Finance figures for the new Kia e-Niro show that it’s going to be a very expensive monthly proposition! The Kia e-Niro SUV is a crucial car for the Korean company, because right now it’s probably the most complete electric car for the money. Given its combination of range and equipment, and that it’s far cheaper than a Tesla Model X, Audi E-Tron or Jaguar I-Pace, it’s seriously impressive.
Having been on sale since 2016, the Kia Niro range is set to include an all-electric version to sit alongside the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. The initial First Edition is expected to cost £32,995 after the government grant has been applied.
Badged Kia e-Niro, the fitted 64kWh battery is claimed to achieve an average of 282 miles per charge, after errors in the way the WLTP test had been carried out were corrected. Earlier results had claimed 301 miles, but this Kia’s range is still impressive.
There is a lower-powered 39.2kWh battery pack available in other countries, but the UK will solely offer the higher-output 64kWh pack. Mated to a more powerful motor producing 204hp and 395Nm of torque, the 0-62mph time is a claimed 7.5 seconds.
Find a 100kW fast charger and it will take 54 minutes to bring the higher-capacity battery back up to 80% charge.
The e-Niro will be front-wheel drive, and will come with regenerative braking and a coasting function to maximise battery range on the road. The coasting function is also linked to the navigation system and takes into account upcoming corners and road conditions, telling drivers when they can take their foot off the accelerator pedal.
Kia e-Niro specs
You’ll be able to spot the e-Niro by its arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights, blue exterior trim and 17-inch wheels. You’ll notice the absence of a gearlever inside the cabin; replaced by a rotating drive selector instead.
As standard, the e-Niro will come with:
- Black leather seating
- Rear parking sensors
- Rear-view camera
- All-round electric windows
- Automatic wipers and headlights
- Seven airbags
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- DAB radio and 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- JBL sound system
The firm’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty remains and will cover both the battery pack and electric motor.
Parkers will be among the first to drive the Kia e-Niro, so check back with us as the full details unfold over the course of the year.
Click on the picture below for the full review on the Kia Niro range
