The missing model, now updated and equipped with a choice of all-electric and hybrid engines, even - and this is a world’s first - with a petrol and LPG ICE unit. For Kia's compact crossover, launched back in 2016 and updated in 2022, the choice is obligatory: to focus on a rational space and engine choice, ideally interspersed between the other popular models of the Korean manufacturer, the Cee'd sedan and the Sportage sport utility.
“Tiger face”
The fact that this is a car belonging to the Far East Asian car maker is evident looking at the front end. A family feel is emphasised by what the company calls the “tiger face”, with features shared with the entire Kia range, at least the latest models, including a wide grille, taut lines as well as new and raised full LED light clusters, underlined by a bright daytime running light frame that completes the front end. This is the result of the latest design updates by the Kia Style Centres in California and Korea to optimise an aerodynamic silhouette, defined by a Cx of 0.29 despite the dimensions, as well as meeting typical Western aesthetic canons in line with reference markets. The high and contoured sides highlight the generous wheel arches, which can accommodate 18-inch alloy wheels (16” wheels are an option with the Eco Pack), while the final section features a tapered rear window with a sloping roofline, a large upper spoiler and vertical light clusters that extend to the roof. In keeping with the C-segment to which it belongs, the exterior dimensions read 4.36 metres in length, 1.8 metres in width and 1.54 metres in height, with a generous wheelbase of 2.7 metres to accommodate the front and rear overhangs of 870 and 785 centimetres respectively, making the most of the interior space. One of the Niro's key features is its ease of use, achieved through rational volumes and compact dimensions, such as the size of the seats, comfortable for five passengers, with soft-touch upholstery and ample head and legroom for all. Everything you would expect from a modern car comes as standard. Starting with the digital instruments, housed in a linear design on the digital dashboard, with classic circular elements, a head-up display that project key driving information onto the windscreen, and a 10.25" central monitor. Furthermore, the HMI - Human Machine Interface - navigation and infotainment system, can be connected to a smartphone and displays route information and on-board functions. On the central tunnel we find a robotic dual-clutch automatic gear selector, that replaces the traditional lever, and the hybrid electric system's drive train. All the main Adas systems are called into action when moving, including Lane Following Assist (LFA), Forward Collision Assist (FCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC). When parking, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) allows the Niro to be moved forwards or backwards, via a remote-control button, to access the doors if the parking space prevents them from opening. An eight-speaker sound system, a mobile phone docking station with wireless charging, a multi-function steering wheel with paddles for manual gear shifting, electrically adjustable front seats and upholstery in fabric and synthetic leather or full leather complete the on-board equipment. There is plenty of room in the rear, with a 451-litre load capacity (425 litres with the donut spare wheel), which can be increased to 1,445 litres by folding the back seats. Not so much on the Niro PHEV extended range, due to the bulkier battery pack underneath.
“One and triune”
PHEV, HEV and EV. Two are hybrids, with and without plug-in charging, and the third is full-electric. In the first case, the ICE unit is powered by a four-cylinder GDi Atkinson cycle, i.e. a long-stroke 1,580 cc engine with 16 valves and direct fuel injection. The real novelty of this technological upgrade, however, lies in the Niro HEV's triple power supply, with a GDi 1.6 petrol/LPG system capable of powering the vehicle electrically, thanks to a permanent magnet synchronous motor system, and the four-cylinder ICE engine, which can run on either petrol or gas by selecting the special BRC-signed button. It is one of the few vehicles on the market to offer this solution, which further reduces emissions and has a positive impact on operating costs per kilometre. The 90 hp output of the four-cylinder engine is added to the 43.5 hp of the electric motor, giving a maximum combined power of 126 hp and an instant torque of 27 Nm. The new tri-fuel technology, developed in collaboration with Westport Fuel System Italia / BRC, offers cost and emission savings as well as extended mileage, thanks to a 42-litre petrol tank and a 40-litre LPG tank that can provide a combined cycle range of almost 1,600 kilometres. The Niro PHEV, on the other hand, has an increase in total power, with 105 hp squeezed from the 1.6-lt petrol engine, added to the 84.3 hp of the electric version to bring the total to an impressive 183 hp. In this case the top speed is 168 km/h (165 km/h for the Niro HEV), but with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9.8 seconds, 1 second less than its non-plug-in sibling. These days, no range can be considered complete without a full-electric version, which is exactly what the e-Niro is. A true EV crossover, powered by a 150-kW engine with 64 kWh lithium-ion batteries, which can guarantee an average mileage range (declared) of over 450 km, or alternatively by a more modest 100 kW engine, in this case with a battery pack downsized to 39.2 kWh, with a more limited mileage range of almost 280 km. On the twin-engine versions, the six-speed DCT mechanical gearbox with dual clutch delivers power to the wheels smoothly and directly. There is no reverse gear, replaced by the reverse action of the electric motor connected directly to the wheels. The Hyundai/Kia platform, which is common to the Asian group's current (and future) mid-size cars, is naturally geared more towards smoothness than speed. It has been developed on a four-wheel independent platform with a classic McPherson layout at the front and double wishbones at the rear, disc brakes on all four wheels and tyres ranging from 205/60 R16 to 225/45 R18, depending on the version. Extensive use of high-strength steels and aluminium panels, such as for the bonnet and doors, contribute to the high level of structural rigidity, while at the same time keeping mass down to between 1,474 and 1,594 kg in running order. In the event of a puncture, an emergency repair kit or a spare wheel is available as standard, depending on the version, and a full-size spare wheel can be stored in the compartment under the boot as an option.
