Reviewing the Kia Niro EV

The Kia Niro EV our review

“Make way for wonderful” states the Kia website, when talking about their new Kia Niro SUV. While the Niro has been in production for many years (since 2016), the next-generation upgrades in 2022 have sought to bring this product in-line with what we would term the prestige or premium marques.

For many years, the UK has become more and more German-obsessed, with Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW being the foremost product on most leasing customer lists (whether they be personal or business). But where the Niro has really impressed has been with the all-electric platform.

Originally called the “e-Niro”, which launched in 2018, the latest version “Niro EV” has been one of the top-selling EVs in the UK for 2022 and the battery, build and aesthetic quality are viewed as robust as any of the German car options. Early adopters to the EV community, like Kia, are clearly benefitting from economies of scale and customer feedback, with a 2nd version being launched before some manufacturers have actually produced a viable option!

The research, development and innovation required to bring a sustainable vehicle to market is not easy but for Kia to have carried this out before the UK had really entered the mass-adoption stage is a testament to this brand’s confidence in its products and platform. The team at e-car lease have almost certainly noticed a small decline in badge and brand consciousness in the UK, with customers now becoming more concerned about battery functionality and range, charging times and vehicle cost. The UK’s automotive industry at 2022, and beyond, is a much different place to where it was pre-COVID.

What makes the Kia EV so popular?

For a brand which has openly thrown out a 7 year / 100,000 warranty for all of its vehicles, combustion or BEV, self-confidence is what has transferred to the customer database. Initial trepidation about this brand, and the sister-company Hyundai, have been well and truly placated. A lot of credit has to go to the bigger SUV, the Sportage, which has been one of the UK’s primary sellers for many years.

But the slightly smaller Niro SUV hasn’t been too far behind, with cost-effectiveness and practicality appealing to the demands of the modern family. It is not untrue to say the UK is obsessed with SUVs as these offer practicality, higher-driving position and the ergonomic characteristics which are in such demand.

The last 10 years has been a rapid move to an almost SUV-dominated automotive industry and this has not been any different with EVs. Many of the latest electric cars to launch in the UK have been some form of SUV - small, medium and large! And with Kia you do have the added benefits of rigorous specification levels coupled with affordable pricing. The key options include:  

• Kia Niro EV 2 - from £36,795 (as at December 2022) the base model has 17” alloys, solar glass, auto light control, dual LED headlights, electrically heated door mirrors, manual folding mirrors, start/stop button, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, 10.25” TFT LCD Cluster, 8” Touchscreen display, hill start assist, lane follow assist, forward collision assist and alarm immobiliser; 

•  Kia Niro EV 3 - from £39,545 (as at December 2022) this options adds privacy glass, high gloss door mirrors, black and chrome radiator grille, console ventilation duct, heated front seats, driver power adjusted seat, driver lumbar support, V2L, integrated 10.25” touch screen with navigation, front parking sensors, wireless phone charger, blind spot collision avoidance, highway driving assist. For £900 add a heat pump;
•  Kia Niro EV 4 - from £42,295 (as at December 2022) the top of line model adds a tilt and slide sunroof, heated steering wheel, vegan leather upholstery, driver and front passenger powered seat, lumbar support for driver and passenger, passenger relaxation seat, driver powered memory seats, deluxe door scuffs, LED interior lights, smart power tailgate, HUD, parking collision avoidance, remote smart parking assist, highway driving assist 2. Again, it’s £900 to add a heat pump. 

In terms of colour options choose between - Orange Flame (standard), Mineral Blue, Interstellar Grey, Midnight Black, White Pearl, Runway Red, Steel Grey and Cityscape Green. 

Unlike a dealership, our e-car lease team do not offer “service packages” which you may find on the Kia website. With contract hire and leasing our team can offer a funder-maintenance package, which is an additional monthly cost to your finance.

When you utilise this from our select finance companies, you can enjoy the provisions of all servicing, maintenance, tyres (punctures and fair wear) and breakdown recovery. For a leasing customer who is looking for a more cost-certain and all-encompassing arrangement, this is something which you or the company should consider.

Of course, do take into account the installation cost of a dedicated charge point , your motor insurance and the impact on your energy bills too. All of this is covered in our amazing EPC certificates which are sent to you. Use our “living with your …” tools on the e-car website.  

And is the Kia Niro a good electric car - what is the range?

How long does it last? How quick can it charge? The usable 64.8 kWh lithium-ion battery will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.8 seconds, 104 mph top speeds and 150 kW (or 201 hp). This model is a FWD crossover. Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles (165 miles on a motorway and 230 miles in urban conditions) with warmer weather allowing for 210 miles (215 miles on a motorway and 350 miles in urban conditions.)

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 80 kW DC maximum allowing 41 minute 10 – 80% times. While a smaller SUV, this will still have a cargo volume of 475L and vehicle fuel equivalent of 147 mpg. The Niro EV can tow up to 750 kg (unbraked).

The tow bar is available from your dealership from around £500 and is a detachable option. Before committing to your new lease deal do utilise our “living with your …” tools. To be clear, leasing is a fixed term agreement and you cannot just hand the vehicle back if any of the facets noted here become unsuitable for you in the long term. 

Does the Niro EV get a good rating?

The UK’s automotive press and publications have been fairly generous towards this SUV, with Auto Express at 4/5, What Car? at 4/5  and Auto Car at 4/5. The Pros do centre around the robust range, precise and active steering and upgraded infotainment. The Cons are the measured rapid charging times (the car should have 120-150 kW DC) and the top model, the 4, is quite expensive based on the extra specification you receive. 

If you want to compare options to lease against the Niro EV, consider the Hyundai Kona, MG ZS, Peugeot e-2008 and the Vauxhall Mokka-e. There are a swathe of good small electric SUVs available to buy or lease with a number of new options on route for 2023 and beyond. 

In terms of the car shown, the Kia Niro EV Estate 150kW 2 64kWh 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration: 

•  Premium paint - Runway red
•  Cloth - Black
• 17"" alloy wheels  

What is the range of the Kia Niro EV? 

What is the battery capacity and charging speed on the Kia Niro EV? 

How long does it take to charge the Kia Niro EV? 

Where can I charge the Kia Niro EV?  

What is the company car tax on the Kia Niro EV?