.
Paddle shifters that alter the level of regeneration offered (allowing you to choose from one-pedal driving to none at all), as well as the placement of the drive mode button right on the sleek two-spoke steering wheel both mean you get to alter the drive of the Niro Electric on the fly with minimal fuss.
Well-built and sensibly thought out
And the cabin of the Niro Electric is equally excellent everywhere else.
The 10.25-inch infotainment screen is already responsive enough, but ease-of-use is further aided by a nifty touch-sensitive switchable controller, allowing quick changes to cabin settings when on the move.
And the Niro Electric comes with the much-loved features including a wireless charger, ventilated seats, as well as a two-setting driver's memory seat. Head room at the rear is nothing special for the class, although there is great knee and legroom in the Niro Electric, and a flat floor, which should make impressing the in-laws easy.
A great pick, despite the price
If you're still not convinced, here's one more reason not to dismiss the Niro Electric: It returned an average energy consumption of 6.7km/kWh over the three days that we had the car. That figure, mind, means it is more efficient than even less powerful and smaller models such as the Peugeot e-2008 and Opel Mokka-e.
With its wide suite of competencies, the Kia Niro Electric has every right to join the rest of Kia's great and growing range.
In the market for an all-electric crossover? There's also these premium options to consider:
The Volvo XC40 Recharge offers breathtaking acceleration, great efficiency and high levels of comfort
While the Volvo C40 comes with a stylish exterior and an intuitive cabin
The Mercedes-Benz EQA, meanwhile, delivers on badge appeal and quiet motoring
Could this be your electric crossover? Find out in out video review!
What We Like
Quiet drive, even by the standards of electric cars
Feels faster than its performance figures suggest
Flat passenger floor
What We Dislike
More powerful rivals can be had for less
Kia has been on a bit of a product offensive here. Since October last year, we have seen the arrival of the premium EV6, the sensible Cerato Smartstream, the utilitarian Niro Plus, and of course, the Niro Hybrid. All of which have been much liked by the team. But this Niro Electric, on paper at least, could have more difficulty finding buyers here.
And that's because it comes in with an asking price of $203,999. For context, that means it will have to go up against more powerful rivals such as the Atto 3 (yours from $189,888), as well as the MG ZS EV (at $82,888 before COE). There's also the Hyundai Kona EV, which, if you opt for the 39.2kWh variant, nearly matches this Niro Electric for power output, while offsetting its smaller battery capacity with a smaller price tag of $173,888 (all prices as of 8 March 2023).
Smart looks and an impressive ride
The sales team back at the Kia showroom won't have to comprise of any ex-mafia types to sell the Niro Electric, however, as the car has the looks to woo customers.
From that slim trim element that stretches across the front of the car, to the sizable C-pillars and taillights at the rear, the Niro Electric is awash with unique design choices that make it look as futuristic as it is appealing.
And should customers opt to take the Niro out for a test drive, they will find that it has the ride that will please even the most cynical New York taxi driver.
The Kia Niro Electrc may not have the advantage of being built atop a dedicated electric platform like the EV6, but from behind the wheel, you'll never find yourself wanting for pliancy or insulation. It's not only comfortable when driving over rougher stuff, but also remarkably quiet no matter how weathered the road surface gets.
Easy to drive, and economical
The Kia Niro also has the drive to take on some mean streets. The car's 145bhp and 255Nm of torque may seem meager, but take one out and you'll find it is quite the capable brawler.
Throttle responsiveness is sufficiently quick, and the absence of any whine from the electric motor means you'll frequently find yourself travelling faster than what your senses might have otherwise guessed.
Take on more curvaceous roads and the Niro Electric rewards with sufficient roll resistance, alongside a steering that weights up quite significantly should you opt to carry more speed into your long sweeping turns.
Paddle shifters that alter the level of regeneration offered (allowing you to choose from one-pedal driving to none at all), as well as the placement of the drive mode button right on the sleek two-spoke steering wheel both mean you get to alter the drive of the Niro Electric on the fly with minimal fuss.
Well-built and sensibly thought out
And the cabin of the Niro Electric is equally excellent everywhere else.
The 10.25-inch infotainment screen is already responsive enough, but ease-of-use is further aided by a nifty touch-sensitive switchable controller, allowing quick changes to cabin settings when on the move.
And the Niro Electric comes with the much-loved features including a wireless charger, ventilated seats, as well as a two-setting driver's memory seat. Head room at the rear is nothing special for the class, although there is great knee and legroom in the Niro Electric, and a flat floor, which should make impressing the in-laws easy.
A great pick, despite the price
If you're still not convinced, here's one more reason not to dismiss the Niro Electric: It returned an average energy consumption of 6.7km/kWh over the three days that we had the car. That figure, mind, means it is more efficient than even less powerful and smaller models such as the Peugeot e-2008 and Opel Mokka-e.
With its wide suite of competencies, the Kia Niro Electric has every right to join the rest of Kia's great and growing range.
In the market for an all-electric crossover? There's also these premium options to consider:
The Volvo XC40 Recharge offers breathtaking acceleration, great efficiency and high levels of comfort
While the Volvo C40 comes with a stylish exterior and an intuitive cabin
The Mercedes-Benz EQA, meanwhile, delivers on badge appeal and quiet motoring
Could this be your electric crossover? Find out in out video review!
Car Information
Kia Niro Electric 64.8 kWh (A)
$209,999
CAT A|Electric|6.17km/kWh
Horsepower
108kW (145 bhp)
Torque
255 Nm
Acceleration
7.8sec (0-100km /hr)
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