Kia Niro EV practical test: electric alternative

It is well known that Kia builds good cars. The Korean Hyundai subsidiary is also way ahead in terms of electromobility with the EV6 and the recently launched EV9, as both are equipped with 800-volt technology that enables the batteries to be charged quickly in just over 20 minutes. This is particularly commendable, as the exemplary fast-charging technology is only used by other manufacturers in the luxury segment because it is still quite expensive. The Niro EV therefore competes in the smaller and more affordable compact class with a conventional 400-volt on-board charger. Instead of 240 kW as in the Kia EV6, the maximum charging power for the electric crossover is 80 kW.

Compared to a Renault Megane E-Tech, which sucks up direct current at 130 kW, or a VW ID.3, which can even charge at up to 170 kW, this is not a great deal. For this reason, the Kia ideally needs a little longer, around 45 minutes, to push its 64.8 kWh pre-conditioned energy storage system from ten to 80 percent. Not a parade value, but one can live with it, as most owners connect their Niro to the wallbox at home or at work anyway. Time pressure plays a subordinate role here.

Commuters should also know that the Kia can easily travel up to 420 kilometers (460 km according to WLTP) with a full battery. In pure city traffic, the range is even a good 600 kilometers. So the Kia rarely sees a charging station. And for those in a particular hurry or mileage-hungry field workers, there is also the Kia EV6, which at 46,990 euros is just 1,300 euros more expensive than the Niro EV.

The cockpit of the 4.42-meter-long Niro EV is easy to find your way around. The driver looks at high-resolution digital instruments that change their design depending on the driving mode. The touchscreen for the multimedia is within easy reach and is also self-explanatory. The integration of smartphones is quick and easy, and the Kia Connect online service allows many vehicle functions, such as the current charge level, to be called up remotely via the cell phone. One level below the entertainment system is a control unit with a row of sensor buttons and two rotary knobs. The controls and knobs have two functions and allow direct access to the most important infotainment and climate control functions. Operation via the hotkeys also proves to be intuitive and simple. The build quality of the Korean is just as good.

Inside, the Kia offers plenty of space both in the front and rear. The seats are comfortable and offer good support even for long-legged drivers. The trunk is also generously dimensioned with 475 to 1392 liters. There is also a 20-liter compartment under the hood in which the charging cable can be stowed to save space. In addition, the second generation of the Niro EV can now tow trailers weighing 750 kilograms. This was not possible with the previous model.

The standard equipment is already extensive in the Vision base model, including a navigation system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, reversing camera and pet-free leather seats. In the top-of-the-range Inspiration variant tested, further useful features such as electrically adjustable front seats and a sensor-controlled tailgate are added. Numerous driver assistance systems, such as a head-up display, are fitted either ex works or as optional extras.

Of course, the Korean electric car is also a lot of fun to drive. The 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor ensures brisk driving performance. If required, the Niro EV sprints to 100 km/h in a brisk 7.8 seconds and accelerates smoothly and powerfully up to the electronically limited top speed of 167 km/h. The Niro EV also has several driving programs. If you want to get as far as possible, select Eco mode, while the Sport program is available for maximum performance. The strength of the recuperation can also be adjusted in several stages using the paddles on the steering wheel. This has the advantage that more energy is recovered and the brake pedal has to be depressed less frequently. During our practical test on cold winter days, however, we did not quite achieve the specified consumption value of just 16.3 kW/h. The average was exactly 17.4 kW/h, but this was due to the cold weather. (aum/gb)

Vehicle data Kia Niro EV
Length x width x height (m): 4.42 x 1.83 x 1.56
Wheelbase (m): 2.72
Drive: Electric motor, single-speed gearbox, front-wheel drive
Power: 150 kW / 204 hp at 6000-9000 rpm
Max. Torque: 255 Nm at 0-6000 rpm
Top speed: 167 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7.8 sec.
WLTP average consumption: 16.3 kWh
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Battery capacity: 64.8 kWh
WLTP range: 460 km
Test consumption: 17.4 kW/h
Unladen weight / payload: min. 1757 kg / max. 443 kg
Trunk volume: 475-1392 liters
Max. Towing capacity: 750 kg
Base price (Vision): 45,690 euros
Test car price (Inspiration): 47,590 euros