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Is that still an SUV? At KIA there is no complete agreement, on the press page they speak of SUV genes, on the end customer website there is no longer a word about them. And our colleagues on the motor press side also disagree. Is it an SUV? Or is that just a buzzword that you can't get around without? For Habby it is very clear that this is not an SUV - neither in terms of shape - it simply lacks ground clearance - nor in terms of drive, since it is only available with front-wheel drive. Even if we give everyone the buzzword synonym and are well disposed towards the KIA itself, no, it is not an SUV. Point at.
In terms of design, KIA has made an effort to accommodate opposites in the 4.30 meter long hatchback model. A little classic compact, a little masculinity through high shoulders, a little cool with trendy add-on parts such as the completely pointless diffuser on the rear bumper. But we're only talking about design here to get you in the mood. Much more important are the technology and the driving experience.
Never purely electric
The most important advance: You can not force the Niro PHEV by pressing a button to go purely electric. Its engine management overrules the driver at all times and controls the function of the drive, determined by algorithms. Incidentally, under its front hood is the same construction as that of the Hyundai Ioniq. It is therefore no wonder that both KIA and Hyundai are implementing all three stages of the electrification of a car.
In the plug-in hybrid, as in the hybrid, it is a 1.6 liter direct injection petrol engine that works in the Atkinson cycle and is combined with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. The plug-in hybrid has the same system output of 141 PS, but thanks to the higher battery voltage of the 8.9 kWh battery pack, the performance of the PHEV is a little better than that of the pure hybrid, despite the 100 kilograms additional weight of the larger battery.
While the design of the plug-in Hybrid Niro actually points to a parallel hybrid, there is a technological peculiarity. Kia uses a water-cooled belt-starter generator as a generator and so the electric motor can secure the propulsion, while the gasoline engine decoupled serves as a power and heating generator. A vote, which one finds so up-to-date only with Hyundai / KIA. The 8.9 kWh battery can be charged to the Wallbox via 230 Volt or Type 2 cable. But with a maximum of 3.6 kW.
Never stormy
With up to 172 km / h, the Niro PHEV is guaranteed no performance grenade, and its 10.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h are more than comfortable. The remainder of the Kia Niro vote fits in well with this approach. Rather comfortable and comfortable. A compact, with which one goes on the journey without hectic.
Never too thirsty
Its electric range of up to 58 kilometers is one thing, here you have an advantage in the NEDC standard cycle and can score an exemplary efficiency of 1,3 liters per 100 kilometers. But everyday life looks different. On the one hand, the “pure EV” drive cannot be controlled by force; on the other hand, you never just drive an NEDC cycle in everyday life. But the Niro also scores with exemplary efficiency in everyday life. The Euro 6 (not 6d temp) certified direct injection engine has to do without a petrol particle filter, sounds boring and doesn't really convey driving pleasure - but it's efficient and willingly saves fuel in everyday life.
Cheap is different
Sure - almost € 40.000 is in the Niro segment - it's not an SUV, but a compact one the size of a Volkswagen Golf - a real announcement, but as one is used to from the Koreans, the KIA Niro scores with one more as complete equipment. Including seat heating for row number 2, seat ventilation at the front, heated steering wheel and complete safety equipment. But the equipment is one thing, the workmanship is another. But here, too, the Kia Niro scores with technical competence. The Koreans can no longer be blamed for anything. Both the design and workmanship of the interior are of high quality - no, not premium-like playful, but good. Seriously good!
Conclusion
It has never been so complicated as it is today. In the market umpteen concepts compete for customers and the automakers do not make a big mistake anymore. The Kia Niro, like its twin from Hyundai, has become an extremely clever car and an even more exciting proposition. The fact that the Koreans once pack the entire range in a series, from hybrids over the PHEV to the BEV, is a performance that demands respect. The Niro PHEV a handcrafted well-made compact.
The test in the video
