The path of electrification has been decided by the environmental policy of the European Union and each manufacturer has interpreted the situation in its own way.
Kia has decidedly opted for electrified mobility, but using different technologies. Just look at its renewed range of vehicles for 2023. Second brand in electrification in Spain, sales of this type of automobile have totaled more than 120,000 units since 2012. And by 2027 the Korean brand will have 15 electric vehicles in the European market.
The concept of mobility has changed radically in recent years, and will continue to change. And it will do so at different speeds depending on the European country, because, as is the case in Spain, there is still much to do at charging points. In any case, cars like the Kia Niro are contributing decisively to the normalization, and full integration into society, of the electric car.
With a spectacular design change, the Niro offers a technological offer almost unique in its category: it has a 100% electric version (EV), conventional hybrid (HEV) and also plug-in hybrid (PHEV), with an electric range of 65 km.
In the case of the e-Niro, fully electric, it has excellent qualities for daily use. For urban and interurban trips, to take the children to school or to go to work. But, thanks to its 204 HP electric motor, it also moves really well on the road. It is a pure electric compact SUV measuring 4.42 meters in length, with a 64.8 kWh battery and an approved range of 460 km.
Kia states that “the new Kia e-Niro makes it easy to live a sustainable lifestyle, thanks to its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and electric powertrain, while meeting customers' practical needs.” And the truth is that, once you have driven it, it fulfills the idea of a vehicle that helps you lead a much more environmentally friendly life extremely well.
For example, the e-Niro allows you to use the battery to charge other devices, both inside and outside the vehicle. We can use the battery, up to 3 kW, to recharge a cell phone, a tablet, an electric scooter or any other device that needs electricity.
Thanks to the 204 HP electric motor, the e-Niro can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 167 km/h. Kia also announces a range of 460 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. Thanks, among other factors, to its aerodynamic coefficient, of only 0.29, which is decisive in achieving a completely valid range for traveling. In addition, it has a towing capacity of 750 kg. If we use it in an urban environment, with frequent driving around the city, the autonomy increases and a weekly charge will be sufficient. Another great advantage of this 100% electric version of the Niro.
As soon as we get going, we are surprised by the silence and smoothness with which everything happens. The cabin insulation is very good. It is a really comfortable and quiet car. The steering wheel integrates a button to operate the Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes with the left thumb. And behind the steering wheel, we have the paddles to activate the different retention modes: with the left we increase the retention and with the right we reduce it. Easy and intuitive.
With maximum hold mode, releasing the accelerator pedal brings the car to a quick stop. This function is very practical in the city, since we will hardly have to brake and, in addition, we will recover energy. Regarding the suspension, Kia explains that this generation has been designed to maintain a good balance between efficiency and comfort; The car is capable of filtering irregularities coming from the asphalt well.
With the Sport mode activated, the throttle management changes completely, and the 204 HP appear suddenly when accelerating with conviction. And the battery can be recharged in 65 minutes, from 10 to 80%, at a charging point operating at 50 kW.
The cabin design is inspired by nature, with the choice of colours, materials and finishes to strike a balance between an environmentally responsible approach and a future-oriented image. The roof covering is made from recycled wallpaper and the seats are made from bio-based polyurethane with Tencel fibers from eucalyptus leaves. A water-based paint that does not contain isomers of benzene, toluene or xylene is used on the door panels. In this way, the environmental impact is minimized and waste is reduced.
The cabin is quite spacious considering its exterior dimensions. The driver, at the wheel, has a large curved screen that integrates the instrument panel and a multimedia screen. Both 10.25 inches, configurable and with very good resolution. The e-Niro is available with a single 64.8 kWh battery option, front-wheel drive and the aforementioned 204 HP engine. It is offered with the Concept, Drive and Emotion trim levels and the starting price is 44,165 euros. In any case, it is always advisable to check the price at an official dealer and find out about discounts, official aid and promotions.
Standard equipment includes active cruise control, rear traffic assistant, rear camera, traffic sign recognition system, keyless entry and start or involuntary lane change alert.
