2021 Kia Niro EV

One of the highly recommended small EVs available on the market at the moment is the 2021 Kia Niro EV.  Being an electric vehicle (EV), it uses a 1-speed reduction gear and is FWD.  The cost of a new one is around $68k for the S model and $71k for the Sport.  As far as an EV goes, that’s, currently, pretty good money, though an MG EV SUV is similar in size, cheaper, and could be a more desirable alternative.

The very recent Kia Niro small SUV is essentially a glorified hatchback that comes in regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and pure electric (EV) form.  Hybrid variants of this small SUV use a 77 kW/147 Nm 1.6-litre engine that links with a 44.5 kW electric motor.  Even the base model Hybrid S returns an average fuel consumption of around 4 litres/100 km of ULP 91.  These numbers are excellent, so even if you can’t run to the full-Monty, pure Niro EV, the hybrid version is a great way to get yourself moving away from ICE fossil-fuel-based motoring.

Despite the fact that EVs still require some less-than-green, and slightly questionable, methods of production, a Kia Niro EV delivers emission free travel in quiet, pleasant surroundings, and in decent comfort.  PHEV Kia Niros are the midway model, where you can plug your Niro into a charging point at work, home or outside the city council buildings in order to have over 50 km of full electric power before the engine will flick over to petrol once the battery becomes low.

2021 Kia Niro EV

Basically, the only reason that the EV is more expensive than the PHEV, and the PHEV more expensive than the Hybrid is purely down to how the car is powered.  If you opt to buy the Niro EV S or Niro EV Sport, then what lurks under the skin is a 150 kW/395 Nm engine with instant response and nice cruising ability that is very quiet.  Kia say that the new Niro EV will scamper from 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.  You can expect well over 400 km of battery range, however this will vary a bit depending on how many people are on board, luggage, weather, infotainment and heating requirements etc. – just like a conventional ICE vehicle.  The experience of driving or travelling in a new Niro is pleasant.

Any of the new Kia Niro SUVs earn incredible fuel economy ratings and have a commendably smooth ride.  This is a stylish small EV SUV that is 4375 mm long, 1805 mm wide, 1570 mm high, and offers a 2700 mm wheelbase.  The way the car soaks up the bumps is impressive, and it sits on a set of sweet 17-inch rims.  Practicality is handy about the cabin, with a luggage capacity of 451 litres present behind the split-folding rear seats.

One thing to keep in mind is that the new Kia Niro EV is not a tow vehicle.  Kia say that you can tow 300 kg, but that might be the equivalent of an empty tandem trailer or a very tiny trailer with a full suitcase.  The Hybrid and the PHEV versions are the ones to buy if you need to tow a trailer or small caravan up to 600 kg unbraked or 1300 kg braked.

The PHEV and Hybrid Kia SUVs boast five-star ANCAP safety ratings; however, the Niro EV hasn’t been tested, yet.  S versions are well-equipped, with features like automatic lights, DRLs, rain sensing wipers, electric and heated door mirrors, an aux Input, USB sockets, Bluetooth connectivity, a multi-function control screen centre dash, DAB+ radio, a 6 speaker stereo, a speed limiter, leather seats, distance control, cup and bottle holders, and illuminated vanity mirrors for those in the front seats.  Sport models cost a bit more because they add more technology and luxury, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control and part-leather seat trim.  You’ll also find some extra safety features in the form of blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors and rear cross traffic alert.  Kia’s pure EV Niros have a larger 10.25 touchscreen that has a premium sat-nav system for getting you from A-to-B.  Of course, the EV version gets the bigger 64 kWh battery as standard, but there are very little visual cues that this is the pure EV model, which was always Kia’s intention to make it so.

Another thing that Kia does really well with the new Niro range is that they offer a lovely variety of exterior colours.  There are 8 beautiful vivid colours to choose from: Aurora Black, Deep Cerulean Blue, Platinum Graphite, Sunset Orange, Runway Red, Silky Silver, Snow White Pearl and Clear White.  If you want a premium finish, then for $520 is all you require for you to have it so.

A 7 year/unlimited km warranty and 1 year roadside assist is part of the Niro EV deal when you buy a new model; this is as good as it gets.  6-and-a-half years down the track from now, after a no emission, low cost run, you’ll still be under warranty – now that’s impressive!

2021 Kia Niro EV

The 2021 Kia Niro models include the:

• Niro Hybrid S
• Niro Hybrid Sport
• Niro PHEV S
• Niro PHEV Sport
• Niro EV S
• Niro EV Sport

For any more information on the new Kia Niro EV models or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Kia dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!