• User-friendly controls
• Entry-level 2 trim is spartan
• Recycled materials not the plushest

How is the quality and layout?

Kia’s given the latest Niro a new interior inspired by the EV6 electric car. It’s high-tech, with most models coming with two massive screens for infotainment and driver information as well as a touch-sensitive panel that contains either the climate controls or some shortcut keys depending on which mode you select. Thankfully there are also some physical knobs that change function depending on what the panel’s set to.

It is a little dark, though. EV models have a lighter grey interior but both hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars are an unrelenting sea of black and chrome. It feels very well screwed-together, though some of the materials are a little curious – the door plastics are derived from BTX, which is supposed to be more eco-friendly than regular plastics. Even so, you’ll need to opt for a premium-badged alternative to get a plusher interior.

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Infotainment and tech

Special mention should be made of the infotainment system. Kia’s become very good at making software that, while not necessarily the flashiest, is really easy to use, and that certainly applies here.

You get a relatively small 8.0-inch touchscreen with 2 trim that doesn’t look particularly cutting edge but works well enough. You don’t get sat-nav, but you do get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring to make up for it.

You’re better off with 3 trim to get the larger and higher resolution 10.25-inch connected infotainment system with built in sat nav. It looks better and is easier to use on the move while a wireless phone charger is bundled in as well. These models get analogue dials with a small digital display between them, with top spec 4 swapping these for another 10.25-inch screen and a head-up display.

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Comfort

• Good driving position
• Electric driver’s seat from 3 trim
• Even 2 seats remain comfy on long trips

Even our tallest 6’2″ and shortest 5’4″ testers could find driving positions that worked for them, so a wide variety of sizes should be able to feel at home. The seats on 2 trim don’t get adjustable lumbar support, although there were no aching backs present.

Even so, the seats in 3 are worth having for their driver’s lumbar adjust, electric adjustment for the driver and heating for both front seat passengers. You’ll need 4 trim for a powered passenger seat with lumbar support, with heated rear seats also added.

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The rear seats are a bit flat, but at least the centre passenger won’t feel perched on a thin strip of fabric. Vents are present for rear seat passengers as are a pair of USB C connectors on the sides of the front seats.