Kia’s latest Niro PHEV features tech from the highly accomplished EV6. It’s been thoroughly overhauled with the latest infotainment, an updated & practical interior as well as hybrid tech. There’s plug-in, mild hybrid or full EV available. The main difference between hybrid and full EV is price, with the hybrid of course being cheaper than EV but more expensive than a full combustion engined version.
The hybrid has around 55kms of range but only a 348-litre boot which is smaller than other Niros in the range. The 11.1kWh battery is bigger than it’s predecessor which also used the same 1.6 litre engine and the plug-in hybrid is paired with a more powerful 83 bhp electric motor for a total output of 180bhp.
In base trim the Niro PHEV features eight-inch infotainment screen (top of the range 4 models receive the dual 10.25-inch screen set-up running Kia’s slick infotainment OS. With an intuitive interface and crisp resolution it’s easy to use and navigate. Not only are there front heated seats but rear heated seats on the Niro 4 as well as a powered tailgate, an electric sunroof and an upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo. And as is becoming the industry standard, they all come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The chassis set-up favours comfort over dynamism, the PHEV adds extra boost when needed seamlessly and the six-speed DCT gearbox is smooth. There are flappy paddles on the steering wheel but it’s better left in auto mode.
The Niro has just about the strongest tech offering in its class, and it retains the versatility of the first-generation car.
The Sportage is also offered as a PHEV, it combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric 90bhp motor. Its powered from a 13.8kWh battery pack and the total system power is 261bhp with 350Nm torque. This means you end up with a 0-100 km/h of 8.2 seconds.
As with the Niro, the Sportage comes loaded with tech, there are two 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment and a touch-sensitive panel controls the air-con, fan speed etc. You then switch between air con and infotainment using the same panel button. It’s rammed with all of the brand’s latest tech and clever creature comforts.
To accommodate the extra hybrid tech the boot space is 40 litres down on the standard version of the Sportage, 540 litres still isn’t bad though.
On the motorway, it’s a pleasant cabin and the electric power can be used in full at cruising speed if you so choose. Exterior noise is well suppressed and the hybrid system switches seamlessly between electric or petrol energy sources. You get drive modes such as Eco and Sport and there’s even some settings for different surfaces.
The new plug-in hybrid version of the Kia Sportage SUV means economy and tax savings. With impressive hybrid technology it represents Kia’s original assertive ‘value’ brand message now combined with higher quality and fantastic designs from their new range. PHEVs have higher prices and are expensive but are on par with other manufacturers in the sector.